The major routes through Spokane stay pretty packed all year round, but they seem to carry extra traffic during the holiday season. Thanksgiving travel and Christmas shopping puts people at the wheel who may be thinking more about their seasonal plans than about their driving.
These busy times of year lead to careless driving and more accidents in Spokane and across Washington State. It’s critical that car accident victims know their rights and the steps to take to hold an at-fault driver fully responsible for causing damage and injuries in a collision.
Take Action After You Are Hit by a Careless Spokane Driver
Knowing what to do after getting struck by a reckless driver may play an important role in getting the support you need to recover after an accident. There will be valuable evidence on the scene that may not be there in an hour when the crash is cleared. Drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians victimized by careless drivers should work to build their cases.
Always call 911 first and request an ambulance if you or someone else may be hurt. Then if you are left strong enough and the scene is secure, begin gathering details. If you have to leave the scene, ask a helpful witness to grab a few critical pieces of proof of what happened.
- Give Spokane Police or the Washington State Patrol a full report of what happened and what you saw. Their accident report will serve as valuable evidence.
- Take photos. Show the damage to vehicles and any property damage along the road. Get pictures of traffic signs and lane markings that have something to do with what occurred. Take pictures of any visible injuries.
- Get witness contact information.
- Alert your car accident insurance company.
- See your own doctor in the days that follow. Have the doctor examine any new pains that arise after the collision. Follow all of the directions the doctor gives you and see any recommended specialists.
- Note signs of Alcohol. Pay attention to any signs another driver has been drinking (perhaps at a Christmas party) and has alcohol in the vehicle. Mention this to investigators.
- Contact an established and well-regarded local law firm. You can forfeit valuable evidence and thousands of dollars in compensation when you don’t start preparing your case right from the start. Allow a skilled attorney from CCD Law to oversee the legal side of things for you while you focus on healing. This service provided by a Spokane car accident attorney includes handling insurance companies and combatting their tactics designed to rob you of compensation.
Holiday Accident Dangers In Spokane
These steps are important for so many during the holidays because too many are put at risk by dangerous motorists. Using data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, it’s easy to see just how many people are the victims of accidents towards the end of each year.
There are hundreds of accidents on major routes like I-90 and busy streets like Division. All across the state, motorists end up in collisions and wonder how they can hold an at-fault driver fully responsible.
- Washington State recorded 35 fatal accidents in the weeks around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s in 2023
- In 2023, those fatal accidents led to at least 39 tragic deaths.
- 49% of those accidents involved an alcohol-impaired or drug-influenced driver.
- 26% of those fatal crashes involved a speeding driver
- 10% of those accidents involved wet or icy roads
- Across Spokane County there have been at least 11 lives lost to accidents around the holidays over the last five years (2019-2023)
Have a Safe Holiday Travel Season
Crary & Domanico, P.S., of Spokane advocates for safe rides for every motorist this season. But if a reckless driver forces you into an accident, don’t hesitate to take advantage of a free consultation with our CCD Law Car Accident Attorneys. If you are dealing with a serious injury, you could secure much more for your physical and financial recovery by letting an experienced lawyer handle your case.
We handle the most frustrating parts of your claims process while you get to focus on healing and enjoying the holiday season with your family. We can also assist families in demanding support if a loved one is tragically killed in a fatal holiday traffic accident.
If you feel we can help you earn more in support for your case, you don’t have to worry about finding extra money around the holidays to hire us. We don’t get paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement a car insurance company provides to you.
