If you were injured in an accident, you might be able to recoup compensation for your damages by filing a Washington personal injury claim. Through a personal injury claim, you hold the liable party responsible for the damages that they caused. Most accidents are caused by someone’s negligence, so the key to a successful claim is to show that negligence and how it affected the outcome of the events.
Negligence can consist of actions or inactions that lead to harm. As an example, texting while driving or driving under the influence are negligent acts. If you operate a store and fail to keep the floor clean and safe for customers, then you have acted negligently and someone can fall and suffer injuries. A personal injury attorney can help prove negligence.
How Many Personal Injury Attorneys Are in Washington?
While these numbers are probably not precise, Avvo reported that there were at least 2,994 personal injury attorneys representing accident victims in the state as of April 2018.
You want to get an attorney licensed in the state where your accident took place, so you can have representation in court should your claim advance to that level. A local lawyer is also familiar with state and local laws, which is very beneficial.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, you will not have out of pocket costs because they work on a contingency basis, meaning they are not paid until they get you compensated for your losses.
Because of the negotiation skills of a personal injury attorney, many claims are settled before they get to court. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to try to attain a fair settlement before the case has to proceed to trial. If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will gather up all the evidence and documentation to support your claim and to help show that you suffered damages and why the accident took place. You need the guidance and skill of an attorney when handling such complicated cases and to improve your odds of getting a fair settlement for your losses.
What Can A Washington Personal Injury Attorney Do To Help Me?
As previously mentioned, personal injury claims are complicated. A variety of damages can result from one accident. Common damages that might result from an accident include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, pain and suffering, property damages, loss of consortium, mental trauma, permanent scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, disabilities, and more.
Your attorney will investigate your accident, and then go over all your records to determine which damages you suffered. The long-term picture will be considered to look at any future losses you will encounter so all damages can be included in your claim.
If your attorney cannot help you reach an agreeable settlement with the insurance company, your case will proceed to court for a judge and/or jury to decide the outcome. Without an attorney, your claim would not advance at this point. You need an attorney to build your case, gather up all the documentation such as medical records, accident reports, damage estimates, proof of lost wages, and eyewitness statements so your case can be effective and proven in a court of law. Your odds of a successful claim improve significantly with the help of a lawyer.
Courthouses in Washington
Not all claims are pursued in the same court of law. There are small claims courts and there are courts where more valuable claims are pursued. Here are some Washington courthouses:
US District Court
700 Stewart Street
Seattle, WA 98101
Jefferson County Courthouse
1820 Jefferson Street
Townsend, WA 98368
King County District Court
18050 Meridian Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133
Your attorney will make sure your case is filed in the right court. With the help of an attorney, time and resources are not wasted.
Speak With An Attorney Today!
If you have been injured in an accident, you have three years in Washington to pursue a personal injury claim. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page so your details can be shared with an accident injury lawyer who can get your claim on track.
