Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Bellingham, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bellingham, Washington?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Bellingham Police Department is 360-778-8800.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bellingham, Washington?

  To obtain a copy of a Bellingham police report, complete and submit the form at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/FormCenter/Sheriffs-Office-4/Public-Records-Request-Sheriffs-Office-177.

• Can you handle your own personal injury claim directly with the insurance adjuster in Bellingham?

  Yes. In Bellingham, you can actually take matters into your own hands and personally settle your personal injury claim with the other party. However, without the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you will most likely get a smaller settlement than what you rightfully deserve, since the goal of the insurance adjuster is to get your claim over with quickly for as little amount as possible.

• How important is maximum medical improvement in a Bellingham personal injury case?

  Maximum medical improvement (MMI) refers to when an injury victim has reached recovery as much as they are ever going to following medical treatment. MMI is essential for calculating damages to ensure that the victim receives the proper amount of compensation for their losses. In fact, it may be difficult to resolve a personal injury claim until the victim reaches MMI.

• How do personal injury lawyers in Bellingham charge their clients?

  Most personal injury lawyers in Bellingham accept cases on a contingency fee basis to ease the victim’s burden of dealing with out-of-pocket expenses. Under this arrangement, the lawyer will not charge their client any legal fees if they fail to secure a settlement. But if the lawyer wins the case, they will take an agreed-upon percentage of their client’s total award or settlement as payment.

• Are punitive damages awarded in Bellingham personal injury cases?

  Sometimes. Since punitive damages are not compensatory damages, they are not usually awarded by the court in Bellingham personal injury cases. This category of damages is meant to punish the at-fault party and deter others from engaging in the same malicious, violent, fraudulent, and wanton actions. If awarded, the victim receives a payout from the wrongdoer on top of the compensatory damages ordered by the court.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Bellingham?

  You generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Bellingham. The same time window applies to wrongful death cases. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations and if you miss it or fail to take legal action within the three-year period, it may be impossible for you to recover damages.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.