Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Spokane, WA

FAQs

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

  Call the Spokane Police Department tipline at 509.242.TIPS (8477) to report any non-emergency issues in your community or on your property. 

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

  You may contact the Spokane Police Department Records office by fax, mail, or email to get a copy of your police report.

  Records Department PSB-1, 1116 W Broadway Ave. Spokane, WA. 99260-0001 Fax Number: 509-625-4059

  Include important information such as the incident's date, time, and place, the report's classification, and the report number to identify the report.

• What evidence do you need to establish in a Spokane personal injury case?

  Personal injury lawsuits and accidents in Spokane are unique in every instance. To prevail in court, a plaintiff must demonstrate many elements of their case. These include:

  • Proving that the accused was careless;
  • Proving that the defendant's carelessness caused your losses (whether they were financial or not);
  • Proving that you did suffer damages (whether monetary or otherwise).

• Should you attempt to settle your personal injury lawsuit in Spokane before hiring an attorney?

  There are two reasons why you should not attempt to settle on your own. Most Spokane personal injury attorneys only get paid if they win. Whether the lawyer works for days, months, or years, that fee remains the same. Therefore, let the lawyer handle everything and save money. Second, you may do something the lawyer can't undo. For example, you may undervalue your case and give the insurance adjuster a lower sum. Negotiations may be difficult for a later-hired attorney.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Spokane?

  In Spokane, you have three years to file a claim for a personal injury under the law in Washington. Many people think that the three years will start on the day of the accident. However, the details of your case can make this deadline very different. If you want to keep your case from being thrown out because you didn't file your claim before the deadline, you should get help from an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.

• How does a personal injury attorney in Spokane get paid?

  Personal injury attorneys in Spokane are inexpensive because they work on a contingency basis. If they win, they are paid out of your compensation payout. They take a risk because they have to pay court fees and research costs out of their pockets and don't get paid for the many hours they spend preparing your claim. These charges are typically not refunded if your claim is denied. Attorneys often take 30% of your award. Complex and long-running cases may increase this percentage.

• What personal injury damages can I recover in Spokane?

  Economic and non-economic damages are available to harmed parties in Spokane. These are property damage, medical bills, loss of current and future income, pain and emotional anguish, and disfigurement. In certain cases, punitive damages are granted to penalize the guilty party for their purposeful, malicious, or irresponsible behavior. Punitive damage payments aim to prevent future misconduct. Your attorney may discuss this possibility with you if your situation warrants it.

• 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.