Best Car Accident Lawyers in Edmonds

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Edmonds is (425) 407-3999.

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

  To get a copy of a police report in Edmonds, go to this link: https://edmondswa.mycusthelp.com/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(0prb2oonvrlmzpg0urs2z55b))/SupportHome.aspx and click on "Submit a Request" then "Police Records." You will be prompted to create an account to complete your request. Another option is to download and print the Public Records Form here: https://uploads.mycusthelp.com/EDMONDSWA/Edmonds_PRR_Form_-_Jan2023.pdf and have it mailed, faxed, or delivered to the Edmonds Police Department at 250 5th AVE North. The police department's fax number is (425) 771-0208.

• Is there a deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Edmonds?

  According to Revised Code Section 4.16.080, injured motorists in Edmonds have three years from the date the accident took place to file a claim for compensation. There is a slight difference if someone dies in the accident and you want to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. If your loved one died in a car accident, you have three years to file a suit from the date of death, not from the date of the accident.

• What happens if you miss the required deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Edmonds?

  Missing the statute of limitations deadline means that you waive your right to compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the injured motorist is under the age of 18 at the time of the car accident in Edmonds, his/her statute of limitations does not begin to run until he/she turns 18. Another exception is if the car accident victim is mentally incapacitated or unable to understand their legal rights. The statute of limitations may be tolled until he/she is able to understand their rights and file a lawsuit.

• How is a car considered totaled in Edmonds?

  Totaled cars suffer from expensive or irreparable damages. After an auto accident in Edmonds, an insurance company inspects your car's current sales value and analyzes various sales data, including your car's make, model year, body type, condition, and mileage, to determine if the vehicle is worth saving or has already been totaled. If, upon inspection, the insurance company finds out that the repairs will cost more than the automobile’s worth before the collision, then it is considered totaled.

• How can you recover compensation for a car accident in Edmonds?

  If you were involved in a car accident in Edmonds, you can recover compensation by filing a claim with the liable driver’s auto insurance company. If there are multiple parties involved, then you can also file a claim with their insurance companies. If the liable driver does not have insurance, your next option will be to file a claim against them in Washington civil courts.

• Are you still entitled to compensation if you were partly at fault for a car accident in Edmonds?

  Washington is a "pure comparative negligence" state according to Revised Code of Washington Section 4.22.005. This means that you can still recover compensation even if you played some role in a car accident in Edmonds. However, the amount of compensation will depend on the percentage of fault you had in the accident. If your percentage of fault is higher the the other party, you can still collect damages but will also be responsible for the other parties' losses.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.