Best Car Accident Lawyers in Everett

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number for the Everett Police Department is 425-407-3999.

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

  Please visit the Everett Public Records Request Center to obtain a copy of an accident report. Requests can also be made through 425-257-8539 or mailed to the department's Police Records Unit at 3002 Wetmore Avenue.

• What are Everett's most dangerous intersections?

  A study by Colburn Law showed that the intersection of 112th SW and Evergreen Way was the third most dangerous road in Everett from 2017 to 2021, with 92 crashes. Other dangerous roads include:

  • Casino Road and Evergreen Way
  • E Mall Drive and Everett Mall Way
  • Airport Road and Evergreen Way

  In line with this, according to research conducted by Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner using data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Everett is one of the state's 10 most dangerous cities for car accidents.

• What are the most common reasons for car accidents in Everett?

  Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in Everett. Its common forms include talking on the phone, eating food, reaching for a child or animal inside the vehicle, and looking for a location or object outside the car. According to WSDOT data, the city recorded 303 distracted driving crashes in 2022. Other common causes of car accidents include reckless driving, drunk driving, speeding, and teen driving.

• Is it likely for teen drivers in Everett to cause car accidents?

  Teen drivers in Everett are more likely to be distracted on the road and not wear seatbelts than other drivers. According to the WSDOT, teen drivers caused 322 car accidents in 2021 and 235 in 2022. The CDC has stated that the presence of teen or young adult passengers raises the crash risk of unsupervised teen drivers. Meanwhile, an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study found that teen driver-specific features have the greatest potential for reducing teen driver injuries and deaths.

• Can you get compensation as a car accident victim in Everett if you were not wearing a seatbelt?

  Any potential compensation for damages may be reduced or denied if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of your car accident in Everett. Victims can file a claim for compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages. However, if the insurance provider or the at-fault driver’s attorney discovers that you were not wearing a seatbelt, it may work against you during the claims process. They would argue that if you had worn a seatbelt, your injuries would have been less severe.

• What can you do if you have lost a loved one in an Everett car accident?

  If your loved one died in a car accident in Everett due to someone else's negligence, you could hire a car accident and wrongful death attorney to help you seek justice and the financial compensation you deserve. According to preliminary data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 745 people were killed in crashes in 2022—the most since 1990. When comparing numbers from the first quarters of 2021 and 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that crash deaths in the state have increased by 34.5%.

• 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.