Best Car Accident Lawyers in Kennewick

FAQs

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

  Dial 509-585-4208 to reach the Kennewick Police Department for non-emergency concerns.

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

  Visit the Washington Requests for Electronic Collision Reports website to seek a stand-alone Traffic Collision Report for an accident you were involved in.

• What is the statute of limitations in Kennewick for filing a car accident lawsuit?

  Revised Code section 4.16.080 states that injured motorists in car accidents in Kennewick have three years to file a compensation claim. If a victim perished in the crash, the statute of limitations for surviving families to file a wrongful death lawsuit is also three years, beginning from the date of death.

• Can you file a personal injury claim if you were not wearing your seatbelt in a Kennewick car accident?

  Yes, you can still bring a personal injury claim if you were not wearing your seatbelt when involved in a non-fault car accident in Kennewick. The rationale behind this is that not wearing a seatbelt was not the cause of the accident. The collision may have been caused by the other driver's speed, disregard for a stop sign, intoxicated driving, and other negligent actions. Hence, the liable party should be held accountable regardless of whether you were wearing a seatbelt.

• Who is responsible for a rockfall causing a car accident in Kennewick?

  If the Washington Department of Transportation is aware that a rockfall may occur on a highway or route in Kennewick and fails to issue an advance warning to motorists, it may be held accountable. Road-building contractors may also be liable if their ongoing activity triggers a rockfall and causes a car accident. Local government units undertaking road maintenance or landscaping must be aware of their surroundings by collaborating with the state Department of Transportation and local officials to evaluate activities that may raise the likelihood of boulders falling on traffic routes.

• What are the most frequent causes of car accidents in Kennewick?

  While accidents occur for various reasons, negligence is the most common cause of Kennewick car accidents. The United States Department of Transportation identifies driver error as the cause of at least 94% of automobile accidents. Distracted driving is at the top of the list of negligent driving behaviors that result in serious automobile accidents. The Washington Highway Safety Commission connects at least 23% of serious crashes and 30% of fatal crashes to distracted driving.

• What Kennewick intersections are prone to car accidents?

  Particular Kennewick roadways are riskier than others. Local law enforcement personnel identifies the intersection of Canal Drive and Edison Street as one. Hundreds of distracted driving car accidents have occurred on the said road in recent years. Officers issued 33 inattentive and careless driving fines at that one spot in only 3 ½ hours during one ordinary Saturday. Other dangerous intersections are Columbia Center Boulevard and Canal Drive, Columbia Center and Quinault Avenue, Columbia Center and Clearwater Avenue, and Edison Street and Clearwater Avenue.

• 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.