Best Car Accident Lawyers in Olympia

FAQs

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

  Trained dispatchers will get you the help you need through the Olympia non-emergency contact number, (360) 867-6140.

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

  In Olympia, there are three main ways to get a police report on a car accident.

  1. Visit the WRECR page online.

  2. By mail, by completing the form "Request for Copy of Collision Report" and sending it to: Washington State Patrol Collision Records Section P.O. Box 42628 Olympia, WA 98504-2628 You must send in a check or money order for $10.50.

  3. If you want to ask for the report in person, you will have to go to the office in Tumwater from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Collision Records Section Edna Lucile Goodrich Building 7345 Linderson Way SW, first floor Tumwater, Washington 98501

• Who is responsible for a car accident in Olympia?

  In the state of Washington, the standard rule of law is one of pure comparative negligence (Chapter 4.22 of the Revised Code of Washington). State law says that anyone who causes a car accident can be held legally responsible for a part of it. Olympia car accident victims can only hold a defendant legally responsible for a crash if they can show that the defendant was at fault through strong supporting evidence.

• What if the accident was partly your fault but also caused by someone else?

  If you are found to be partially at fault for a car accident in Olympia, you may still be able to recover compensation, but the amount you receive will be reduced in accordance with the degree to which you were responsible. This circumstance is described as "contributory negligence," "comparative fault," or "contributory fault" by lawyers and judges. However, when it's not clear who was at fault or when two or more people were at fault, the blame is likely to be shared.

• Can you ask for more money in a car accident claim in Olympia?

  If you want to file a claim for compensation after a car accident in Olympia, you can try to get more money. To get the compensation you deserve, your lawyer will have to bargain with the insurance company on your behalf, specifically with the claims adjuster.

  Here are seven things you can do to get more money from a car accident claim.

  1. Get help from a lawyer right away.
  2. Come up with a fair settlement amount.
  3. Carefully think about what you tell the adjuster.
  4. Don't jump at the first offer that comes your way.
  5. Seek an explanation from the adjuster for the low offer.
  6. Focus on the strongest arguments in your favor.
  7. Get the settlement in writing.

• Can I get compensation in Olympia if I wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident?

  In the state of Washington, seat belt use is mandatory for everyone 8 and over, or anyone over 4 feet, 9 inches in height. Any child under the age of eight or under 4 feet, 9 inches in height is required by law to use a booster seat or child safety restraint device. Any violation of the law, including not wearing a seat belt, can result in a traffic stop and a penalty from the police.

  When people don't wear seatbelts, they hurt themselves more. In some states, if you don't wear a seatbelt, you might not get any money if you get hurt. It is best to talk to an experienced lawyer who can tell you what the law is in your state and fight for your legal rights.

• How do I know if I can sue the car company?

  Some serious injuries can happen when a car is made poorly. Some of these situations include, but are not limited to, a flat tire, a broken airbag, a broken seatback, or a broken seatbelt. To find out if your case has a chance of succeeding, it is best to talk to an experienced law firm with the right resources and access to experts. Your car needs to stay in one piece, so an expert can look at it carefully for signs of product defects or malfunctions.

• 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.