Best Car Accident Lawyers in Yakima

Frequently Asked Questions

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

  For reporting non-emergency situations, you can call the Yakima Police Department at 509-575-6200.

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

  Without having to contact the Yakima Police Department, you can search for a copy of the report through online databases at https://buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com/ui/home or https://fortress.wa.gov/wsp/wrecr/WSPCRS/. You need to provide information, including the date of the incident, case number, or names of persons involved. You will be charged a fee if you want to print and download the materials.

• Can you file a claim against a deceased person after a car accident in Yakima?

  Yes. If you file a compensation claim against a deceased person for the damages and injuries you sustained in a Yakima car accident, you may be considered a potential creditor for the defendant's estate. The decedent's assets will be used to pay claims against the estate, including yours. In some cases, there are insufficient assets to pay all creditors. Hire an attorney to represent your interests and obtain as much compensation from the estate as possible.

• How does not wearing a seat belt affect a Yakima car accident case?

  In Yakima, failure to wear a seatbelt cannot affect your car accident case. Under the Revised Code of Washington § 46.61.688(6), failure to wear a seatbelt is inadmissible as a defense to prove the victim's negligence. However, if you do not comply, you will be penalized. According to RCW 46.61. 688, drivers and passengers between ages 16 years and older must wear a safety belt that is properly adjusted and securely fastened. As of 2020, the standard seat belt ticket is $124.

• Do insurance rates increase after a car accident in Yakima?

  Possibly, depending on whether the claimant was at fault in the Yakima car accident. According to Revised Code of Washington 6.52.130, it is unlawful for insurance providers to cancel, deny, refuse to renew, or increase the policyholder's insurance rate unless the policyholder is found to be at fault. In general, insurance companies in Washington cannot raise their insurance rates as long as the victim is not at fault.

• Which Yakima roads have the most car accidents?

  Routes along 16th Avenue, such as Teton Drive, Nob Hill, and Fruitdale Boulevard, have the highest number of car accidents in Yakima. Over 160 incidents were reported at these locations in the last year alone. Congestion, driver error, and a lack of turning space all contribute to the high frequency of accidents at these intersections.

• Who is held accountable for a car accident involving a yellow light at an intersection in Yakima?

  Whoever turns left at a yellow light in Yakima is held liable for the collision, as the oncoming vehicle has the right of way. Before turning, drivers must always yield to oncoming vehicles or pedestrians within a sufficient amount of time before the light turns red. In addition, negligent actions and unsafe traffic maneuvers can shift responsibility to other drivers. In some instances, both parties may share responsibility for a collision caused by a yellow light.