Auto Wreck Law Firm Near Me
A car crash can happen in the blink of an eye, and the effects can last for months or even years. From the sudden jolt of a rear-end collision to the chaos of a multi-car pileup on I-5, auto wrecks in Olympia are a daily reality. But when the dust settles, you’re left facing real problems: mounting medical bills, missed time from work, and the stress of dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters who want you to settle fast and cheap.
That’s where Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey comes in. Our Olympia-based law firm has spent more than 40 years helping accident victims recover physically, financially, and emotionally. We’re not a distant firm with slick ads and out-of-town lawyers; we live here, work here, and fight for people here.
When you’re injured and looking for an “auto wreck law firm near me,” you need more than a search result. You need someone who truly understands your situation, treats you with respect, and has the experience to make things right. That’s what we do, and it’s why injured drivers across Olympia trust our team when they need real support right now.
Why Local Legal Help Matters After an Auto Wreck
When you’ve just been in a car crash, the last thing you need is a lawyer who doesn’t know the roads you drive, the people you work with, or the insurance adjusters you’ll be up against. As such, many people look for an “auto wreck law firm near me” after a collision because they want help from someone nearby who truly understands what they’re going through.
At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we’ve built our reputation on being exactly that kind of law firm. We’ve served the Olympia community since 1980, and our accident attorneys are deeply familiar with local road conditions, accident trends, and the ins and outs of Thurston County courtrooms. We know what insurance companies try to pull in this region, and we know how to push back.
Being local also means being available. We don’t route calls through a national hotline. We meet with clients face-to-face, including on weekends for emergencies. We’ve visited crash scenes, met families at the hospital, and stood beside clients at every step of the legal process.
When a wreck disrupts your life, you need more than a polished commercial or a name on a billboard. You need a team that’s here in your neighborhood, ready to fight for your future, and that’s exactly who we are.
What Counts as an Auto Wreck Case?
Not every auto wreck looks like the scenes you see on the news. Many crash victims walk away from the accident thinking they’re “lucky” only to discover days or weeks later that they’re in pain, missing work, or staring down an unexpected bill for vehicle repairs. The truth is, even a so-called “minor” collision can have serious consequences, and you may still have a legal case.
At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we handle all types of auto accident claims. Rear-end collisions are among the most common in Olympia, often caused by distracted driving or tailgating in stop-and-go traffic. Intersection crashes are another frequent problem, especially when drivers speed through yellow lights or fail to yield.
We also represent clients in side-swipe or merge-related accidents, many of which occur on busy arterials or freeway on-ramps. If your crash involved a distracted driver, someone texting, talking on the phone, or fiddling with GPS, you likely have a strong case for compensation.
We also help victims pursue uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, as well as hit-and-run cases where the at-fault party isn’t immediately known. Just because the other driver didn’t have insurance (or didn’t stick around) doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you’ve been injured in any auto wreck, even one you think wasn’t that bad, it’s worth having your case reviewed. You don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
Understanding What You’re Owed After an Auto Wreck
After a crash, many people assume that whatever their insurance offers must be the final word. But the reality is, insurance companies are trained to minimize what they pay, and most injured drivers don’t realize just how much compensation they’re legally entitled to receive.
Our knowledgeable auto wreck attorneys ensure no part of your losses are overlooked. We start with the obvious: medical expenses. That includes ER visits, surgeries, follow-up care, physical therapy, and long-term treatment. But it doesn’t end there.
You may also be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Lost wages from time off work, and future earnings if you can’t return to your previous job
- Damage to your vehicle, including repair or replacement
- Rental car costs and other transportation expenses
- Help at home, like childcare or housekeeping, if your injuries make those tasks difficult
Too often, insurance adjusters will offer a quick settlement that only covers the tip of the iceberg. We push for full, fair compensation based on how the wreck has actually affected your life. If you’re still in pain, struggling to work, or dealing with the ripple effects of the crash weeks or months later, you deserve more than a bare-minimum payout.
Let us help you understand the full value of your case before you sign anything. You only get one shot at a fair recovery; make it count.
Your Rights After a Car Crash in Olympia, WA
Auto wreck victims and their families need to understand a few key protections Washington law provides. At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we make sure our clients are informed, confident, and prepared every step of the way.
First, it’s important to know that Washington is a comparative negligence state. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the wreck, you can still recover 80% of your total damages. Don’t assume you don’t have a case just because someone else points a finger at you.
Second, there’s a time limit. In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like a long time, but if you wait too long, critical evidence can disappear, and you may lose your chance to seek full compensation.
Finally, remember this: you are under no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Their job is to protect their policyholder and their profits, not you. Before giving a statement or signing any documents, it’s smart to talk with an auto wreck lawyer who can protect your interests.
When you’ve been through a wreck, your focus should be on healing, not defending yourself. We’re here to take the legal weight off your shoulders and ensure your rights are fully protected.
What to Expect When You Work with a Local Auto Wreck Law Firm
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident, the last thing you want is more confusion. At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we believe that a good auto wreck law firm in Olympia, WA, should make your life easier, not harder. That’s why we focus on clear communication, personalized strategy, and results that help you move forward.
Here’s how the process typically works when you hire our Olympia-based team:
- It starts with a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, review any documentation you have, and give you an honest assessment of your case. If we decide to move forward together, we’ll handle all the paperwork and get to work right away.
- Next comes the investigation. We’ll gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any photos or video evidence available. We may work with accident reconstructionists or medical experts to support your case.
- Then, we focus on negotiation. Our goal is always to resolve your case efficiently and fairly. But if the insurance company won’t play ball, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.
- Throughout it all, you’ll be kept in the loop. We return calls. We answer emails. We make sure you know exactly where your case stands.
You won’t find gimmicks or pressure here, just real people fighting hard for the justice you deserve.
Meet the Team at Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey
When you’re choosing an auto wreck law firm in Olympia, WA, the experience and integrity of the people behind the name matter. At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we’re proud to have a team that not only understands Washington law but also cares deeply about helping injured people rebuild their lives.
Dustin Dailey brings a unique perspective to injury law. Before joining the firm, he served as an Assistant Attorney General for Washington State from 2007 to 2011. That role gave him extensive insight into how government agencies and insurance systems work and how to hold them accountable. Today, he uses that experience to protect clients injured in crashes across Olympia.
Kathryn Potvin has a long history of standing up for the underdog. Her earlier work in Las Vegas led to two groundbreaking Nevada Supreme Court decisions that changed laws for injured workers. She’s known for her tenacity in and out of court, and for always putting her clients first.
Since its founding, our firm has helped thousands of injured people throughout Washington secure meaningful compensation. We offer legal services in English and Spanish, and we’re available for weekend appointments in emergencies.
At our core, we’re people helping people, confident in the law, compassionate in our approach, and committed to getting results that matter. We take the insult out of injury, one client at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Wreck Claims
Should I still get a lawyer if my injuries seem minor?
Yes. What seems “minor” today can develop into chronic pain tomorrow. An auto wreck lawyer helps ensure your case is documented correctly and that you’re not pressured into settling before you understand the full impact of the wreck.
Can I recover money if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
Possibly. Washington’s comparative negligence law allows for recovery even if you share some responsibility. Not wearing a seatbelt might reduce your compensation, but it doesn’t eliminate your right to file a claim.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
You may still be covered. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, your own policy may apply. We can also help investigate the hit-and-run and work with law enforcement on your behalf.
How long does a typical case take?
It varies. Some cases settle in a few months, while others take a year or more, especially if they go to court. What matters most is getting the compensation you truly deserve, not the fastest check.
Can I file a claim if I was a passenger or pedestrian?
Absolutely. You have rights whether you were driving, riding, or walking. We help clients in all types of roles seek justice after a crash.
Contact Our Auto Wreck Law Firm Near Me Location in Olympia, WA
After an auto wreck, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between doctor visits, insurance calls, car repairs, and time off work, the weight of it all can start to feel unbearable. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to face it alone.
At Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey, we’ve spent over four decades helping people just like you move forward after serious crashes. We understand how much is riding on your case, your health, your finances, and your future, and we take that responsibility seriously. When you hire us, you’re not just hiring an auto wreck law firm in Olympia, WA. You’re gaining a local partner who truly cares.
We offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis (you don’t pay unless we win), and are available when you need us. Whether you were in a rear-end collision on a rainy afternoon or a major wreck during your commute, we’re here to help you put the pieces back together.
Call our office or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Legal support is closer than you think, and we’re ready when you are.