Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Olympia WA
A motor vehicle accident can impact you long into the future. If the accident is the result of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to hold them accountable. Partner with our motor vehicle accident lawyers in Olympia, WA. From here, you can build a case against any liable parties and seek maximum compensatory damages from them.
Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey is a Thurston County, Washington personal injury law firm with more than three decades of legal experience. We know what it takes to help those who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. Trust our lawyers to assist you with your motor vehicle accident case. Contact us today to request more information.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Motor Vehicle Accident
The driver of the other vehicle involved in your accident can be at fault. For example, a motorist chooses to drive faster than the posted speed limit. This individual cannot stop quickly enough to prevent their vehicle from slamming into yours. Thus, they can be liable for your accident and any associated losses.
In addition to a motorist, a vehicle manufacturer, mechanic, government entity, or another third party can be held responsible for a crash. To determine who is at fault for your collision, meet with motor vehicle accident attorneys in Olympia, WA. Next, these lawyers can learn about your accident. They can figure out who is liable for your crash. Plus, they can provide details about what to do if you have been in an accident, including how to pursue damages from any at-fault parties.
How to Get Compensation Through an Auto Insurance Claim
There are mandatory insurance requirements for drivers in Olympia, WA. If you are involved in an auto crash involving another vehicle, notify your insurance carrier. At this point, your insurer can connect with the other driver’s insurance company. Together, the businesses can evaluate your accident and determine liability.
You may believe an insurance company puts your best interests front and center. Unfortunately, an insurer may prioritize its bottom line. If this happens after your auto collision, a liable party’s insurance carrier may dispute your claim. It may try to blame you for the accident in the hopes that you will give up on your claim altogether.
Motor vehicle accident lawyers in Thurston County, Washington understand how insurance companies work. They can explain what is covered under an auto policy and discuss your crash with your insurer on your behalf. Ideally, your attorney will negotiate a settlement. If they do, you could receive compensation that you can use to cover your accident-related losses.
If an insurance company refuses your claim, you still have options to pursue compensation. Your lawyer may encourage you to submit a lawsuit. With this option, you can bring your case to court and let a judge or jury decide if you should be awarded damages.
How Much Time You Have to File a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit in Olympia, WA
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) defines how much time you have to sue a liable party for damages relating to a motor vehicle collision. Per RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations is three years. If this window closes, you may be ineligible to recover damages from anyone who contributed to your crash.
Discuss your case with motor vehicle accident attorneys in Thurston County, Washington as soon as you can. In terms of services to expect from personal injury lawyers, expect legal aid with all aspects of your case.
Your lawyer will take the time to learn about your case. They will ask questions and find out how your accident happened. If you are in no way liable for your collision, your lawyer may encourage you to ask for damages. They will address your legal concerns. If you are ready to sue, your attorney can file your claim and represent you throughout your litigation.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in Your Lawsuit
As far as how attorneys build strong auto accident cases, they look at their clients’ losses carefully. Your lawyer will consider how your motor vehicle crash is impacting you now and how it will affect you moving forward. Based on your losses, your attorney can help you prepare an argument designed to show you deserve economic and non-economic damages, including:
Auto Repair or Replacement Costs
Your car was damaged or destroyed in your accident. This puts you in a tough spot since you need your vehicle to travel to work, school, and other destinations on a daily basis. Your lawyer can account for your automotive repair and replacement expenses. They will include these costs in your damages request and use receipts and other documentation to show you deserve damages for them.
Medical Bills
If a crash leaves you with injuries, you may need extensive medical care. Your medical costs can escalate, and you may be worried about how you will pay them and stay afloat financially. In your lawsuit, your attorney can pursue damages for your immediate and long-term medical fees. They may use medical records to show a judge or jury just how badly you were hurt and the costs of the treatments you need to address your injuries.
Loss of Income
It may be difficult to work if you were injured in a collision. Each day you miss work forces you to lose income. Your attorney can highlight your lost wages in your argument. They may use your pay stubs and other financial documents to prove to the court that your injuries are affecting your ability to earn wages.
Pain and Suffering
Your accident can affect you psychologically, physically, and emotionally. If you experience pain and suffering relating to your crash, tell your lawyer about them. It can be challenging to quantify these issues. Regardless, your attorney can look for evidence that illustrates your pain and suffering and how they are impacting you.
Ultimately, your lawyer has a clear understanding of personal injury cases and the damages you could recover. They focus on developing an argument that will resonate with a judge or jury. If they succeed, you are well-positioned to secure fair compensation for your losses.
The Role of Negligence in Your Motor Vehicle Accident Lawsuit
Your lawyer can offer insights into why you should file your personal injury claim quickly. If you submit a claim, they will search for ways to prove that the defendant in your case was negligent. Your attorney will focus on highlighting how the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your accident:
- Duty of Care: A party had a legal obligation to avoid engaging in careless or reckless acts that could put you or others at risk.
- Breach of Duty of Care: The party acted carelessly or recklessly.
- Causation: The party’s actions contributed to your accident.
- Damages: You are dealing with economic or non-economic losses due to the party’s actions.
In the same way that your lawyer will attempt to prove negligence, the defendant may dispute your case. Alternatively, if you have a compelling argument, the defendant may have concerns about whether they can contest your claims. These concerns could lead the defendant to offer a settlement that lines up with your expectations.
How Pure Contributory Fault Can Impact the Damages You Recover
According to Chapter 4.22, RCW, pure contributory fault applies to Washington State personal injury cases. You can be partly responsible for a motor vehicle accident. In this situation, you can still get damages from a liable party. If you do, what you receive in compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, a judge or jury says you are 20% responsible for a motor vehicle collision. The court will order the defendant in your case to pay 80% of your damages. You are responsible for the remainder of your losses.
You can recover damages even if you are 99% to blame for your accident. To help you maximize your damages, your lawyer will gather evidence from a variety of sources. They will use your proof to craft an argument designed to prove you are not at fault. This argument may also explain how the defendant was negligent and why they should have to cover your losses.
Filing a Motor Vehicle Crash Wrongful Death Lawsuit
It is sad and tragic to lose a family member in a motor vehicle collision. In the aftermath of your loved one’s death, filing a lawsuit may not be a consideration. A wrongful death lawyer can help you and your family during this emotionally taxing time in your lives.
In alignment with RCW 4.20.046, certain individuals are eligible to sue for damages on behalf of a deceased person (decedent). You could file a lawsuit against anyone responsible for the crash that resulted in your family member’s death if you are a surviving spouse, sibling, child, or parent. Also, a decedent’s personal representative may be able to submit a wrongful death claim.
Consult with a lawyer to learn about wrongful death cases and if you can file a damages request. Your attorney will be empathetic and compassionate to your needs and those of your family. They will let you know if you can submit a lawsuit and how it will work if you decide to do so.
If you proceed with a lawsuit, your attorney assists you at each stage of your litigation. They will handle your legal matters and keep you updated. Your lawyer will allocate sufficient time, energy, and resources to make sure you and your family receive plenty of care and support.
Tips to Help You with Your Motor Vehicle Crash Case
You may have no idea how to deal with a personal injury case. Thankfully, a lawyer has you covered. They can provide an FAQ and other legal resources. As your litigation gets underway, your attorney may offer several tips, including:
File Your Lawsuit Right Away
Evaluate your case with a lawyer in the days after your accident. The time frame for submitting your lawsuit may not be extended. If this window closes, you will be solely responsible for your crash-related losses.
Gather a Wide Range of Evidence
Use medical records, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and other proof to support your argument. Your lawyer understands the value of proof relative to your case. If you have a wealth of proof, a judge or jury may share your point of view. This could prompt the court to provide you with a favorable ruling.
Let Your Lawyer Speak to the Defendant and Their Insurer About Your Case
Do not discuss your case with the defendant or their insurance company. If either party contacts you, let your attorney know. The defendant or their insurer may reach out to you in the hopes that you will say something on the record that could compromise your case. On the other hand, your lawyer can talk about your lawsuit and provide updates on your case communications.
Be Open to Settlement Negotiations
If the defendant in your lawsuit proposes a settlement, review the offer with your lawyer. You make the final decision on an offer. With your lawyer’s guidance, you can weigh all that a proposal entails. If the proposal gives you adequate compensation, you can accept it and close your case.
Ask Your Lawyer for Help Any Time You Need It
Remain diligent throughout your litigation and share any questions you have with your lawyer. During your legal proceedings, your attorney wants to help you in any way they can. If you are unsure of how to resolve a legal issue, ask your attorney for guidance. Your lawyer can explain the ramifications of any legal decision you make and help you avoid mistakes that could otherwise keep you from getting damages.
Trust a motor vehicle crash lawyer who has received many positive client reviews. This lawyer will advocate for you and protect your legal rights. They will make sure you receive comprehensive legal support.
Partner with Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyers Who Take the Insult Out of Injury
Give Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey the opportunity to represent you in your motor vehicle crash case. We will fight tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you deserve from any liable parties. Contact us to get started — we look forward to connecting with you.