Motor Vehicle Wreck Law Firm

Car accidents can disrupt every part of your life and make it difficult for you and your family to move forward. When you need to recover your losses after a collision, a motor vehicle wreck law firm can fight for you and hold negligent parties accountable. With more than 40 years of experience, Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey pursues justice on your behalf so you can recover your losses. Our motor vehicle wreck law firm location in Olympia, WA is here to advocate for you when you need them the most.

You Have the Right to Recover Damages After a Motor Vehicle Wreck

When you have wrongfully suffered because of another person’s actions, you have the right to recover your losses through compensation. An accident can steal your financial stability and emotional and mental well-being. However, compensation provides an opportunity to take back your life so you do not have to handle the aftermath yourself.

The damages you can recover will depend on what you specifically have suffered, which may include a mix of the following:

Medical expenses, including accommodations, equipment, medications, and rehabilitative care
Property damage expenses
Loss of income or earning capacity
Funeral and burial expenses
Pain and suffering
Mental and emotional anguish
Diminished quality of life and enjoyment
Loss of companionship and/or consortium

When you hire an attorney, they will ensure all losses are identified and calculated correctly to determine how much a settlement could be worth in your case.

There are several factors that can impact how much you may be able to recover in your claim. The extent and severity of your injuries, partial fault, and insurance companies are a few variables that could impact the outcome of your claim. Your lawyer will optimize your case and negotiate maximum results on your behalf.

Types of Motor Vehicle Wrecks Our Law Firm Can Help You With

Auto accidents can include different types of vehicles, and you can pursue legal action to hold negligent parties accountable. Each type of accident has its own unique considerations and requires a different approach when resolving each type of case.

Some common types of accidents involving motor vehicles include:

Car Accidents: Car accidents can range from minor to severe depending on the cause and force of the impact. Collisions can happen from the rear of the vehicle, the side, or head-on, and cause a variety of different injuries and outcomes based on the direction of impact. If one vehicle is smaller than the other, they are likely to be affected to a greater degree.
Semi-Truck Accidents: Semi-trucks are a key part of the economy, but these large vehicles can wreak havoc in an accident. Given their size and weight, trucks can cause serious damage to other vehicles and severe injury to occupants. The trucking industry is highly regulated, and when drivers fail to follow safety procedures, motorists can pay the price for their negligence.
Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycles can be easy to miss on the road because of their smaller size and speed. If a motorist fails to see a motorcycle while driving, motorcyclists can be severely injured from the impact of a vehicle, or the impact of the road if they are thrown from their motorcycle. They may suffer traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, burns, and broken bones.
Drunk Driving Accidents: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission estimates that there were 344 impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes throughout Washington, according to the most recent data. Drunk driving is hazardous for the impaired driver, as well as other motorists. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have diminished reaction times, judgment, and physical coordination.
Uber and Lyft Accidents: Rideshare accidents are like any other vehicle accident until it is time to file a claim to recover your losses. Who you file a claim with depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Claims are filed against the driver’s personal insurance if they are offline, Uber and Lyft’s third-party insurance if the driver is online and available, and Uber and Lyft’s liability insurance if the driver is picking up or transporting a passenger.

Depending on which type of vehicle accident you were involved in, a lawyer will make the appropriate considerations when building your case, gathering evidence, and determining which party is liable. Each type of case has its own nuances, and your lawyer will take all of them into account so you have a strong case.

Your Lawyer Will Use the Standard of Negligence to Establish Liability

To hold drivers responsible for the accidents they cause, you and your lawyer must first demonstrate their negligence. This is a legal requirement that must be fulfilled before your case can be resolved. While you may know that the other party is at fault, it must be shown so there is no question about what transpired and who was at fault.

Your lawyer will use the following four elements as the building blocks of your case to demonstrate liability:

Duty of Care: The other driver owed you a duty of care while on the road so that you would suffer no harm.
Breach of Duty: The other driver breached their duty by negligently or intentionally engaging in activities that violated their duty to you.
Causation: The other driver’s actions caused the vehicle wreck that caused you to suffer injuries and other losses.
Damages: As a liable party, the other driver must pay you damages to offset the harm they caused you.

These elements are essential to your car accident claim. To make sure that each of these elements is thoroughly satisfied, your lawyer will build a solid personal injury case. They will look over your medical records related to the accident, the police report you filed, all photos and videos you took of the accident, and gather as many other forms of evidence as possible. This will serve to support your claim and demonstrate the other driver’s liability by connecting their actions to the accident.

Washington’s Statute of Limitations Can Impact Your Ability to Hold the At-Fault Driver Accountable

Establishing liability takes time, as does finding a law firm to represent you. As such, it is important to avoid delays in starting your claim so you do not lose the chance to take action and recover your losses.

Washington has a 3-year statute of limitations on car wreck cases, and claims made after this are likely to be prohibited. Hire a lawyer right away so you have sufficient time to develop a strong case.

How Shared Fault Is Handled in Washington Accident Cases

Car accidents can be the result of another driver’s actions and your own. Take, for example, a rear-end accident. While the other driver is at fault for failing to stop due to inattention or speeding, you could be held partially at fault if you were distracted and failed to notice that the stoplight you were at turned green. In these situations, both parties’ actions are closely evaluated to determine each driver’s contribution to the accident. A percentage is usually assigned to represent fault.

In situations of shared fault, Washington implements pure comparative negligence. This law states that individuals can recover losses in proportion to their level of fault. If you were 10% at fault and eligible for a $100,000 settlement, you would receive $90,000 to offset the role you played in the crash. This shows that even a small amount of fault can cost you considerably.

Unlike most states, there is no cap on fault contributions regarding your ability to recover losses. You can be up to 99% at fault and still receive compensation. To make sure you can recover as much as possible, you should talk with your lawyer right away so they can reduce any potential liability and loss of compensation.

Causes and Locations of Car Accidents in Olympia, WA

Motor vehicle wrecks are often the cause of driver negligence or unsafe driving practices. Errors and a disregard for the rules of the road increase the risk of an accident because drivers have less time to react and avoid potential hazards that can arise at any given moment. Many times, accidents would be preventable if different actions were taken.

Some common causes of accidents include:

Driver distraction and inattention
Driver exhaustion
Speeding
Aggressive driving, reckless driving, and tailgating
Impairment from alcohol and drugs
Poor road conditions
Inclement weather
High traffic volume and congestion
Inconsistent traffic flow
Failing so safely or properly to change lanes
Failure to yield to the right of way
Insufficient driving experience
Poor vehicle maintenance
Defective parts

These accidents contribute to collisions in and around Olympia. Interstate 5, Martin Way E, Pacific Avenue SE, and Lilly Road NE are some common spots where motor vehicle fatalities occurred in Olympia over the last several years. Drug and alcohol impairment (5), speeding (2), and distractions (1) were the top causes of fatalities throughout Olympia.

Injuries Most Commonly Caused by Motor Vehicle Wrecks

As the data above shows, car accidents can result in fatalities if they are severe enough. This loss of life may occur right away or as a result of severe injuries. In fact, the majority of car wrecks result in injuries, which may range from minor to severe. The impact of a collision often affects the head, spine, organs, soft tissues, and bones. Depending on the injury, these conditions can take weeks or months to heal, while others may have a lasting impact.

Some common injuries include:

Concussion, head injury, and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Damage to the spinal column and back
Chest and rib injuries
Internal bruising, bleeding, and organ damage
Whiplash
Neck injuries
Severe lacerations
Muscle sprains/strains and other soft tissue damage
Broken bones
Nervous system damage
Chronic pain
Paralysis
Disability
Disfigurement
Burn injuries
Wrongful death

After an accident, it is important to be examined by a medical professional, regardless of how minor your injuries seem. Not only is this necessary for your claim, but it is essential to your health. Injuries may not always be apparent right away, so a doctor should run tests to make sure there is not a more serious underlying condition caused by the accident. Swift treatment can improve your ability to recover and even save your life. Be sure to follow a physician’s direction closely for your health and claim outcome.

The Importance of Working With a Local Motor Vehicle Wreck Law Firm

Given the many factors and variables involved in car accident cases, hiring a lawyer is one of the most beneficial decisions you can make. Motor vehicle wreck law firms in Olympia, WA have the legal and local knowledge needed to effectively resolve your claim and secure more compensation than if you went it alone. Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey works diligently to apply tailored strategies to your case so you can receive the most favorable outcome possible.

When you choose our team, our attorneys build strong auto accident cases by preserving and examining evidence, reviewing the police report, and your medical records. We also protect your rights, handle logistics, and openly communicate with you.

Our Firm Uses Contingency Fees to Help You Secure the Legal Representation You Need

Assumptions of cost commonly deter many individuals from seeking the legal help they need after a motor vehicle wreck. Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey uses a contingency feed model to remove this concern from the equation. When you are already stressed about your financial situation, this model ensures you pay nothing out of pocket for your legal services. We only get paid if we win and deduct our fees from your settlement or verdict. You get peace of mind and the legal support you need.

Contact Our Olympia Motor Vehicle Wreck Law Firm

Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey has a long history of helping clients regain their lives after suffering unexpected losses in an accident. Our team of knowledgeable and reliable attorneys provides excellent and compassionate service to help you navigate the complexities of your case. We fight to make sure you are treated fairly and receive the settlement you deserve. To learn more and get started, contact us to schedule your free consultation with our firm today.