Olympia Motor Vehicle Crash Law Firms

When a serious auto accident was caused by a negligent driver in Olympia, WA, it is important to seek out the help of our motor vehicle crash law firm right away. Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey has the experience necessary to fight for you when you file a collision claim in South Puget Sound or Thurston County. Our team has in-depth knowledge of state and local laws, as well as regional familiarity. Our Olympia motor vehicle crash law firms can provide you with tailored strategies and fierce representation to secure results in your case.

Legal Action Holds the At-Fault Driver Liable for Your Losses

Motor vehicle crashes in Olympia, WA are often the result of negligence by another driver. These events can happen suddenly and leave you unprepared for the outcome. When you are facing exorbitant expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, you can take action to hold the other driver accountable for their actions. This allows you to get justice for being wrongly injured, as well as compensation to cover your various expenses.

Before you can receive damages for your losses, though, you must first establish that the other driver was at fault for hurting you. Evidence from the crash is used to build your case and show the actions of the other driver and how they led to your harm. At the end of the process, their fault can be registered as fact, and you can receive the damages you are entitled to recover. Below is a closer look at how liability is established in your case.

Duty of Care

Every driver is expected to drive safely and remain alert so they do not cause harm to another human being, whether a motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist. Because this is the baseline expectation for all drivers, your lawyer will use this as the foundation to establish the other driver’s obligation to you.

Breach of Duty

Any action that is taken in direct opposition to an individual’s responsibility as a driver is seen as a breach of duty. This could be the result of negligent error, such as distraction, or willful negligence, such as aggressive or reckless driving. During this stage, your lawyer will use evidence to show that the other driver was violating their obligations.

Causation

As with any event that transpires, there is a cause-and-effect component. When a driver acts in an unsafe manner, it causes an accident, and the effect is that your car is damaged and you have suffered injuries. The purpose of this part of the case is to draw a connection between the cause of the accident and your suffering as the outcome. This serves as the linchpin of the claim.

Damages

When a driver causes damage and injury to another person, they are responsible for the harm they caused. They are required to make restitution for their actions and provide compensation for your losses. The liable party’s insurance may cover your losses, or the driver themselves may be required to pay.

Partial Fault Can Decrease Your Ability to Recover All of Your Losses

While the other driver’s actions are scrutinized in a car accident case, any fault you may have contributed to is also evaluated. Your level of fault will be noted, but partial fault does not eliminate you from recovering compensation. Unlike other states, Washington’s pure comparative negligence law allows drivers who have contributed to an accident to still recover compensation as long as they are not 100% at fault.

The sum of what you can recover will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. If, for example, your case is worth $100,000 and your fault percentage was 20%, you would recover $80,000. As these numbers show, fault in an accident can quickly lower your recoverable compensation. In some cases, this could make it difficult to get the care you need and leave you with a financial burden. Our Olympia motor vehicle crash law firm will look out for you and ensure you hold as little liability as possible.

Unique Considerations that Apply to Various Accident Types

Holding another driver accountable for their negligent actions is applicable regardless of the type of accident that occurs. A motor vehicle crash can include different types of vehicles, and Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey can help you resolve each one.

Some collisions may be more complex than others, and we are equipped to handle each one. We understand and account for the intricacies that come with each. Below is a closer look at how our firm can help.

Car Accidents

The most common types of auto accidents include rear-ending, side-swiping, head-on collisions, wrong-way driving, and T-bone crashes. The severity of these accidents depends on the force of impact during the collisions, as well as the size of the vehicles involved.

Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks cause more harm to other vehicles in a crash than they may sustain during an accident. These large trucks can weigh over 10,000 pounds, and their size and center of gravity can make it easier for them to seriously injure motorists. These cases are also often multi-layered since multiple parties can contribute to a big rig collision.

Motorcycle Accidents

According to a survey by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, only 10% of individuals ride motorcycles in Thurston County. However, of all groups surveyed, only 44% of the county felt it was safe to drive on public roads. Motorcycle drivers in particular are vulnerable to injury owing to their lack of external protection and visibility.

Drunk Driving Accidents

Responses to the survey mentioned above show that 6% of Thurston residents drove after consuming alcohol and 4% after consuming cannabis. These influences can significantly impair a driver’s ability to avoid harm due to reduced cognitive and physical functions.

Uber and Lyft Accidents

Driver status makes a difference in Uber or Lyft accidents. The complexity of these cases is in determining who to file a claim against. A driver’s personal insurance or Uber and Lyft’s third-party or liability insurance may be applicable depending on the case.

Motor Vehicle Crashes Are Caused by a Variety of Factors

Negligence can come in many forms while out on the road. External factors, reduced focus, and poor driving practices can detract from a driver’s ability to react and avoid hazards.

Some common causes of car wrecks include:

Drug and alcohol impairment
Speeding
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Tailgating and reckless or aggressive driving
Failing to follow the rules of the road
Poor weather and road conditions
High traffic volume and stop-and-go traffic
Poor maintenance
Faulty mechanical parts
Lack of driving experience

No driver is immune to suffering from an accident. These factors can contribute to accidents in a variety of settings and can happen at any time of day. Using caution is essential as a driver and can help reduce the likelihood of an accident.

Potential Injuries to Motorists in Thurston County

According to the most recent full year’s data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were 449 minor accident injuries, 98 serious accident injuries, and 26 fatalities in Thurston County alone. These numbers highlight the dangers of car accidents and the range of harm they can cause motorists.

Some common injuries sustained in these accidents include:

Severe lacerations
Whiplash
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries such as muscle sprains/strains
Head and brain injuries
Neck injuries
Rib and chest injuries
Spine injuries
Neurological damage
Organ damage and internal bleeding
Paralysis
Disabilities and disfigurement
Chronic pain
Death

After a collision, it is important to seek out medical care as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are minor, failing to seek treatment can be detrimental to your health and accident claim. Many injuries are delayed and lie beneath the surface, so tests may be necessary to rule out more hazardous conditions.

You should also keep all of your test results and medical records as evidence for your case. Insurance companies and attorneys will use this to determine your eligibility and settlement value.

Dangerous Roads Throughout Thurston County

The data from WSDOT also reveals information about key areas throughout Thurston County where accidents are prone to occur. These sites may result in minor or major injuries as well as fatalities.

Some key roads and highways in multiple crash cases include:

Interstate 5
U.S. Highway 101
Pacific Avenue SE
College St. NE
Martin Way E
Marvin Road NE
Yelm Highway
Ruddell Road SE
Mullen Road
Capitol Boulevard
Cooper Point Road
Harrison Avenue NW

Drivers should be on high alert when driving in these areas and use extra caution. Defensive driving is key to avoiding traffic accidents, and should include staying within the speed limit and not tailgating, keeping both hands on the wheel, avoiding distractions, and avoiding driving when exhausted.

Law Firms in Olympia Protect Your Rights and Help Recover Maximum Compensation

Motor vehicle crashes can put a strain on your finances and quality of life. When you and your family are wondering how to cover the medical expenses and other financial losses you sustained, it is important to turn to a lawyer for help. They can help you assess your various losses and negotiate a settlement that is fair and sufficiently covers your expenses.

Some common damages that you may be able to recover could include:

Medical expenses, rehabilitative treatment, assistive equipment and technology, and accommodations
Vehicle repair or replacement costs
Lost wages
End-of-life medical care, funeral, and burial expenses
Pain and suffering
Reduced quality of life
Inability to enjoy activities you did before the accident
Emotional anguish
PTSD, insomnia, anxiety, and depression
Loss of consortium

Trust your lawyer to advocate for you and recover maximum compensation for your case. Insurance companies will actively try to pay you less than what you deserve, and your lawyer can stand up to insurance companies on your behalf. Your lawyer knows how to negotiate with various parties and protect your rights at the same time. Your settlement or verdict will be unique to your situation, and your lawyer will make sure it is calculated properly.

Statute of Limitations for Vehicle Crash Claims in Washington

The statute of limitations for car accidents in Washington is 3 years. This means that you only have a finite amount of time to pursue a legal claim before you are prohibited from taking any further action. It is important to reach out to a law firm shortly after your accident to get started on building your case, so you have time to fully resolve it before the statute of limitations expires.

Local Motor Vehicle Crash Law Firms Can Optimize Your Case

Hiring an Olympia motor vehicle crash law firm can help you get the most out of your claim. Their legal knowledge and familiarity with the area allow them to understand what you are going through, optimize your case, and serve you better.

Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey has deep roots throughout Olympia, South Puget Sound, and Thurston County. We use our resources and connections to build a strong case that is designed to get the results you deserve.

No Fee Unless Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey Wins Your Case

Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey does not get paid unless we win your case. We offer our services on contingency, so you have access to legal representation when you need it the most.

We deduct our attorney fees from your settlement or verdict, so you do not have to worry about how you are going to pay for a lawyer. Contingency fees also ensure that you and your lawyer share a common goal and are aligned on the outcome of your case.

Contact Our Olympia Motor Vehicle Crash Law Firms

Putnam Lieb Potvin Dailey has the extensive legal knowledge and skills you need to effectively resolve your case and get results. We are committed to helping you reclaim your life and get the care you need to alleviate your pain. When you hire us, you can be confident that you will receive excellent service that protects your rights and gets results. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.