Seattle Car Accident Attorneys
Who Is Liable In a Car Accident Owner or Driver?
Under Washington’s traditional tort, or fault-based, car insurance system, the insurance company for the at-fault driver is typically liable for victims’ damages following an accident. Because plaintiffs have the burden of proof in personal injury and wrongful death claims, this means the person bringing the claim must prove that the other driver (or another third party) was at fault.
Call Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department at 206-202-2562 or contact us online today to get a free consultation from our car crash attorneys in Seattle.
Depending on the specifics of a case, any of the following parties could be liable:
- A negligent motorist
- Multiple other motorists who share partial blame
- The employer of a negligent commercial driver
- An auto manufacturer that designed or produced a defective vehicle/vehicle part
- An engineer or construction company that designed or built a defective roadway
- The municipal agency or another entity responsible for road maintenance
When this is the case, severely injured victims or the surviving loved ones of fatal accidents could have several avenues for pursuing compensation, this includes potential claims against:
- At-fault drivers
- Auto manufacturers
- Construction companies
- Or municipal entities
Experienced Car Crash Attorneys in Seattle, WA
At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our Seattle car crash attorneys work with some of the industry’s leading experts, including renowned accident reconstructionist and other specialists, who help us determine exactly how an accident occurred. This, in turn, allows us to accurately identify the liable party and gather powerful evidence on behalf of our clients.
Understanding Washington’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
While some auto accidents are truly caused by a single party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, many involve multiple at-fault parties. An injured accident victim could be found partially at fault if they are discovered to have acted negligently, recklessly, or wrongfully in any way.
For example, if someone was hit by a motorist who sped through an intersection against a red light, but the person who was hit was unlawfully holding a cellphone and texting at the time of the collision, both parties will likely be assigned some degree of blame. This is typically done by the insurance adjuster assigned to the claim.
In Washington, an injured individual (or eligible representative on their behalf) may file a personal injury claim even if they were partially at fault for the auto accident.
The state’s pure comparative negligence rule does not mandate that injured parties must be less at fault than the person or party against whom they are bringing the claim; the injured party may seek compensation for damages even if they were more at fault than the defendant. However, whenever there is shared fault, the amount an injured party can recover will be directly reduced by their percentage of blame.
So, if someone was injured in a serious car accident and suffered $100,000 in damages as a result, but the insurance adjuster and/or court found them 20 percent at fault for the crash, they would only be able to recover up to 80 percent of the total amount, or $80,000.
For a free consultation and car accident case evaluation, call Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department at (206) 202-2562 or contact us online today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Severe Auto Accidents in Seattle, WA?
Human error and negligence are the most common causes of severe motor vehicle accidents, including head-on collisions, multiple car pileups, side-impact crashes, and vehicle rollovers.
Some examples include:
- Speeding/excessive speeding
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a handheld device
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless and aggressive driving, including road rage
- Fatigued driving and falling asleep at the wheel
- Turning, passing, merging, or changing lanes unsafely or unlawfully
- Failing to obey stop signs, red lights, and other traffic control devices
- Failing to yield the right of way
In some cases, the dangers of negligent or reckless driving are exacerbated by outside factors, such as:
- Inclement weather
- Poorly maintained roadways
- And auto defects
We are known for our extensive trial experience, our aggressive approach to litigation, and our long history of success, both in and out of the courtroom. Our team is prepared to protect your rights, including your right to full compensation for your damages.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
The short answer? Probably. If you’ve been in a serious car accident in Seattle, chances are you are dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and missing time from work.
You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to help you navigate through settlement offers, understand the different types of damages for which you could file, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Depending on the circumstances of your auto accident and the injuries you sustained, your car crash attorney could file for different types of damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Future expected medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced earning capacity
- Reduced quality of life
Due to Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to receive some compensation. Our Seattle car accident attorneys at Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department can work with you to understand the details of the accident and determine what damages to pursue.
The Importance of Hiring an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
Car accident cases involving severe, life-altering injuries present numerous unique challenges. These cases tend to be relatively high in value, which means insurance companies are likely to aggressively defend against them.
If the insurance adjuster assigns the injured party a significant degree of blame, it could mean the difference in tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars recovered.
When you trust your case and your recovery to an experienced attorney at Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, you get:
- A high level of personal attention and client service
- Innovative legal strategies tailored to your unique situation
- The resources and experience of a large group of seasoned trial lawyers
- Reliable access to your attorney and legal team
- Compassionate legal support from a team that understands your challenges
Choosing The Right Car Crash Attorney in Seattle
We recognize the impact catastrophic injuries have, both on victims and their loved ones. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation our clients are owed so that they can navigate new, unexpected difficulties and move forward with their lives.
Let us help your family heal. Call (206) 202-2562 or contact us online for a free case evaluation with our skilled Seattle car accident lawyers.