In This Article, You Can Discover…
- What to look for in an auto accident attorney.
- How to talk to insurance companies.
- When you should file a personal injury claim.
- And more…
Can You File A Personal Injury Claim If You Are Partially At Fault For A Car Accident In Pierce County?
You can file a personal injury claim if you are partially at fault. Washington is a comparative fault state, which means that damages are reduced proportionately to your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you are 40% at fault and your damages are $100k, your damages would be reduced by 40% – meaning that you would end up with $60k.
Liability is mainly factual, meaning it depends on witness statements, photographic evidence, and other kinds of evidence that can be used to show who was at fault for the accident.
Frequently, insurance companies don’t have a clear grasp of facts in disputed liability cases. At the onset of a personal injury claim, they have a minimal investigation that they do. The inquiry will be more complex if a lawsuit is filed, which sometimes must happen.
Witnesses also need to be deposed, which is where liability can be decided. There is often enough evidence at that point to figure out how a jury may decide who was at fault and their percentage of fault.
Is It Worth It To File A Personal Injury Claim If An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver Caused The Accident?
If you have underinsured motorist coverage and an injury requiring treatment, it can be worth filing a personal injury claim.
It gets complicated if you have significant injuries, if a loved one has been killed, and if the other driver has no insurance. Complexities arise when attempting to figure out how you would be able to recover damages from that party. If that’s the case for you, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney.
There are ways to assess the at-fault party’s assets. Sometimes, third parties are partially at fault, which could create another avenue for recovery. These factors make speaking with an attorney essential.
Should I Talk To The Other Party’s Insurance Company If I Am Contacted After A Car Accident?
It is okay to give an insurance company your name and address, confirm your contact information, or provide them with the name of your attorney. However, once you hire an attorney, they should refrain from contacting you.
It is important that you not give insurance companies a statement as they are admissible against you – and can be used to hurt your claim. Furthermore, refrain from signing authorizations to release your medical, employment, or school records. Giving insurance companies that information allows them to utilize your past to shape their evaluation of the claim in a way that could minimize your settlement.
What Will Hiring A Washington State Car Accident Attorney Do For A Personal Injury Case?
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney has many benefits, but the most impactful use is that it will likely increase your settlement value. A tenured trial lawyer can take your case to court. Insurance companies know this, which immediately increases the value of your settlement offer.
Beyond that, hiring an attorney to manage your claim will enable you to focus on recovering and getting back with your life. This eliminates your role in taking endless phone calls from insurance companies, among other tedious tasks.
A seasoned attorney can also maximize your settlement through negotiations. Your attorney should be familiar with the claims process and can present the strengths of your claim while minimizing weaknesses to get a maximum offer out of the insurance company.
Your attorney will also negotiate any lien reductions for your personal injury protection or medical insurance repayment, resulting in potentially more money in your pocket. For more information on Auto Accident Injury Claims In Washington, an initial consultation is your next best step.
