The following article will cover:
- Factors affecting the duration of a personal injury case in Washington State.
- The Importance of consulting an attorney to negotiate a fair settlement and evaluate strategies to counter insurance companies’ tactics.
- Ways to pay for medical treatment after an accident.
How Long Is My Washington State Personal Injury Case Going To Take?
The duration of a personal injury case in Washington State depends on several factors, such as:
- Liability disputes
- The nature of the injuries
- The at-fault party’s insurance policy limit
- And more…
Your case may begin to resolve once you have completed treatment for your injuries. At this point, your attorney has a better understanding of your medical expenses and wage loss amounts, allowing them to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. However, if a lawsuit must be filed, the case resolution may take longer.
Will I Have To Go To Trial To Get A Fair Settlement For My Personal Injury Case?
Going to trial is not always necessary for a fair settlement, but insurance companies often make their best offers after a lawsuit is filed. If you do not have an attorney, you are less likely to take the case to trial, and insurance companies may exploit this by offering lower settlements.
Insurance companies may also delay negotiations until the statute of limitations is near, forcing you to accept their low offer. Therefore, it is crucial to consult an attorney as soon as you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Will A Personal Injury Settlement Cover All My Medical Bills?
A fair personal injury settlement should cover all medical bills caused by the accident. However, there may be situations where the causation of your injuries is unclear, especially if you have preexisting conditions that are aggravated by the accident.
Insurance companies may use this uncertainty to reduce settlement offers. Contacting an
attorney early in the process allows them to evaluate the case and develop a strategy to counter the insurance company’s tactics.
How Will I Be Able To Afford Medical Care While I Wait For My Personal Injury Settlement If I Am Not Working Because Of My Injuries?
There are several ways to pay for medical treatment after an accident, such as:
- Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage under your automobile policy
- Private medical insurance
- Medicare or Medicaid
- Payment plans or provider-held bills with a lien on your claim
- And more…
It’s important to remember that all medical bills for your injury treatment must be repaid from your settlement – whether you are reimbursing yourself, a healthcare provider, or an insurance provider.
What Is PIP And What Does It Cover In Washington?
In Washington state, PIP (personal injury protection) is an optional automobile insurance coverage that pays for:
- Medical bills arising from automobile accident injuries, up to your policy limit
- Lost wages during recovery
- Additional out-of-pocket expenses, such as hiring help for house cleaning or gardening
- And more…
Any PIP amount paid to you must be repaid from your personal injury settlement, but a skilled lawyer may negotiate a reduction in the repayment amount, increasing your final settlement.
For more information on the
Timeline Of Personal Injury Claim In WA, a free
initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling
(253) 339-8500 today.
