Is Washington an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

In Washington, the driver at fault pays for the damages. Here’s what that might mean for you after a car accident.

How will your insurance handle the situation if you’ve recently been in a car accident in Washington state?

Washington is known as an “at-fault” state. That means, in the state of Washington, the person at fault for an accident must cover the costs of the harm that was done. Ideally, each driver should have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to cover their own medical costs and wage loss up to the policy limit.

Now, let’s discuss exactly what that means for you, your insurance policy, and your wallet after a car accident.

What Exactly Is “PIP” Insurance?

PIP coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses and lost wages resulting for your car accident injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. Even if you were the cause of the accident, PIP will pay the reasonable and necessary medical expense for injuries related the accident.

In Washington state, the person who caused the accident is liable for paying the injured party’s medical bills, or both if both are at fault. Working with a local Edmonds car accident lawyer is especially crucial if you reside in Washington state, where the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your expenses.

After a Car Accident, How is Blame Assigned?

Most car accident cases in Washington do not go to court with a car accident lawyer. Instead, the insurance company investigates the evidence provided by the police report and the reports of the people involved in the accident, and then uses that information to determine who was at fault in the accident.

After the car crash, if a person has injuries, they should go see a medical doctor as soon as possible. Even if they do not believe they have injuries, it would be good protection just to get check out by a medical professional. Injuries like a concussion or TBI can be hard to detect.

Typically, the insurance company of the person at fault usually offers the other party a settlement, but the amount is variable depending upon the nature and the extent of the injuries. It is very important to have solid medical professionals help you with your medical care.  In any case you should contact Cunnane Law’s Edmonds car accident attorneys with over 50 years’ worth of experience to get the compensation you deserve.

How Can an Edmonds Car Accident Attorney Assist You?

As soon as you are in an accident, (after going to see a medical professional) certainly within the first few days, you should contact an attorney at Cunnane Law in Edmonds, WA to discuss your case and ensure that you’re being treated fairly. If you are offered a settlement after a car accident, you should consult with an attorney to ensure that you are receiving a fair offer. When it comes to getting the compensation you deserve after a car accident, the representation of a car accident attorney can be well worth your time.

Ready to talk to the car accident experts? Contact us today.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.