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Posts Tagged ‘car accidents’

Is Washington an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Posted on: February 22nd, 2023 by Marcel Colon
In Washington, the driver at fault pays for the damages. Here’s what that might mean for you after a car accident.

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.

How Are Car Accident Cases Settled?

Posted on: January 24th, 2023 by Marcel Colon
Most car accident cases don’t make it to court. But the settlement process can be complex. You need an experienced attorney to help.

Most car accident cases don’t make it to court. But the settlement process can be complex. You need an experienced attorney to help.

Most cases involving auto accidents are resolved outside of court. This is beneficial to accident victims because it means they will receive the compensation they require without having to wait for a trial. However, the procedure can be challenging, and errors could cost you a sizable portion of the money you require to rebuild your life. Even if you do not want to go to court, Cunnane Law can assist you in settling your case fairly and quickly.

Firstly, Contact the Insurance Company

Notifying the insurance company of your claim is the first step in the settlement process. This alerts the insurance company that you intend to file a claim. This step can be difficult because the insurance company will question you extensively about your accident. Some of these questions are relatively harmless; the insurance company will need your contact information, the make and model of your car, and the location and time of the accident.

Other questions may pose difficulties. They may inquire as to whether you have been injured and seek your opinion on the cause of the accident. How you respond to these questions could very well jeopardize your claim in the future. The best course of action, if you have been hurt in a car accident, is to call Cunnane Law and let us deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

Secondly, Do Your Homework

Collecting all of the accident-related documentation is the next step in the settlement process. This will consist of the following:

  • A copy of the police accident report
  • Copies of your medical records detailing your accident-related injuries, prescribed treatment, prognosis, and any limitations caused by your injuries.
  • Copies of all bills, including medical bills, estimates for repairing or replacing your vehicle, documentation for lost wages, and any other monetary losses
  • Photographs of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
  • Any other records or notes you may have that detail how your injuries affect your day-to-day activities, such as your inability to care for your family, engage in hobbies and other activities, or perform basic daily tasks.

If you are in pain and finding it difficult to get through each day, this step may be challenging. An Edmonds car accident lawyer can assist you with this step, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Third step: Calculate the Value of Your Claim

After gathering your documentation, you must determine the value of your claim. In other words, you are estimating how much compensation you will require to be made whole. Your damage claim will include the following:

  • Your out-of-pocket medical costs, such as co-pays and deductibles, as well as any medical expenses that are covered by your health insurance.
  • Your lost earnings if you are unable to work as a result of the accident or must take time off to attend doctor’s appointments and physical therapy.
  • The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
  • Your emotional pain and anxiety.

The majority of non-attorneys settle their cases for much less than they are worth, which leaves them with unpaid bills. An experienced Edmonds car accident lawyer can estimate the total value of your claim and then ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.

Fourth step: Submit the Demand Letter

Once you’ve determined a reasonable estimate of the compensation you deserve, send a letter to the insurance company demanding that they pay that amount. There is no set format to follow, but the letter should include enough detail and supporting documentation to back up your claim. An Edmonds car accident lawyer can draft an effective demand letter that makes a strong case.

Fifth step: Negotiate the Claim

Insurance companies never really pay the full amount demanded. Instead, they will make a counter-offer. You now have the option of accepting the counter-offer or making a fresh offer. Working with an Edmonds car accident lawyer in this situation can be very beneficial because they can use both their negotiating skills and their knowledge of auto accident claims to help you get the best possible settlement.

Car Accident Injured? Contact Edmonds Car Accident Attorney Joe Cunnane for Assistance Settling Your Claim

It is more complicated than you might expect to settle your claim. Contact Cunnane Law for assistance in protecting your right to fair compensation. Call 425-672-7100 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you.

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.

Your Guide to Car Accident Police Reports in Washington

Posted on: October 27th, 2022 by Marcel Colon

You could be entitled to bring a car accident claim against the other motorist to seek damages if you were hurt in a car accident that was their fault. You may need to know how to obtain a police record from an automobile accident as part of this procedure. You must be able to establish liability to make an automobile accident claim.

This implies, among other things:

  • Interviewing witnesses is necessary before they forget what happened
  • Photographs must be taken before injuries heal and damage is fixed
  • Evidence must be gathered before it is gone

To put it another way, you must gather and save the proof necessary to establish that the other motorist (and their auto insurance provider) is responsible for paying for your damages, including your physical injury and monetary losses. To support your vehicle accident claim, a police record is crucial.

Almost all the information you need to submit a car accident claim is contained in your car accident police report, which is the official record of your collision.

A Police Car Accident Report

The car accident police report is one of the most important components of any potential legal claim.

The car accident police report is one of the most important components of any potential legal claim.

If the police are called to your car accident, they will often file a car accident police report at the scene, particularly if a person is killed, suffers a physical injury, or if there is severe property damage.

It is crucial that you have a proficient automobile accident lawyer review the police report as quickly as possible if one was filed in your case. Your accident police report may be useful to the skilled automobile accident attorneys at Cunnane Law as they work to develop a strong case on your behalf.

What Details Are Included in a Police Car Accident Report?

The reporting officer’s unbiased opinions concerning your car collision are detailed in your accident police report.

There is there is no need for you to attempt to fully understand all the information in a police accident report on your own. We will review the report and speak with any witnesses before they are questioned by the at-fault driver’s vehicle insurance company.

Types of Police Reports for Car Accidents in Washington

Everyone is aware that auto accidents are a regrettable fact of life on our state’s roadways and highways. However, did you know that the State of Washington accepts two different types of car accident report forms?

  1. State of Washington Police Traffic Collision Report which is filed with the Washington State Patrol.

The responding police officer uses this form to collect detailed information regarding the accident, including:

  • Time, date, and location of the accident
  • Name and contact information for the vehicle drivers
  • Passengers and witnesses’ names and contact information
  • Type of any injuries and severity
  • Types and number of vehicles involved
  • Damage to the vehicles
  • Name and badge number of the investigating officer

This report also contains the reporting officer’s written account of what caused the accident.

  1. Motor Vehicle Collision Report. Anyone involved in an accident that resulted in injury or death, or more than $1,000 in total property damage and was not reported by a responding police officer is allowed to use this form. It is required to be filled out and filed with the Washington State Patrol within 4 days of the accident either online through the Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting system, or alternatively, complete, sign and mail it to the Collision Records Section – P.O. Box 42628 Olympia, WA 98504-2628, or email it to collisionrecords@wsp.wa.gov.

Talk to Cunnane Law About How to Get a Car Accident Police Report

Taking immediate action will improve your chances of receiving full compensation for your losses and injuries if you or someone you care about was injured in a car accident. Call Cunnane Law right away to schedule a meeting with a skilled member of our legal team. We can help you.

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.

(425) 672-7100