Motor Vehicle Accidents in Seattle

Thank you for visiting My Seattle Motor Vehicle Accidents Attorney.  We will attempt to give you as much information about Motor Vehicle Accidents in Seattle as possible on this site.  Additionally, you can visit our “Why hire us” page to see what separates us from the other Motor Vehicle Accident lawyers in and around Seattle.

If you have been involved in a car accident, we can answer all of your questions about next steps.  You will need an experienced attorney who is familiar with the automobile laws in Seattle.  Call us at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name” in Seattle.  Let our experience work for you!

Overview

  • In the United States, over a million people are injured in auto accidents each year.
  • Every year, thousands of people are killed in auto accidents.
  • Most auto accidents happen because of:
    • Driver negligence – speeding, talking on a cell phone, talking to passengers
    • Under the influence of alcohol, drugs
    • Fatigue
    • Not signaling – lane changes
    • Construction on the roads, potholes
    • Bad weather conditions – rain, ice, fog
  • Common injuries sustained:
    • Whiplash
    • Broken bones
    • Internal bleeding
    • Spinal cord/neck/head injuries
  • Types of motor vehicle accidents:
    • Rear-end collisions
    • Hit and run
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
    • Mechanical defects
  • Fact:  You will recover more if you are represented by an experienced Motor Vehicle Accident attorney; do not settle by yourself with an insurance company.

Washington State Car Accident Laws

  • If you do not obey Seattle laws and an auto accident happens, you will be found liable for the damages incurred.

Passing Vehicle

  • If you are going to pass a vehicle, you must keep to the left unless there are 2 lanes moving in the same direction.

Seat Belts

  • It is illegal to drive in Seattle without using a seat belt.
  • All children must be in appropriate car seats, depending on their age and size.
  • The driver is responsible for any passenger under 16 years of age.

High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes

  • Seattle has designated certain lanes on its highways.
  • You cannot pass vehicles on these lanes.
  • You cannot enter or exit from these lanes unless designated.

Insurance Laws

  • In Seattle, the minimum liability insurance policy is:
    • $25,000 – for injury to another person
    • $50,000 – injury to more than 1 passenger
    • $10,000 – for property damage
  • Seattle law says you must carry proof of insurance – an identification card
  • If you do not carry the minimum insurance, you can be fined.

Uninsured/Underinsured Insurance

  • In Washington State, drivers are required to have auto insurance.
  • However, statistics show that about 20% of Washington State drivers do not have automobile insurance.
  • In Seattle, car accidents are the number one cause for injury, property damage and death.
  • If you are involved in an auto accident and the other driver does not have liability insurance, you may have to pay all expenses yourself.

What to do at accident location

  • Call 911; do not leave scene.
  • Make sure everyone is okay; call for ambulance if necessary.
  • Ask police for copy of accident report.
  • You can file an accident report at the Washington Department of Licensing.
  • Do not talk to the insurance company.
  • Do not settle damages with the other driver.
  • Get the following information:
    • Name
    • Address
    • Telephone number
    • Driver’s license
    • Insurance company name
    • Get any passenger and/or witness names
  • Keep a camera, pad and pencil in your car.
    • Take photos of your injuries, damages to the vehicle and surrounding area.

Miscellaneous

  • Call your insurance company and file a report.
  • See your doctor even if you do not have visible injuries.
  • Get a copy of the police report.
  • Contact an attorney.

Personal Injury

  • Physical bodily injury resulting from another person’s negligence while driving.
  • You are entitled to be compensated for bodily injuries and/or personal damages incurred due to this auto accident.
  • You can also be compensated for pain and suffering, emotional stress, bruises, loss of income, etc.
    • Medical bills – present and future
    • Salary – present and future
    • All expenses incurred due to this car accident

Wrongful Death

  • A death that has occurred due to the negligence of another person while driving a vehicle.
  • If you are the spouse or a family member of the decedent, you can file for:
    • Funeral expenses
    • Hospital and medical bills
    • Lost financial aid/future income
    • Loss of your companion and the affection and love that has been taken away

Conclusion
A motor vehicle accident causes you and your family a lot of stress and expense.  We can help you recover a fair settlement.  If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact an attorney at the Motor Vehicle Accident Law Offices of “insert attorney name”.

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