In a car accident case, be prepared to defend your actions

A personal injury lawsuit might be the best way for you to recover the compensation you need following a car accident. If you can impose liability on a negligent driver, then you might be awarded damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This can set you on course for a successful recovery, provide you with the financial resources that you need during a time when you’re unable to work, and ensure that you’re paid for the harm that has been caused to you.

Be prepared to defend your actions

While proving another person’s negligence is certainly necessary to win a personal injury case, the focus during your case may not rest solely on that individual. In fact, many personal injury defendants try to shift the blame to others, including the person who is bringing the lawsuit. This is because Washington has a contributory fault law that requires an award of damages to be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff. So, a $100,000 award will be reduced to $60,000 if the defendant successfully shows that you’re 40% at fault for the accident in question.

What this means for you

Washington’s contributory fault law means that, although you need to focus on establishing the negligence of another and how it caused your accident, you also need to be prepared to defend your own actions. This means taking a thorough look at your case and anticipating every argument that the defense could use against you. Then, you’ll want to be armed with counterarguments that protect your position and your claim.

Build the personal injury claim you deserve

If you’ve been harmed on account of the negligence of another, then you deserve to be compensated for the harm that has been unfairly thrust upon you. But successfully pursuing a personal injury claim isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. That’s why it’s often best for accident victims in the Seattle area to discuss their circumstances with an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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