Is Washington an at-fault state for car accidents?

Car accident victims know that a car accident can impact your life in many ways. Generally, car accident victims will likely experience one or more of the following:

• Physical injuries: From cuts and bruises to traumatic brain injuries, many accident victims must undergo surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and other treatments to recover from their accident.
• Lost wages: Many accident victims are unable to work after the accident, making it impossible for them to earn the money they need to support their family.
• Loss of earning capacity: Some accident victims are never able to return to work as their injuries keep them from the career they used to have.
• Pain and suffering: Accident victims often suffer a great deal due to their physical injuries.
• Emotional and mental distress: Accident victims often experience depression, anxiety, insomnia, and mental distress after a traumatic accident.

Because Washington is an at-fault state, the parties who caused your accident and their insurers are responsible for paying your damages. Washington car accident victims have three years after the accident to file a claim against the parties who are liable for the accident. Most car accident claims require the victim to establish that the other party was negligent in some capacity.

For example, the other driver in the accident may have violated state law by driving at an excessive rate of speed. The other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries and damages. Therefore, the other driver will be liable for your medical expenses and other accident-related damages.

If you are partially responsible for your own car accident, the damages awarded to you will be reduced by the court based on your percentage of fault.

Recovering compensation after an accident can get complicated and may require the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney can help build a solid case in your favor so you can recover the damages you deserve.

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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