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Lehmbecker Law Firm

Bellevue Personal Injury Lawyers

  • Types of cases we take
    • Vehicle Accidents
    • Work Injuries | Construction Site Accidents
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    • Medical Malpractice
    • Wrongful Death
    • Nursing Home Abuse
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  Fax: (425) 278-5908   | FREE CONSULTATION: (888) 889-6895  

What if I’m involved in a collision with an Uninsured Driver?

Even if you have never been injured in a car accident, you know the drill. Assuming everyone is okay, you get out and ask the other driver for his or her insurance information. But what if they don’t have any? Here are some things to think about.

Washington State Has a Lot of Uninsured Drivers

Washington State drivers are especially bad at getting insured. Despite facing a $550 fine, data from the Insurance Information Institute shows that about 16.1% of Washington’s drivers are uninsured. That is significantly worse than the national average of 12.6%, and it gives Washington the 10th worst rate in the nation. To protect yourself from uninsured drivers, you should consider adding the following special coverages to your own insurance.  

Coverages to Look for on Your Own Policy

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured (UM) and Underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage provides compensation to the injured party when they are hurt by another driver who has insufficient insurance to cover their damages.  For example, if the at fault driver has no insurance or an inadequate amount of coverage, then your own insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault driver for the purposes of compensating the injured party.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses and wage loss incurred from motor vehicle injuries, regardless of who is at fault.  Thus, even if the other driver is uninsured, or the accident was your fault, you will have compensation for at least $10,000 in medical bills (you can also pay for higher coverage, typically $35,000.)  This medical insurance is superior to most private insurance.  There are no deductibles or co-pays.  There are no arbitrary limits on provider visits (like chiropractic or physical therapy visits) and you can see any physician you choose.  PIP coverage is a great value and is highly recommended.

What to do if Struck by an Uninsured Driver

After any car accident, you should call the police so that a report can be filed and get immediate medical treatment if needed. Try to record the other vehicle’s license plate number. Then try to get full contact information from both the other driver and any witnesses. Document all your costs in the coming days, including items like medical care and a rental car.

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, collision insurance or personal injury protection on your policy, you’ll need to pay for repairs, medical bills (unless you have health insurance), and maybe a rental car. You may then personally pursue the at-fault party directly to recover your costs.

If an uninsured driver fails to pay collision damages, you may report it to the WA State Dept. of Licensing (DOL) by completing a Motor Vehicle Claim for Damages within 180 days of the collision.

  • To qualify, the collision must have resulted in at least $1,000 in property damages or an injury.
  • If the uninsured driver fails to pay, the DOL could suspend their driver license.

Since it can be difficult to collect from an uninsured driver, it’s best plan to make sure you have UM coverage under your own insurance.  And if you’re struck by an uninsured driver, get legal help at once to maximize your ability to recover all compensation to which you’re entitled.

We Are Happy to Help

An experienced professional at Lehmbecker Law Firm is always willing to meet for a free case review where we can discuss your situation and, if appropriate, lay out a plan to pursue compensation.

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Settlements:

$460,000

Obtained for our client after being hit by driver making an illegal U-turn.

$5.7 Million

obtained for our client after being hit by a car while taking a walk in Bellevue, WA.

$2,000,000

for our client who suffered permanent cardiovascular impairment after his surgeon performed an unnecessary procedure during a heart surgery.

$2,000,000

for a young woman who suffered multiple orthopedic injuries after being struck in a crosswalk by a taxicab.

$2,000,000

for an elderly woman who suffered a shoulder injury after being struck in a crosswalk by a delivery van.

More Testimonials

Client Reviews:

“Please allow me to take this moment of your time to say thank you to all the members in your firm who worked on my case. I was so proud of the way my attorney handled herself and stood by myside during the court proceedings. It has been an honor and a privilege for me having all your legal help and advice for the past two years. It’s hard to say goodbye. Again, thank you.”

Kim Kent, WA

“Thanks again for all your help! You made a difficult situation much easier on us. We really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

Alana

“Lehmbecker Law has been outstanding in helping me deal with my Workers’ Comp claim. Before I hired them, it was very stressful trying to deal with the insurance companies and the medical bills. As soon as Lehmbecker Law took my case, my stress levels dropped and I was able to concentrate on getting better. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs help with their workers’ comp claim.”

N.H. Woodinville, WA

“After a full year of fighting, Lehmbecker Law got me a full year of back wage loss. I couldn’t be happier or more relieved. This will make such a difference in my life. Now we are working on my vocational plan. Lehmbecker Law has been there for me and I will recommend them to anyone who needs help fighting L&I.”

A. Mayberry Woodinville, WA

“After my mother and I were involved in a car accident at the Westfield Shopping Mall at Southcenter I was in a lot of pain. Having your law firm oversee my medical treatment and make sure my bills got paid took away a lot of my stress. And, the settlement I received was even more than I expected. I recommend that anyone involved in a car accident call you and get representation. I truly believe I received a bigger settlement with you fighting for me than I would have gotten on my own.”

M. Bonifacio Federal Way, WA

“I am very happy with the results I received from settling two different cases I had with Mr. Lehmbecker and his law firm.

Mr. Lehmbecker is a very caring and knowledgeable attorney and I felt confident throughout both my cases that he would give me excellent results. I highly recommend Mr. Lehmbecker to anyone who has a personal injury, worker’s compensation or medical malpractice case.”

Y. Knotts Redmond, WA

“I am a lawyer in this community and have had the pleasure of working side by side with two lawyers from this firm, as well as some of the staff members. I am always glad to see other lawyers in the community doing a good job in representing their clients, and the lawyers with Larry Lehmbecker’s office will do that.”

“I have known Larry Lehmbecker for 15 years. I have conferred with Larry over the years regarding personal injury and workers’ compensation issues because I respect his knowledge and experience. I have always found his problem solving and case strategy skills to be thoughtful, practical, and helpful. I consider Larry to be one of top attorneys in his field.”

Attorney Christine Foster

“I had never been in a motor vehicle accident before, and I didn’t know who to turn to for help. After doing research on law firms in the area, I learned about Lehmbecker Law. My case was not an easy one, and there was a lot of emotion along the way. The team at Lehmbecker Law was terrific at navigating the difficulties of my case, from beginning to end. Throughout the process they were responsive, professional, and put my mind at ease during a difficult time. I strongly recommend that anybody who has been in a serious accident reach out to Lehmbecker Law.”

Katrina Issaquah

“Recently, I needed legal services to help me with my injury claim resulting from a drunk driver. The team at Lehmbecker Law was very helpful in the resolution of my claim. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have known how to address the many issues in my case. I would strongly recommend Lehmbecker Law for people who are injured and need help.”

Mozeyl Seattle

“This is an outstanding firm. I have used them twice now, and I would recommend them strongly to anybody who needs legal advice. I had a great experience with both of my cases. They are a very caring firm that truly has their clients’ best interests at heart.”

Darcelle Snohomish

“This law firm is Great. They kept me informed on all that was going on, they cared, were compassionate, kept on top of it like you were their only client. They are not afraid to take on the big companies to help out the little guy. Always straight shooters with me never had to ask twice and when I did have a question if the person I talked to didn’t know the answer they would find out what it was and always called you back. I never had a problem getting to talk to someone in the office, they never put me off with I will have them call you back unless they were not in the office, they always called back in a timely manner and with the questions I wanted answered. Great people to work with.I would recommend this law firm without hesitation to anyone that needed a great lawyer. I have had other lawyers in the past for different reasons and most of the time it was hard to get to speak to someone in the office not here. If you want a great law team on your side choose Larry Lehmbecker.”

Brenda

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Locations:

Washington Federal Building
400 108th Ave NE, Ste. 500 Bellevue, WA 98004

Uptown Square
1066 S. 320th St.
Building K, Suite F
Federal Way, WA 98003

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Just a few of our past clients…

Lehmbecker Law

Bellevue Car Accident Lawyer

400 - 108th Ave. NE, Suite 500 Bellevue, WA 98004

(425) 455-3186 (888) 889-6895