Lehmbecker Law: Your Best Choice After a Car Accident in Federal Way, Washington

After an automobile accident in Washington, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.

Lehmbecker Law represents car accident victims in Federal Way and throughout the state. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to upholding your rights and seeking the maximum recovery for your injuries and other losses.

We understand the challenges you’re likely facing after your accident and are here to lead you toward a more secure future.

Car Accident Statistics in Washington State

Car accidents are a serious concern in Washington, with fatalities on the rise. As data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission shows, the number of lives lost in these tragic incidents increased from 462 in 2014 to 810 in 2023. This alarming trend underscores the need for greater attention to road safety and the importance of holding the at-fault parties accountable.

Washington’s Car Accident Laws

Washington State's legal framework for car accidents, outlined in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington, is fault-based, meaning the responsible driver is liable for paying damages.

The state operates under a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you were partly to blame for your accident, you might still be able to recover some damages (though the amount might be reduced).

Additionally, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance and must report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage within a specific timeframe.

Washington is also a personal injury protection (PIP) state (this is an optional coverage that many people don’t have but we encourage it), meaning your auto insurance policy will provide you with some compensation for medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident, if you elect to add this optional coverage. However, the amount of coverage can vary ($10,000 - most common, up to $35,000) and it may not be enough to cover all your expenses, especially in serious accidents.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Federal Way, WA

Car accidents in Federal Way, like many other cities, occur due to a variety of factors, both environmental and human-related.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, grooming, or engaging in other activities that divert attention from the road is one of the most frequent causes of accidents.
• Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction time, making accidents more likely.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver's ability to control their vehicle and can increase the severity of an accident.
• Aggressive Driving: Behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and failing to yield can lead to dangerous situations, including accidents.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and making improper turns are common causes of collisions, particularly at intersections.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can impair a driver's ability to stay alert and react promptly to hazards.
• Inclement Weather: Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, contributing to accidents.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, poorly maintained roads, and construction zones can create dangerous conditions for drivers.

By making an effort to understand these causes, you can practice defensive driving and reduce your risk of a crash.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle

Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time in any number of ways.

Some of the most common types of car accidents in Federal Way include:

• Rear-End Collisions: A driver follows too closely behind another vehicle and fails to stop in time.
• Intersection Accidents: Vehicles collide while passing through an intersection, often due to failure to yield or running a red light.
• Left-Turn Accidents: A driver making a left turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic.
• Head-On Collisions: A driver crosses the centerline and collides with an oncoming vehicle.
• Rollover Accidents: A vehicle tips over onto its side or roof, often due to high speeds or sharp turns.
• Sideswipe Accidents: Two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides.

Whether you're a driver, a passenger, a pedestrian hit while crossing the street, or a cyclist struck by a car, being in an accident can be a traumatic experience.

Car Accident Injuries in Federal Way

Car accidents can cause numerous injuries that range in severity depending on the circumstances of the crash, some of which may be hidden.

Some of the injuries frequently sustained in car accidents include:

Whiplash

This common injury occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, straining the muscles and ligaments in the neck.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue damage can include sprains, strains, and contusions to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues.

Back and Spinal Cord Injuries

Injuries to the back and spine can range from mild to severe, potentially resulting in chronic pain, paralysis, or loss of mobility.

Head and Brain Injuries

Impacts to the head can result in concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures, all of which can have long-lasting consequences.

Broken Bones

Fractures can occur in any part of the body and often require surgery, rehabilitation, and pain management.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries affect the vital organs, blood vessels, and other tissues. They tend to require extensive medical treatment and can be life-threatening if not addressed appropriately.

Emotional Distress

The trauma of a car crash can give rise to emotional issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Wrongful Death

When a car accident results in a fatality due to another person's negligence, it’s considered a wrongful death. Losing a loved one can have devastating consequences for the surviving family members, who may face significant financial and emotional hardships.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Federal Way

Following a car accident, it's crucial to take steps to defend your legal rights (including your right to seek fair compensation) and ensure that you receive the proper medical care.

Here are some immediate actions you should take:

Check Yourself for Injuries

As soon as it’s safe to do so, stop and assess the situation and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Seek medical attention immediately if needed.

Call the Police

Report the accident to the authorities. The official police report will be a crucial piece of evidence should you decide to file a car accident claim.

Gather Information

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. It’s also a good idea to request the personal details of any eyewitnesses who were at the scene.

Document the Accident

Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles involved, your or your passengers’ injuries, the location, and any relevant road signs suggesting negligence.

Seek Legal Advice

When you’re ready, contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your case and gain a better understanding of your legal rights.

Exploring Your Legal Options

You have a couple of legal options available to you if you've been injured in a car accident in Federal Way. One is to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. If that fails, you can consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing an Insurance Claim

This is typically the first step in seeking compensation for injuries and other losses. A qualified attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If the insurance company refuses to offer you what you need, or if your damages exceed the responsible party’s policy limits, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Claim

For your personal injury lawsuit to succeed, you must convince the court that the at-fault party was negligent.

This involves establishing four key elements:

1. The At-Fault Driver Owed You a Duty of Care: All drivers have a duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others on the road.
2. They Breached Their Duty of Care: The driver failed to act in a reasonably safe manner by speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
3. The Breach Caused Your Injuries: The driver's breach of duty was directly connected to your injuries.
4. You Experienced Harm or Loss: You’ve suffered actual harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or property damage.

A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you gather and present evidence to establish negligence and build a strong case for compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Car Accident?

The following parties can be held liable for a car accident in Washington State:

• The At-Fault Driver: In most cases, the driver whose negligence or recklessness caused the incident will be found liable.
• The Vehicle Owner: If the at-fault driver was operating someone else's vehicle, the owner of the vehicle may also bear responsibility.
• The At-Fault Driver’s Employer: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer may share the fault.
• Government Entities: If the accident occurred due to a dangerous road condition or malfunctioning traffic signal, you may be able to sue the negligent government entity.

Your attorney will identify all parties that had a role to play in your accident and pursue damages from them sufficient to cover your resulting expenses.

Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim

You may be entitled to recover financial compensation for a diversity of losses and negative effects.

Here are some of the typical damages awarded in car accident cases:

• Medical Expenses: This category includes medical bills stemming from hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and other treatments related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your current and future lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages compensate victims for the physical pain and emotional distress their accidents cause.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you can potentially recover the costs of repairing or replacing it.
• Loss of Consortium: This term refers to the loss of companionship or support from a spouse or partner due to the injuries sustained in the accident.

As part of their duties, your lawyer will evaluate the full extent of your losses and the possible compensation you may be entitled to.

Types of Evidence Used in Car Accident Claims

Any time a car accident occurs, gathering strong evidence is crucial for maximizing the chances of a successful claim. Different types of evidence might be helpful based on the specifics of the accident.

Police Report

The official police report is the single most important piece of evidence you can present. It provides an official account of the accident, including key details like the time, location, weather conditions, and vehicles and drivers involved, along with witness statements, a diagram of the scene, and any traffic citations issued.

Photos and Videos

Visual documentation can be highly valuable, including photos of the accident scene depicting your injuries and damage to your vehicle and the surrounding environment. Dashcam and surveillance camera footage can also be illustrative.

Medical Records

If you sustained injuries, your medical records will be essential for showing the extent of your damages. They may include emergency room discharge paperwork, doctor's notes and reports, physical therapy records, and prescriptions.

Witness Statements

Detailed statements from anyone who witnessed the accident can be valuable, including eyewitness accounts and testimony from other drivers involved.

Expert Testimony

In complex cases, expert testimony can be useful for explaining technical aspects of the accident. For instance, accident reconstruction specialists can use scientific methods to recreate the accident and determine the cause, and medical professionals can evaluate your injuries and provide an opinion on their severity and long-term impact.

Other Information

Depending on the specific circumstances, other documents may be relevant or helpful, such as insurance policies, employment records, and property damage estimates, and airbag crash data.

Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Washington

In Washington State, you have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Even so, it's important to act quickly, as evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.

It's in your best interests to consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand the applicable deadlines and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the ensuing legal process.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law to Handle Your Car Accident Case?

The veteran attorneys at Lehmbecker Law have a proven track record of success helping car accident victims in Federal Way and throughout Washington State. We’re passionate about helping our injured clients recover the compensation they need to heal and move on with their lives.

Here are a few reasons to consider hiring us to manage your car accident claim: