Spokane Car Accident Lawyer

Lehmbecker Law: Advocating for Spokane Car Accident Victims

At Lehmbecker Law, we’ve been standing up for car accident victims in Spokane and across Washington State since 1986. Our personal injury law firm combines decades of experience with a commitment to securing the maximum compensation our clients deserve.

From the moment you call us, you get a dedicated legal team ready to protect your rights and guide you through every step of your car accident claim.

A serious crash can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with an insurance company that may be more focused on its bottom line than helping you. Our Spokane car accident attorneys know the challenges you face, and we’re here to take that burden off your shoulders.

Spokane & Washington Car Accident Statistics

In 2024, Washington recorded 730 traffic fatalities. Impaired drivers were involved in 52% of cases, speeding in 66%, and distracted driving in 19%.

Men made up about two-thirds of fatalities, and most of the deceased were White, followed by Hispanic, Black, and then Asian/Pacific Islander victims. The highest fatality counts were among people aged 25 to 40. Drivers of motor vehicles were the largest decedent group, followed by pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Behind each statistic is a story — a family member coping with the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident, or an injury victim navigating painful and stressful recovery. These crashes are not just numbers; they represent real human impact. This is where our advanced knowledge and skills with automobile accidents can have their greatest impact.

Causes of Car Accidents in Spokane and Washington State

Accidents happen for many reasons, but in Spokane, several patterns emerge:

• Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting GPS, eating, or even talking to passengers can divert attention from the road.
• Speeding: Common on I-90 and rural highways, reducing reaction time and increasing impact severity.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs impair judgment and coordination.
• Reckless or aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or unsafe passing maneuvers.
• Failure to yield: Especially dangerous at Spokane’s busy intersections like Division and Sprague.
• Weather hazards: Snow, ice, and fog contribute to winter crashes.
• Vehicle defects: Faulty brakes or tire blowouts can cause single-vehicle accidents or collisions with others.

When someone else’s negligence causes the crash, you may be entitled to seek compensation under Washington’s personal injury law.

Frequent Car Accident Types in Spokane and Across Washington

Car crashes happen in different ways, and each type can affect how injuries are treated and how claims are handled.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end accidents are common in Spokane and typically occur when a driver follows too closely or loses focus on the road in front of them. While the trailing driver is usually at fault, sudden stops, broken brake lights, or faulty brakes can complicate fault determinations. Whiplash is a frequent injury in these crashes, and because symptoms can appear later, proving the connection to the accident can be challenging.

Head-On Collisions

These high-impact crashes happen when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often due to distraction, impairment, or driving the wrong way. They are among the most dangerous types of accidents, with a high risk of severe injury or death. When fatalities occur, families may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover both economic and emotional losses.

Side-Impact Crashes (T-Bone Accidents)

T-bone collisions usually take place at intersections when a driver fails to yield or runs a red light. The side of a vehicle offers less protection, making injuries more serious. Establishing fault often depends on witness accounts, video evidence, and a clear understanding of local traffic laws.

Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups

Pile-ups, often occurring on highways like I-90 during poor weather, involve multiple cars and a chain reaction of impacts. Determining the sequence of events and assigning fault can be complex, and the involvement of several insurance companies often makes resolving claims more difficult.

Single-Vehicle Accidents

While they involve only one car, they can still stem from someone else’s negligence, such as poorly maintained roads or defective auto parts.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Leaving the accident scene is illegal. However, when that does happen or when the at-fault driver has no insurance, victims can still recover compensation through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on their own policies.

Typical Injuries Resulting from Spokane Car Accidents

Even a low-speed car crash can cause injuries requiring costly medical care. Common auto accident injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impact or whiplash
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Fractured bones in the arms, legs, or ribs
• Whiplash and neck strain
• Back injuries, including herniated discs and bulging discs
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Lacerations and burns from shattered glass or fire
• Soft tissue injuries causing lasting pain and reduced mobility

These injuries can lead to medical expenses, time off work, and long-term disability — all factors we address when building your personal injury claim.

Washington's Car Accident Laws You Should Know

Washington follows an at-fault insurance system. The other driver’s insurance company pays for damages if their policyholder is found liable. Minimum coverage requirements are:

• $25,000 for injury or death to one person
• $50,000 for injury or death to multiple people
• $10,000 for property damage

Victims have three years from the date of the vehicle accident to file a personal injury case or wrongful death claim. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and witness statements.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Spokane

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Check for injuries and provide aid if possible.
3. Move vehicles to safety if it’s safe to do so.
4. Exchange details with all involved drivers.
5. Document the scene with photos and videos.
6. Get contact info from witnesses.
7. Seek medical treatment promptly.
8. Contact a Spokane car accident attorney before dealing with the insurer.

Your Compensation Options After a Spokane Car Accident

After a crash in Spokane, there are several ways to recover the compensation you need, depending on the circumstances of your accident and the insurance coverage available:

• Filing an insurance claim: We file with the at-fault driver’s insurer, pushing for a fair settlement that covers all losses.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist claim: Protects you if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
• Personal injury claim: Filed in court to pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering when settlement talks fail.

Who Can Be Liable in a Spokane Car Accident?

Liable parties may include:

• The at-fault driver
• The parents of young drivers
• Vehicle manufacturers (for defects like faulty brakes)
• Government agencies (for unsafe roads)
• Bars/restaurants (in DUI accidents with injuries and wrongful death cases)

Types of Damages You Can Recover After a Car Crash

Victims can claim:

• Medical expenses (past/future)
• Lost income and reduced future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium for your spouse and other close family members

Filing a Car Accident Personal Injury Case in Spokane

Although every case is different, most personal injury claims follow a similar sequence.

• Begin with a free consultation where we discuss your accident, review the facts, and explain your legal options.
• Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to support your case.
• File a formal complaint against the party responsible for your injuries.
• Exchange information and evidence with the other side during the discovery phase.
• Negotiate with the insurance company to work toward a fair settlement.
• Participate in mediation or arbitration if needed to resolve disputes without a trial.
• Present your case in court if the other side refuses to agree to fair compensation.

Starting a claim can feel intimidating, but knowing these steps can make the process more transparent and help you feel more prepared.

Proving Negligence in Your Spokane Car Accident Case

Winning a personal injury claim requires showing that the other party’s actions meet the legal standard for negligence. This means proving four essential points:

• The other party had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm.
• That responsibility was broken through careless or reckless behavior.
• This failure directly caused the accident and your injuries.
• You suffered real losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and/or pain and suffering.

Our Spokane car accident lawyers know how to gather and present the evidence needed to prove each element. From securing witness statements to working with accident reconstruction experts, we build a strong case designed to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.

Why Lehmbecker Law Is the Right Choice for Your Spokane Car Accident Case

Choosing the right law firm after a crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case — both financially and personally. Here’s why Spokane accident victims have turned to Lehmbecker Law for decades.

We don’t just handle your case — we stand by you from accident claim to final settlement or verdict.