Free Consultation

One minute, you’re driving through Seattle, thinking about your day. The next, everything changes with a crash, a jolt, and the sound of metal crunching. Now, you are left with pain, medical bills, missed work, and the stress of figuring out what comes next.

At the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, we know the struggles that many people face after a motor vehicle incident.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, now is the time to take action before bills pile up and evidence disappears. A skilled Seattle car accident lawyer is ready to take on your claim and get the compensation you deserve.

Facts About Car Accidents in Seattle

With Seattle’s growing population and bustling roadways, these factors can contribute to frequent car accidents. The heavy traffic congestion, rainy weather, and a mix of urban and suburban driving environments are the perfect conditions for collisions to occur.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), 27,370 crashes happened in King County last year. Many of these resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.

Common causes of car accidents in Seattle include:

  • Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, or even talking to people in the vehicle can lead to accidents.
  • Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions puts everyone at risk.
  • Drunk or impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use while behind the wheel are a dangerous combination.
  • Reckless driving: Aggressive driving, running red lights, and failing to yield are preventable behaviors that increase the risk of car crashes.
  • Poor weather conditions: Rain, fog, and icy roads create a hazardous driving environment.

No matter the cause, if you have been injured due to another driver’s negligence, our Seattle car accident attorney is here to help you answer your questions. We are here to take on your potential claim.

Washington State Car Accident Laws

Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, or lost wages, understanding your rights in these cases can make all the difference in your recovery.

Here’s what you need to know about Washington’s car accident laws and how they can impact your claim.

Fault Can Affect Claims

Washington follows a pure comparative negligence system. That means that even if you were partially at fault for the crash, you can still recover compensation, but it will be at a reduced amount.

For example:

  • If you were 20% at fault for an accident and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would still receive $80,000 after deducting your portion of the fault.
  • Even if you were 99% at fault, you could still recover 1% of your damages.

Insurance companies love using this rule to reduce payouts. Having a lawyer on your side can help push back against unfair blame and get you the compensation you deserve.

Statute of Limitations

Washington law (RCW 4.16.080) gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation, even if you have a strong case.

That might seem like plenty of time, but gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and building a case takes time. If you’re even thinking about filing a claim, you will want to start sooner rather than later.

Washington’s Insurance Requirements

Washington requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. These include:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage

While these limits might sound reasonable, they do not always cover the full cost of a serious accident. Since Washington is a “fault” state, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for covering damages. However, getting a fair settlement is rarely easy. This is why having a lawyer in your corner can make a huge difference.

A Seattle car accident lawyer can protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. Find out how the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, can assist with your case.

Seattle, WA

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Seattle Car Accident Attorney

Have You Suffered These Injuries in a Car Accident?

A car crash can leave you shaken, scared, and in pain. Sometimes, it is more pain than you realize at first. Even if you walk away thinking you’re fine, injuries can appear hours, days, or weeks later.

Some injuries heal quickly, while others stick with you for life. This can affect everything from your job to your daily routine.

Here are some of the most common injuries people suffer after a car accident:

  • Whiplash: That sudden jolt can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck and back. This can lead to stiffness, headaches, and long-term pain. Whiplash is more than a minor ache; it can take months to heal.
  • Broken bones: A hard impact can lead to fractures that require surgery, physical therapy, and weeks or months of recovery. Broken ribs, arms, legs, and even facial fractures are common in high-impact crashes.
  • Head injuries: You do not have to hit your head on the dashboard to suffer a concussion. Even the force of the crash can cause brain trauma, leading to dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, and trouble focusing. In severe cases, traumatic brain injuries can lead to lifelong cognitive issues.
  • Spinal cord injuries: Back pain after a crash might seem minor at first, but nerve damage, herniated discs, or even paralysis can develop over time. Some spinal injuries require extensive treatment or even permanent lifestyle changes.
  • Soft tissue injuries: These do not always show up on X-rays. Muscle tears, ligament damage, and deep bruises can limit movement and cause continuous discomfort.

Even minor injuries can lead to chronic pain, expensive medical bills, and lost wages if they keep you from working. This is why you want to seek fair compensation.

If you’re struggling with an injury after a car wreck, you deserve help. A car crash lawyer in Seattle can fight to make sure you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.

What Compensation Can You Get After a Car Accident?

After a car wreck, life does not go back to normal. You are left with medical bills, missed paychecks, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies as you are trying to heal from your injuries. If the accident was not your fault, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden.

Here’s what you may be entitled to in a car accident claim:

  • Medical expenses: Whether it’s ER visits, surgeries, rehab, or ongoing treatments, your medical bills should not come out of your pocket if someone else caused your injuries. A claim can also cover future medical costs if you need long-term care.
  • Lost wages and reduced earning potential: If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can recover compensation for lost income. And if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity.
  • Pain and suffering: A car accident can also cause anxiety, PTSD, depression, and chronic pain. You deserve compensation for the emotional and physical toll the accident has taken on your life.
  • Property damage: Whether your car needs repairs or was totaled, your claim should cover the cost to fix or replace it, plus any damage to personal belongings inside.
  • Wrongful death damages: If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, no amount of money can replace them. But compensation can help ease the financial strain, covering funeral costs, loss of income, and the emotional toll of losing someone you love.

A Seattle car crash lawyer can help make sure you are not settling for less than you deserve. Insurance companies will try to pay out as little as possible, but an experienced attorney will fight for every dollar you’re owed.

We're Proud of Our Results

  • $925,000
    Motorcycle Accident

    Justin’s client sustained significant orthopedic injuries when his motorcycle struck a large depression in the

  • $10,000,000
    Negligent Security

    Permanent injuries from negligent security guard attack, $10,000,000 settlement. Our client was assaulted and permanently injured

  • $3,700,000
    Car Accident

    Multiple collisions on I-90, nearly three years Apart, Cle Elum, Washington, $3,700,000 Settlement. Our clients were

  • $1,969,807
    Motorcycle Accident

    Motorcycle collision on Unsafe Roadway, Everett, Washington, Trial Verdict, $1,969,807.85. Our client was riding his

  • $1,600,000
    Pedestrian Accident

    Crosswalk collision with underinsured driver, Tacoma, Washington, $1,600,000 settlement. Our client was struck as a

  • $1,550,000
    Pedestrian Accident

    Dangerous Seattle sidewalk, trial verdict, Seattle, Washington, $1,550,000. Our client was walking down a darkened West

  • $1,375,000
    Car Accident

    Traffic collision in Bothell, Washington, $1,375,000 settlement. Our client was home for college for the

  • $898,000
    Car Accident

    Traffic collision, Everett, Washington, $898,000 settlement. Our client was involved in two separate collisions one

  • $600,000
    Construction Accident

    Construction site fall, Redmond, Washington, $600,000 settlement. Our client was an experienced construction safety professional with

  • $489,000
    E-Scooter Accident

    E-Scooter collision, Tacoma, Washington, $489,000 settlement. Our client was lawfully riding a Lime scooter down the

A Seattle Car Accident Attorney Is Ready to Assist

Between doctor visits, missed work, and dealing with insurance companies, it’s easy to feel lost and frustrated after a serious auto accident. At the Law Offices of Justin R. Boland, PLLC, we are ready to assist with your claim.

The sooner you act, the better. Our Seattle car accident lawyer can make a difference in your claim. If you would like to see how we can help, make sure to schedule a consultation with our office today.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Thank you for your interest! Get in touch with us today.

Fill out the form below to request a consultation.