If you get into a car accident in the state of Washington, you are no doubt facing some sudden and unexpected expenses. From personal injury to damage to your vehicle or other property, these bills can add up quickly. The state of Washington is a comparative fault state. What that means is that the fault of all people involved in an accident comes into play when figuring out damages and who gets paid what. Since these answers are not usually obvious, it might be in your best interests to get an attorney to help you with your claims. It is likely necessary to hire an attorney if you answer yes to any or all of these questions:
1. Did You Suffer Injuries in the Crash?
If you have a small fender bender where nobody suffered any injuries along with minimal damage to your car, then you probably don’t need an attorney. However, if you are in a more serious accident and suffered injuries that required a hospital visit and some additional medical care, then it would be advisable to at least speak to a car accident attorney about what your options are. Sometimes, these injuries are not immediately apparent. In the state of Washington, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim, so it does not need to happen right away.
2. Are Your Injuries Permanent or Long-Lasting?
Sometimes, injuries are not minor and temporary. Sometimes a car accident changes the course of your life due to the pain or limitations from the injuries you’ve suffered. If you have suffered a more severe injury in a car accident, then you might be unknowingly leaving a lot of money on the table without a car accident attorney’s guidance. It is important to maintain a detailed and organized record of your injuries, treatment, and any follow up care. This record is an important key to winning your case. An experienced car accident attorney will help you properly build your case for the maximum recovery.
3. Have You Been Asked to Provide Medical Records or a Statement?
When you are dealing with car insurance companies’ claims adjusters and their lawyers, you need to know that they are working on their company’s behalf, not yours. If they are asking for your statement or asking you to provide medical records, then you need to know they are doing that to help build their case. A claims adjuster or insurance lawyer don’t keep their employment by giving out their company’s money at will. When giving sensitive information to the other side like your statement or medical records, it is important to understand what ramifications they will have on your case and recovery.
4. Is Your Insurance Company Refusing to Pay?
One of the most obvious indicators that it is time to hire an attorney is when the insurance company that you have been dealing with refuses to pay all or some of your claim. Their business rests on minimizing claims in order to maximize profits. So, don’t take it personally when they pretty coldly refuse to pay the crushing bills that can come with the aftermath of a car accident. These companies know that you aren’t an attorney so they will do what they can to maneuver you into questionable decisions surrounding your case and claim. Don’t fall into this trap, get ahead of the insurance companies and speak to an experienced car accident attorney.
5. Is Liability in Question?
Since Washington is a comparative fault state, liability has to be determined and apportioned before any payouts are made. You and the other parties involved in the accident may not agree over what happened exactly. Who caused the accident? Who was more at fault? How much insurance coverage did each side have? The answers to these questions help to determine liability and payouts for both sides. It is best to speak to a car accident attorney to help best calculate what the potential outcomes are in determining liability.
Sofia’s No Fee Guarantee
Attorney Sofia K. Miguel guarantees that you will never write a check to our office under Sofia’s “No Fee Guarantee.” Any initial consultation is free and if your case is selected, then Sofia will also cover all court costs as they accrue during your case. Sofia only gets paid when you get paid. Her services will cost you nothing out of pocket; simple as that. Let Sofia’s nearly twenty years of experience in helping people recover for their personal injuries get to work for you now. If you have suffered a personal injury due to a car accident, attorney Sofia Miguel is standing by to answer your questions and help you fight to get the money you deserve. Call us at 253-200-4471, come visit our office right here in Puyallup at 702 S. Hill Park Dr. #207, or contact us online anytime. We are here for you.
0 Comments