How Does Car Insurance in Washington State Work?

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Car insurance often plays a key role in what happens after an accident in Washington. If you’re involved in a crash, the type of coverage you have and who is found at fault can significantly impact what compensation is available. 

Washington is an at-fault insurance state, which means the driver who caused the crash is usually responsible for paying for damages. Still, things aren’t always that simple. 

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has decades of combined experience helping clients understand their insurance options and pursue financial recovery. Our Washington car accident lawyers recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims across the state and can help you fight for fair compensation after a crash. 

Contact our Washington personal injury attorneys today at (206) 727 4000 to schedule a free consultation if you need help. 

How Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Washington State Car Accident

Car insurance rules can be hard enough to navigate on their own, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and missed work. That’s where we come in. At Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle the legal process while you focus on healing.

Here’s how our experienced Washington car accident attorneys can help:

• Review your insurance coverage and benefits
• Determine who was at fault for the crash
• Gather evidence, including police reports and witness statements
• Calculate all of your economic and non-economic damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Help you avoid costly mistakes and missed deadlines
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered

We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for people across Washington and have a reputation for taking on tough cases. Contact our Washington personal injury lawyers today for a free case review.

Washington Is a Fault-Based State

In Washington, car accidents fall under a “fault” system. That means the at-fault driver and their insurance company must pay for any damage.

This differs from a “no-fault” state, where each driver’s own insurance covers basic medical expenses no matter who caused the crash. 

In Washington, you have a few different options after a car accident:

• File a claim with your own insurance company, which may pursue reimbursement later
• File a third-party claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court

Before any of this happens, though, insurance companies will often investigate the crash to decide who was at fault. That decision plays a big role in determining whether your claim is approved and how much money is offered.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Washington State

Every driver in Washington must carry minimum amounts of liability coverage to legally operate a vehicle. This type of insurance pays for damages you cause to others.

The amounts are subject to change over time, but currently, the minimum required amounts are:

• $25,000 for injuries or death to one person
• $50,000 for injuries or deaths of any two people per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

These limits may be enough for minor accidents, but they often fall short in serious collisions. If the damages exceed these limits, the at-fault driver can be held personally responsible for the remaining costs.

Optional Insurance Coverage in Washington

While liability coverage is required, drivers in Washington can choose to buy extra coverage to better protect themselves. 

Some common optional types of car insurance include:

• Personal injury protection (PIP): Pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, no matter who caused the accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): Covers you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little insurance
• Collision coverage: Helps pay for repairs to your own car after a crash
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-crash-related damage, such as theft, fire, or weather events
• Rental car reimbursement: Covers rental costs while your car is in the shop

These protections can offer peace of mind and financial support if the other driver isn’t adequately insured or your expenses go beyond what their policy will pay.

What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault for the Crash?

In some crashes, both drivers may share blame. Washington handles these situations using a rule called pure comparative negligence, which means that your compensation will typically be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re awarded $40,000 in damages but are found to be 25% at fault, your final recovery would likely be $30,000. You can potentially still recover damages even if you’re 90% at fault, but your recovery will usually be limited accordingly.

Insurance companies often try to use this rule to reduce how much they have to pay. An experienced Washington car accident attorney can protect your rights and push back against unfair blame.

Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Understanding how car insurance works in Washington is key after a crash. Whether you’re dealing with an uninsured driver or a complex claim, Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you protect your rights.

We have decades of combined experience handling insurance disputes, injury claims, and civil lawsuits across Washington State. We’ll put that experience to work for you and fight for the money you need.

Contact our Washington car accident attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only receive attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your case.