What to Do After a Car Accident in Seattle, Washington

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Were you injured in a car accident in Seattle, WA? Knowing what to do next is critical to protecting your health, finances, and legal rights, whether it’s a fender-bender or a serious collision.

At Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent decades helping crash victims throughout Seattle recover the compensation they need. Our legal team has secured tens of millions of dollars for injured clients, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process following a collision. 

Contact our Seattle car accident lawyers  at (206) 727 4000 for a free consultation.

How Davis Law Group Can Help After a Car Accident in Seattle, WA

Knowing what to do after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, and pushback from insurance companies. Once you’ve received medical attention and reported the crash, one of the most important next steps is to speak with an experienced lawyer at Davis Law Group.

When you hire our Seattle car accident attorneys, we’ll handle every part of your case so you can focus on healing. More specifically, we will:

• Investigate the cause of your crash
• Identify every liable party
• Work with accident reconstructionists and other experts as needed
• Gather key evidence to prove fault
• Calculate all of your economic and non-economic damages
• Handle all negotiations with insurance companies
• Take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Our Seattle personal injury lawyers have been recognized by Top American Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and other prestigious legal organizations. 

You won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you under our contingency fee structure. Reach out to us today in Seattle, Washington, for a free consultation. 

What Steps Should I Take After a Car Accident in Washington?

Knowing what steps to take after a car accident can protect your well-being.

They include the following:

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call for Help

Your safety is the first priority after a crash. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road or out of traffic. Check on others involved and call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or there is significant property damage.

Washington law also requires drivers to report accidents that result in injury, death, or over $1,000 in damage. When you call 911, the dispatcher will send police and emergency services to the scene.

Seek Medical Attention, Even if You Feel Okay

Some injuries, like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding, may not be obvious right away. Even if you feel okay, it’s a good idea to get evaluated by a doctor.

Medical documentation will also be critical if you choose to file a personal injury claim. It helps link your injuries to the crash and supports your case for compensation.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

After making sure everyone is safe, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get:

• Full names and contact details
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• Insurance company names and policy numbers
• Make and model of each vehicle

Avoid getting into a debate about who was at fault, and be careful not to apologize or accept blame. Saying those kinds of things could hurt your case later on.

Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene

If it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. This might include taking photos and video of the crash scene, including:

• Vehicle damage
• Skid marks
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs or signals
• Any visible injuries

This visual evidence could become crucial later when proving fault or showing how the crash occurred. If there were any witnesses nearby, ask for their names and contact information as well.

File a Police Report

In Washington, police officers will usually complete a crash report at the scene. If law enforcement doesn’t respond, you’re required to file your own collision report with the Washington State Patrol within four days.

A police report can help clarify who was at fault and give your lawyer a head start on the investigation.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Let your insurance provider know about the accident as soon as possible. Most companies require prompt notice of a claim, and failure to report could affect your coverage.

Stick to the facts when you speak with your adjuster. Do not speculate or admit fault, even if you think you might be partially to blame. 

Avoid Speaking With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

You might receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident with them before you’ve talked to a lawyer.

They may ask you to give a recorded statement or offer a low settlement early on. These tactics are designed to limit your compensation. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney instead.

Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review

If you were involved in a car accident in Seattle, WA, Davis Law Group is here to help you make the most of your claim for compensation. With decades of combined experience and tens of millions recovered for our clients, you can feel confident that you’ll be in good hands throughout the process.

Call our award-winning team today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to speak with our Seattle car accident lawyers about your legal rights and options, and we don’t get paid unless we win money for your case.