Car Accident Attorney in Covington, WA

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life. Even if you’re a safe and cautious driver, you can still be involved in an accident through no fault of your own. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Covington, WA, it’s important to know that you have legal options available to you. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of having a car accident attorney on your side and how to choose the right attorney for your needs.

Understanding Car Accidents and Their Causes

Car accidents are a common occurrence on our roads, and understanding their causes is important for preventing them in the future. The causes of car accidents can vary, but some of the most common include:

Driver error

Driver error is one of the leading causes of car accidents. This can include things like distracted driving, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can also play a role in car accidents. Rain, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and increase the risk of accidents.

Road design

The design of the road can also contribute to car accidents. Poorly designed roads can be confusing for drivers, and lack of proper signage and markings can make it difficult for drivers to navigate.

Mechanical problems

Mechanical problems with the vehicle can also contribute to car accidents. This can include things like brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering problems.

Human factors

Human factors, such as age and experience, can also play a role in car accidents. Young and inexperienced drivers may not have the skills necessary to avoid accidents, while older drivers may have slower reaction times.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Covington, it’s important to take the following steps:

Check for injuries

One of the first things you should do after a car accident is to check for injuries. The safety and well-being of all parties involved in the accident should be your top priority.

If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there are no visible injuries, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some injuries, such as whiplash or head trauma, may not present symptoms until several hours or even days after the accident.

It’s important to be aware of the signs of injury, such as pain, dizziness, headache, or numbness, and seek medical attention if necessary. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s still a good idea to get a medical evaluation to rule out any hidden injuries or underlying medical conditions that may have been aggravated by the accident.

Call the police

When you call the police, they will come to the scene of the accident and create an official report. This report can be important later on if you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. The police report will include details about the accident, including the date, time, and location of the accident, the names and contact information of the drivers involved, the names and contact information of any witnesses, and a description of the damage to the vehicles.

The police report can also include a diagram of the accident scene and a description of the road and weather conditions at the time of the accident. This information can be used to help determine liability and can be important evidence in any legal proceedings.

When the police arrive at the scene, be sure to provide them with all the information they need to create an accurate report. Be truthful and provide as much detail as possible. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask the police officer for guidance.

Exchange information with the other driver

Be sure to get the following information from the other driver:

  • Name and contact information: Get the other driver’s name, phone number, and address.
  • Insurance company and policy number: Find out which insurance company the other driver is insured with and get their policy number.
  • License plate number: Write down the license plate number of the other driver’s vehicle.
  • Vehicle make and model: Find out what type of vehicle the other driver was driving.

It’s also a good idea to take photos of the other driver’s license, registration, and insurance card. This will ensure that you have all the necessary information to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, if necessary.

When exchanging information with the other driver, be polite and courteous. Don’t admit fault or apologize, as this can be used against you later on. Stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

Collect evidence

Collecting evidence after a car accident is important for protecting your legal rights and building a strong case for compensation. 

Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to both vehicles, any injuries sustained by you or others involved in the accident, and any other damage or debris in the area. Be sure to take photos from multiple angles and distances to provide a comprehensive view of the accident scene.

If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information and ask them to provide a statement about what they saw. Witness statements can be powerful evidence in establishing liability.

As mentioned earlier, the police report can provide important information about the accident and can be used as evidence in any legal proceedings.

If you sustained injuries in the accident, be sure to get medical treatment as soon as possible. Keep all records related to your medical treatment, including bills, receipts, and doctor’s notes.

Keep all records related to your insurance claim, including correspondence with the insurance company, receipts for repairs, and any other documentation related to your claim.

It’s important to collect evidence as soon as possible after a car accident, while the details are still fresh in your mind. Be thorough in your documentation, and don’t leave anything out. By collecting strong evidence, you can build a strong case for compensation and protect your legal rights.

Contact your insurance company

After a car accident, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company can provide guidance and support throughout the claims process, and can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

When you contact your insurance company, be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Your policy number
  • The date and time of the accident
  • The location of the accident
  • The names and contact information of any other drivers involved
  • A description of the damage to your vehicle
  • A description of any injuries you sustained

Your insurance company will likely assign an adjuster to your case, who will investigate the accident and determine the amount of compensation you’re entitled to. Be sure to cooperate fully with the adjuster and provide all the information they request.

It’s important to be truthful and accurate when speaking with your insurance company. Do not exaggerate your injuries or damage to your vehicle, as this can be used against you later on. Stick to the facts and avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

A car accident attorney can help you in a number of ways after a car accident, including:

Investigate the accident

An experienced car accident attorney can play a vital role in investigating the circumstances surrounding an accident. Your attorney can analyze all available evidence related to the accident, including the police report, witness statements, medical records, and any other documentation.

A car accident attorney can also consult with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to gain a deeper understanding of the facts surrounding the accident. This can include examining the road conditions, reviewing the damage to the vehicles, and considering the medical treatment received by the injured parties.

One important step in investigating an accident is to visit the scene of the accident. An attorney can gather evidence, such as photos, videos, and measurements, to build a strong case. They can also interview witnesses to the accident and gather statements that can be used as evidence in your case.

Determine liability

An experienced car accident attorney can be a valuable asset in determining liability for a car accident. They can help analyze the evidence, determine who is at fault, and build a strong case for compensation.

One of the key roles of an attorney is to determine if the other driver was negligent. Negligence refers to a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care while on the road, such as driving too fast, ignoring traffic signals, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Your attorney can analyze the evidence to determine if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.

Attorneys can also investigate if vehicle defects or road conditions contributed to the accident. If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or defective part, the manufacturer or maintenance company may be held liable. If the accident was caused by a poorly maintained road, the municipality or responsible agency may be held liable.

Once your attorney has determined liability, they can build a strong case for compensation. This can include negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf and representing you in court if necessary.

Negotiate with insurance companies

Attorneys can use their experience and expertise to negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Prior to negotiating with insurance companies, your attorney will first review all available evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case for liability. They can then use this evidence to negotiate a settlement that compensates you for your injuries and damages.

Car accident attorney can also review your insurance policy and determine the extent of your coverage. They can advise you on the best course of action to take, whether that be filing a claim with your own insurance company or pursuing compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.

When negotiating with the insurance company, your attorney will present a detailed demand letter that outlines the damages you have suffered and the compensation you are seeking. The demand letter will include all relevant evidence and will be backed up by legal precedent and case law.

The insurance company will then respond with a counteroffer, and your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Represent you in court

If negotiations with the insurance company fail, your car accident attorney may advise you to file a lawsuit and represent you in court. This can be a daunting process, but an experienced attorney can guide you through it and fight for your rights.

Your attorney will first file a complaint with the court, outlining the details of the accident, the damages you have suffered, and the compensation you are seeking. They will then work to build a strong case for liability, using evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements.

During the trial, your attorney will present evidence and arguments to support your case. They will cross-examine witnesses and argue on your behalf, working to convince the judge or jury that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

Your attorney can also negotiate with the other side’s attorneys, seeking a settlement before the trial begins. This can help you avoid the time and expense of a trial, while still securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

If the trial is successful, the court will award you compensation for your injuries and damages. This can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Your attorney can help you enforce the court’s decision and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney

Choosing the right car accident attorney is an important decision that can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. When choosing an attorney, consider the following factors:

Experience and expertise

Experience and expertise are key factors to consider when choosing a car accident attorney. A skilled attorney will have a deep understanding of the law surrounding car accidents and will be able to guide you through the legal process with confidence and professionalism.

When choosing an attorney, look for someone with years of experience handling car accident cases. The attorney should have a track record of success, with a history of securing fair compensation for their clients.

In addition to experience, it’s important to consider the attorney’s areas of expertise. Look for an attorney who specializes in car accident cases and has a deep understanding of the law surrounding negligence, liability, and compensation.

Your attorney should also have experience negotiating with insurance companies and representing clients in court. They should be able to handle all aspects of the legal process, from investigating the accident to building a strong case for compensation.

Finally, look for an attorney who is committed to providing personalized and compassionate support throughout the legal process. The attorney should be available to answer your questions, provide guidance and support, and fight for your rights every step of the way.

Communication skills

A skilled attorney should have strong communication skills, both in their ability to listen to clients and to effectively communicate with other parties involved in the case.

When working with a car accident attorney, it’s important to find someone who takes the time to listen to your concerns and to fully understand the details of your case. The attorney should be patient, compassionate, and willing to answer any questions you may have.

The attorney should also be able to communicate effectively with other parties involved in the case, such as other attorneys, insurance adjusters, and medical professionals. They should be able to collaborate effectively and work towards a resolution that is in your best interests.

Finally, the attorney should keep you informed throughout the legal process and provide regular updates on the status of your case. They should be responsive to your needs and be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Fees and costs

Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you receive compensation for your injuries and damages. An attorney’s fee is typically a percentage of the amount you receive, which can range from 33.3% to 40%, depending on the attorney and the complexity of the case.

In addition to the attorney’s fee, you may also be responsible for other costs associated with your case, such as court fees, expert witness fees, and costs related to obtaining medical records or other documentation.

It’s important to discuss fees and costs with your attorney upfront and to have a clear understanding of what you can expect to pay. The attorney should provide you with a written agreement that outlines their fees and costs, as well as any other details related to their representation.

If you have concerns about fees and costs, don’t hesitate to ask your attorney for clarification. A skilled attorney will be transparent and upfront about their fees and costs and will work with you to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Looking for a Car Accident Attorney in Covington?

Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal system, fight for your rights, and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Covington, contact Wiener & Lambka for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Powerful Representation

  • We are a Team of Trial Attorneys
  • Registered Nurse on Staff
  • We are Former Insurance Company Attorneys
  • 70 Plus Years of Experience

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  • Free Consultations
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  • 24 Hour Service
  • An Attorney Handles Every Case (many firms use only paralegals)
  • We Charge No Fees Unless We Collect (costs only)
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Proven Results

  • Over $65,000,000 Collected for Our Clients
  • Thousands of Satisfied Clients
  • Six and Seven Figure Awards and Settlements
  • Greater than 85% of our Cases Resolve Without Needing a Lawsuit

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of damages can I recover after a car accident?

You may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage and other ways in which you have been adversely affected by the collision.

What if the other driver was uninsured?

If the other driver was uninsured, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance policy or through a different legal theory against a different defendant, such as a roadway design case.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit?

In Washington state, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, however, your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault.  This is an intricate legal problem that requires an attorney to properly evaluate how to best handle your case.

How much does a car accident attorney cost?

  1. At Wiener & Lambka, we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.  

If you are looking for a proven professional, then please give us a call.
Contact your local Wiener & Lambka office today.