Everett Car Accident Lawyer
Table of Contents
Car accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence in Everett. Amidst the chaos and confusion that follows an accident, the guidance of an Everett car accident lawyer is invaluable.
Murphy Trial Law specializes in providing comprehensive legal support to car accident victims. Our expertise lies in navigating the legal intricacies of car accident claims in Washington.
We understand the importance of prompt and effective legal assistance and our approach combines compassionate client support with tireless representation.
We have a team of dedicated car accident attorneys in Everett who help you through every step of your claim and fight strategically for your justice and compensation.
Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our personal injury law firm in Washington stands as a pillar of strength and reliability in your time of need.
Hire Murphy Trial Law as your Car Accident Lawyer in Everett, WA
Deciding whether to hire a car accident lawyer is a crucial step following a crash in Everett. Murphy Trial Law believes that legal representation is key, especially in complex cases.
An experienced Everett car accident attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your claim. We provide expert guidance on navigating insurance negotiations, legal procedures and help you protect your rights.
Our car accident lawyers in Everett aim to maximize your compensation for damages and injuries sustained.
Choosing Murphy Trial Law can be your best strategic decision, especially in cases involving to serious injuries or disputes over fault, or when dealing with uncooperative insurance companies.
- 15+ years of case-winning and award-winning personal injury representation.
- Hundreds of multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements achieved.
- Recognized by esteemed legal rating organizations.
- Dedicated to protecting the legal rating and legal industry organizations.
Washington Car Accident statistics
Washington witnesses significant car accidents each year, with varying degrees of severity and impact.
Understanding these statistics is crucial for drivers and residents of Everett and beyond. The figures below highlight the potential need for legal assistance after car accidents in Washington.
- In 2021, impaired driving was involved in 38% of fatal accidents in Washington.
- The pandemic led to less traffic, encouraging higher speeds on roads. Even with the return of usual traffic, speeding remained a cause in 31% of deadly crashes in 2021.
- In 2022, Washington saw a 34.5% increase in deaths due to car crashes compared to previous years.
- The year 2022 marked the highest number of road fatalities in Washington since 1990, with 745 recorded deaths.
- Driving while impaired and speeding were major contributors to these fatal accidents in 2022.
- Â By the end of October 2022, Washington had already witnessed 600 fatal car crashes. It marked a 9% increase compared to the three-year average.
Understanding Car Accident Laws
Navigating the laws surrounding car accidents in Washington is crucial for anyone involved in a crash. These laws guide the actions required post-accident and play a vital role in any subsequent legal proceedings.
Understanding these laws ensures that your rights are protected and that you take the necessary steps to support any potential claims.
Reporting an Accident
You must report a car accident if it results in injury, death or property damage exceeding $700. You should make the report to the local police, the county sheriff or the Washington State Patrol as soon as possible after the accident.
Car Crash Reporting
When reporting a car crash, it’s essential to provide accurate and detailed information. It includes the date, time, and location of the accident, the names and contact information of involved parties, a description of the vehicles and an account of what happened.
Time for Filing a Car Accident Claim
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Washington is generally three years from the date of the accident. This time frame is crucial, as failing to file within this period can result in the loss of your right to claim compensation.
An Everett car accident lawyer can help ensure that all necessary legal steps are taken promptly.
Car Accidents in Everett and Their causes
Car accidents in Everett can occur for various reasons, each presenting unique challenges and dangers.
Understanding these causes is vital for prevention and for determining liability in the event of an accident. Below are some common causes of car crashes in Everett.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses activities that divert attention from the road. Common distractions include using a cellphone, eating or adjusting the radio. These distractions can significantly delay reaction times, leading to accidents. Drivers must minimize distractions and focus solely on driving to enhance road safety for everyone.
Speeding
Speeding is a prevalent cause of accidents in Everett, often resulting in more severe injuries and property damage. Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions reduces the time drivers have to react to sudden changes or hazards, increasing the likelihood of crashes. Adhering to posted speed limits is essential for safe driving.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs cognitive and motor functions. Drunk driving is a major concern in Everett, leading to severe and often fatal accidents. It’s critical to avoid driving after consuming substances that impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, erratic lane changes or running red lights, pose a significant risk. These actions can provoke dangerous situations on the road, leading to multi-car accidents and severe injuries. Practicing defensive driving and adhering to traffic laws is vital.
Weather Conditions
Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow or fog can create hazardous driving conditions. Reduced visibility and slippery roads make it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, leading to accidents. Drivers should exercise extra caution and adjust their driving to suit the weather conditions.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces or inadequate signage, can contribute to accidents. Drivers might lose control or collide with other vehicles due to unexpected road irregularities. Regular road maintenance and cautious driving in areas with known road issues can help prevent accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failure or tire issues, are a less common but significant cause of accidents. Regular vehicle maintenance, including checks on brakes, tires and engines, is crucial to ensure vehicle safety and prevent accidents due to mechanical failures.
Common injuries from a Car Accident
Car accidents can lead to a range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. These injuries can have lasting impacts on the lives of those involved.
Understanding the common types of injuries can be crucial for seeking appropriate medical attention and legal support.
Whiplash
Whiplash occurs when the force of a collision causes the head to jerk back and forth rapidly. It can result in chronic pain, reduced range of motion and headaches. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop over several days, making it essential for accident victims to seek medical evaluation even if they feel fine initially.
Concussions
Concussions are a serious concern in car accidents. The sudden impact can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to symptoms like confusion, blurred vision, nausea and even loss of consciousness. Recovery can vary, and it’s crucial to monitor for any lingering effects, as repeated concussions can have cumulative impacts on brain health.
Broken Bones
The high-impact force of a car accident can lead to fractures in various parts of the body. These injuries can range from hairline fractures, which may heal with rest, to more severe breaks requiring surgical intervention, casting or physical therapy. Recovery times can vary greatly depending on the severity and location of the fracture.
Lacerations and Bruises
Lacerations in car accidents are often caused by shattered glass or sharp metal edges. These wounds may require stitches and carry a considerable risk of infection. Bruises, while usually less severe, can indicate deeper trauma especially if they are large or painful, and thus they should be monitored closely.
Back Injuries
Back injuries from car accidents can include spinal cord damage, herniated discs or muscle strains. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Early and ongoing medical treatment is critical to manage symptoms and prevent long-term disability.
Internal Injuries
Internal injuries, such as internal bleeding, punctured lungs or ruptured organs, are particularly dangerous because they may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, dizziness, or fainting can indicate serious internal trauma that requires urgent medical attention.
Emotional Trauma
The psychological impact of a car accident can be profound and long-lasting. Victims may experience symptoms such as sleep disturbances, flashbacks, mood swings or fear of driving. Professional counseling or therapy can be vital in addressing these emotional injuries and aiding recovery.
Common types of Car Accidents
Car accidents can vary widely in their circumstances and impacts. Understanding the common types of accidents can help in identifying the causes, determining liability and taking appropriate legal actions.
Below are listed some typical accident types.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. These usually occur when a vehicle hits the car in front of it. Causes can include tailgating, sudden stops or distracted driving. Injuries from these accidents, such as whiplash, can range from mild to severe, depending on the impact force.
Single Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents involve only one vehicle, and factors such as driver error, poor weather conditions or road hazards can cause these crashes. These accidents often result in the vehicle hitting a stationary object like a tree or a pole and can lead to serious injuries, especially if the driver loses control at high speeds.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. These are common at intersections and can result from failing to yield, running red lights or misjudging traffic signals. The side impact can cause significant injuries due to the limited protection on the sides of a vehicle.
Low-Speed Accidents
Low-speed accidents happen typically in parking lots or heavy traffic where vehicles are moving slowly. Although these accidents often result in less severe physical injuries, they can still lead to substantial property damage and sometimes soft tissue injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Proving Negligence in an Everett Car Accident
Establishing negligence in Everett car accident cases is crucial for a successful claim. One must show that the other driver had a duty to drive safely, breached that duty and caused an accident leading to injuries.
Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic surveillance footage and accident reconstruction can be instrumental.
A seasoned Everett car accident attorney meticulously gathers and presents evidence, demonstrating how the other party’s actions or inactions directly led to the accident. Proving negligence is essential for securing fair compensation for your damages and injuries.
How to Recover Damages from an Everett Car Accident Claim
Victims of car accidents in Everett can seek compensation for various damages incurred due to the accident.
Understanding these damages is crucial to accurately assessing the extent of the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover tangible losses resulting from the accident. These can include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate medical treatment, surgeries, medication and ongoing rehabilitation.
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- Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery.
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- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property.
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- Future Earnings Loss: Compensation if the injury affects your ability to earn in the future.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
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- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For reduced quality of life due to long-term effects of the injuries.
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- Emotional Distress: For psychological impacts like anxiety, depression or PTSD following the accident.
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- Loss of Consortium: If the accident affects the victim’s relationship with their spouse.
Steps to Follow After a Car Accident in Everett
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming. Understanding the right steps to take immediately afterward can protect your health and legal rights.
One must consider following the crucial steps below after a car accident.
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area if possible to avoid further accidents.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for any injuries. Call for medical help if needed.
- Contact the Police: Even for minor accidents, a police report can be vital for insurance claims.
- Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident site, including vehicle positions and damages.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider for a full evaluation, even if you feel fine.
- Notify Your Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
- Consult a Lawyer: Contact an Everett car accident lawyer for legal advice, especially if there are injuries or significant damages.
Building a Strong Accident Case
Constructing a robust car accident case in Everett is essential for ensuring a fair settlement. It involves gathering comprehensive evidence such as police reports, eyewitness accounts and medical records. Photographic or video evidence from the accident scene can provide crucial details. Documentation of your injuries and their impact on your life is also vital. A skilled car accident lawyer in Everett combines the evidence with legal expertise to build a compelling case. They emphasize the extent of your losses and the other party’s liability.
Murphy Trial Law can help you in your Car Accident case in Everett, WA
Navigating a car accident claim can be complex and overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and recovery. Murphy Trial Law can be your trusted legal partner in these challenging times.
Our dedicated Everett car accident lawyers advocate for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our firm’s highly experienced Everett personal injury lawyers are here to handle your case with personalized attention, combining sharp legal acumen with compassion, understanding and empathy.
FAQs on Car Accident Lawyer in Everett, WA
How can an Everett Car Accident Lawyer help you in your case?
An Everett car accident lawyer expertly navigates the complex legal process, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to help you secure your rights. They gather evidence, build a strong case to establish liability and work tirelessly to secure fair compensation for your injuries, losses and suffering.
When to get a lawyer after a Car Accident?
It’s advisable to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after a car accident, especially if there are significant injuries or disputes about who is at fault. An early consultation can help protect your rights and start the process of gathering crucial evidence.
How much does it cost to hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident lawyers in Everett work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or court award. Discussing fee structures upfront is important during your initial consultation.
How common are Car Accidents in Everett?
Car accidents are a frequent occurrence in Everett, given its busy roadways and intersections. While exact numbers vary annually, Everet experiences its fair share of traffic accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to more severe collisions.
Should I go to court for my Car Accident claim?
Most car accident claims are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, or if the case involves complex legal issues, going to court may be necessary. Your car accident lawyer will advise on the best course of action based on the specifics of your case.
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