Ravensdale, WA Car Accident Lawyer

Washington Car Accident Lawyer Serving Clients in Ravensdale

Sustaining serious injuries in a Ravensdale, WA car accident can be devastating. None of us plan for dealing with severe injuries caused by another party’s negligence, and motor vehicle crashes can occur seemingly out of nowhere. For many Washington residents who get hurt in traffic collisions, the injuries are so severe that they require numerous medical treatments and surgeries, and they are unable to return to work at least temporarily. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident that resulted from another driver’s careless or reckless behavior, you deserve to seek financial compensation for your losses.

At the Khan Injury Law PLLC, we are dedicated to providing aggressive representation to clients in car accident claims. We know how important it is to obtain compensation and to hold the responsible driver accountable. A Ravensdale car accident attorney at our firm can begin working on your car accident case today.

Getting the Facts About Ravensdale Car Accidents

How often do car crashes occur in Washington? The following are facts and figures compiled from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS):

For every single person killed in a car crash, 8 people require hospitalization and 99 are treated in emergency departments;
Every year, Americans spend approximately one million days in the hospital due to injuries from car accidents;
Approximately 2.5 million Americans require treatment in an emergency department each year for motor vehicle crash injuries, and around 200,000 are hospitalized due to the severity of their injuries;
More than 34,000 fatal car accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2017, and more than 37,000 people were killed;
Washington has a relatively low car accident death rate compared to other U.S. states, with 7.6 deaths per 100,000 people;
536 fatal car accidents occurred in Washington in 2017, and 565 people sustained fatal injuries; and
In Washington, there are 0.92 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Common Injuries in Ravensdale, WA Motor Vehicle Crashes

Motor vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists can sustain a wide range of injuries in Ravensdale car crashes, including but not limited to the following:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which includes concussions;
Back and neck injuries, including spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
Whiplash, especially in rear-end auto accidents;
Internal bleeding;
Organ damages;
Fractures;
Facial injuries and disfigurement;
Amputations;
Contusions or severe bruising;
Lacerations; and
Psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Frequent Causes of Auto Collisions in Ravensdale, WA

Car accidents can happen for many different reasons in Ravensdale, Washington and the surrounding areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites the following as common causes of traffic crashes:

Aggressive driving, which may include, for example, speeding, tailgating, running red lights or stop signs, blocking cars that are attempting to change lanes or pass you, and weaving in traffic;
Drowsy or fatigued driving;
Distracted driving, which may include using a handheld cell phone for talking or texting, eating while driving, grooming while driving, or even conversing with other passengers;
Intoxicated driving, including drunk driving and drugged driving;
Defective motor vehicle parts;
Negligently repaired automobile;
Dangerous roads; and
Inclement weather.

Sideswipe crashes. A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles are traveling next to each other in the same direction, and are common when one vehicle attempts to change lanes without seeing an approaching or parallel vehicle.
T-bone collisions. This devastating accident type is often accompanied by tragic injuries. As its name implies, a T-bone collision refers to an accident where one vehicle runs directly (head-on) into the side of another. T-bone collisions are most common at intersections.

Steps to Take After a Ravensdale Car Accident

If you have been in a car accident, you should take the following steps whenever possible to ensure that you remain eligible for compensation:

Document the scene of the crash: Take photographs of the scene and the vehicle from multiple viewpoints and angles, write down any recollections from the crash, and photograph any obvious injuries, and gather contact information for any witnesses.
Contact your own insurance company: You will need to contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident, regardless of fault and whether you plan to file a first-party or third-party insurance claim. When you speak with your own insurance company, you should remember to provide only objective facts. Do not offer your own opinion about the accident, and never admit that you may have been at fault. You should always keep in mind that the insurance company is not an advocate for you and is not on your side, even if you have been a customer for years. Rather, the insurance company is a business and wants to avoid paying out claims whenever possible.
Seek medical attention: Even if you do not have any obvious injuries, it is extremely important to be assessed by a healthcare professional. Sometimes injuries can take hours or even days to appear, including life-threatening injuries like internal bleeding. By seeing a doctor as soon as possible, you can make clear that the injuries you sustained were from the collision, and you can receive any necessary treatment.
Seek advice from a lawyer about filing a claim: Since Washington is a “fault” state for car insurance purposes, you will need to decide whether to file a first-party claim (through your own insurance company) or a third-party claim (through the negligent driver’s insurance company). There are benefits and limitations to each approach that a lawyer can discuss with you. Your attorney can also negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If the insurance company will not offer a reasonable settlement, or if insurance limits will prevent you from obtaining full compensation, you may be able to file a car accident lawsuit.

Timeline for Filing an Auto Collision Claim in Ravensdale, Washington

It is important to know about the statute of limitations in car accident claims in Ravensdale. Washington law (RCW 4.16.080) limits most car accident claims to three years. This means that a plaintiff must file a lawsuit within three years from the date that she or he was involved in the car accident. However, the sooner you get started on your case, the sooner you will be eligible to receive compensation.

Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer in Ravensdale, Washington

Were you involved in a car accident? If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you should get in touch with an experienced auto accident attorney in Ravensdale, WA as soon as possible to learn more about filing a claim. Contact the Khan Injury Law PLLC today to get started on your case with a dedicated advocate.