206.430.6096
Se Habla Espanol
206.430.6096
All Posts By

Khan Law Firm

Aug 29
0
Why is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

Why is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

By | Car Accidents, Seattle | No Comments

The negotiation process is different for each car accident. Some cases settle faster than others. There is no way of knowing ahead of time how long it will take to reach a settlement—or if reaching a settlement is even possible.

Nevertheless, at Khan Law Firm we see some common roadblocks which delay settlement. We fully understand why victims are frustrated at the delay when they badly need compensation. Below, our car accident lawyer takes a closer look at the most common issues which frustrate a swift resolution to your case.

There is a Dispute About Fault

A person isn’t legally required to pay compensation to accident victims unless they are at least partially responsible for an accident. This responsibility is called “fault.”

In many accidents, the fault is obvious. For example, a person might run a red light and T-bone you. Your dashcam shows what happened, as do nearby security cameras. In an accident like this, the driver’s insurance company should quickly admit fault.

But the fault isn’t clear in all accidents:

  • Rear-end collisions. The car behind could be at fault for following too closely or not paying attention. However, the lead car could also be at fault if the driver braked suddenly.
  • Sideswipes. Two cars might collide while driving side by side, such as when a car tries to merge on the freeway. Either driver could be at fault, depending on the circumstances.
  • Head-on collisions. There might be a dispute over which car drifted over the center line. If each side points the finger at the other, then negotiations can slow to a crawl.

In Washington, fault can also be shared. Even someone badly injured could be at fault for the crash, and they might receive less as a result. Until the parties reach an agreement on fault, they will never agree to the compensation. For this reason, your settlement could get delayed as they argue back and forth.

Each Side Disagrees on the Severity of Injuries

In addition to agreeing to the fault, each side in negotiations must agree to the value of a person’s injuries. Some people have pre-existing injuries from a prior accident or workplace incident. An insurer might claim this pre-existing injury is the real source of your pain, so they don’t need to compensate you.

There might also be a dispute about whether you received unnecessary care. Insurers might refuse to cover the cost of massage, acupuncture, or certain mental health counseling if they don’t think it was necessary.

Disputes Over Value of Pain and Suffering

You should also qualify for compensation for pain and suffering, as well as other losses like emotional distress. These are hard to put an accurate price tag on. You might think the chronic pain in your hip, depression, and lethargy are worth at least $50,000. The insurer might only offer $5,000.

Disputes over pain and suffering are hard to resolve, but not impossible. As seasoned lawyers, we understand how much a jury is likely to award, and we will negotiate from a position of strength.

Contact Khan Law Firm today. We are skilled negotiators who will strive to obtain fair compensation following your crash.

Aug 29
0
How an Attorney Can Help if You Were Injured by a Defective Product in Seattle

How an Attorney Can Help if You Were Injured by a Defective Product in Seattle

By | Personal Injury | No Comments

Defective products injure thousands of people each year. In fact, many common household items could be dangerous, including furniture, appliances, toys, clothing, and food. Many people suffer serious injuries when these products malfunction and could suffer permanent disfigurement or disabilities.

At Khan Law Firm, our thriving product liability practice represents those hurt by defective products. Below, we highlight some of the important ways we help our clients bring successful claims for compensation. Contact us to learn more.

We Can Establish the Product Was Defective

The fact that you were injured by a product doesn’t necessarily mean it was defective. You might have used it the wrong way or ignored prominent safety warnings. If so, then you are probably responsible for your own injuries.

Instead, we usually need to show that the product was unreasonably dangerous based on design or manufacture. We can rely on all sorts of information. For example, our attorneys might work with experts to identify the flaws in the design or the materials used. We can also research whether other people were injured in similar incidents by the same product.

Legally, a consumer product is defective if it doesn’t work as a consumer would normally expect or if the risk of harm was too great. These are usually factual determinations, and we can gather the necessary facts to convince a judge or jury.

We Can Identify All Defendants

When a product is defective, you might sue:

  • The manufacturer for defective design or manufacture, or for inadequate warnings
  • A product seller, like a retailer, if they were negligent or breached a warranty
  • A distributor or wholesaler for negligence

Suing the manufacturer is usually the easiest. However, adding defendants has certain advantages, such as increasing the likelihood you will receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. We can investigate just what these other parties knew and whether they used sufficient care when handling the product or selling it.

We Can File a Lawsuit in a Timely Manner

You might hope to settle your claim outside of court—and most product liability cases do settle. But filing a lawsuit is always a possibility, especially when negotiations falter. Washington state gives victims a short amount of time to get a lawsuit properly filed—three years. One reason to hire our product liability lawyers is that we can protect your rights.

We Can Connect Your Injuries to the Defective Product

You can only sue if you can draw a link between the product defect and your injuries. For example, watching a defective car explode from the safety of your home is terrifying, but it doesn’t give you a right to sue unless you were injured.

Sometimes defendants claim your injuries were caused by something else—such as a pre-existing injury. We work to create a link between your current injuries and the defective product.

Contact Our Seattle Products Liability Attorney

Khan Law Firm realizes that accident victims feel betrayed when dangerous products hurt them. Let us help you hold the manufacturer or other parties accountable. Call us to schedule a free consultation.

Aug 29
0
How Does a Hit and Run Injury Claim Work in the State of Washington?

How Does a Hit and Run Injury Claim Work in the State of Washington?

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

Hit-and-run accidents occur more frequently than many people expect in Washington State and across the country. According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there are an average of 682,000 hit-and-run collisions in the U.S. every year, and hit-and-run fatalities have been on the rise for several years. When a person is injured in a hit-and-run accident in Washington State, how should they expect the claims process to work? Our Washington State personal injury lawyers have information to help you.

Determine Whether the Police Can Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver

In terms of the claims process and seeking full compensation for your losses, it will be important to determine whether the police will be able to identify the hit-and-run driver. If the hit-and-run driver is caught, that person can face serious criminal consequences under Washington State law. The law states:

“A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event, remain at, the scene of such accident . . .”

If the hit-and-run driver can be apprehended and identified, you may be able to file an auto insurance claim through the driver’s insurance and/or a lawsuit against that driver—we will explain more about that below. If the driver cannot be identified, you will need to determine if you have the right kind of auto insurance coverage to pay for your losses.

File an Auto Insurance Claim 

Washington State is a tort state for purposes of auto insurance requirements and coverage, but it also allows motorists to purchase optional personal injury protection coverage (PIP coverage), uninsured motorist coverage (commonly known as UM coverage), and MedPay coverage.

If the hit-and-run driver can be identified, you can likely file a third-party auto insurance claim through that driver’s liability insurance, and it will not necessarily matter if you have purchased these additional forms of coverage. If the driver cannot be located, you will need to determine if you have any of the types of coverage identified above and whether they may provide compensation after a hit-and-run crash. A car accident lawyer in Washington can help with this.

File a Lawsuit Against the Hit-and-Run Driver

Finally, if the police are able to identify the hit-and-run driver—regardless of whether that person is ultimately convicted of any criminal charges—you may be eligible to file a car accident lawsuit against that driver for any losses that are not covered by your insurance claim. This lawsuit will be a civil claim, which means it will not result in criminal consequences for the hit-and-run motorist, but rather will allow you to seek financial compensation from them. You should be sure to have a lawyer on your side when you are filing a car accident claim.

Contact a Washington State Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love got hurt in a hit-and-run accident, you should seek advice from a Washington State car accident attorney as soon as possible. Contact Khan Law Firm for assistance.

Jul 13
0
How Do You Know if You Have a Spinal Injury?

How Do You Know if You Have a Spinal Injury?

By | Personal Injury | No Comments

Spinal cord injuries can have many different causes, and they can occur in a wide range of accidents, including motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian accidents, and slips and falls. The severity of spinal injuries can also vary significantly depending upon the circumstances of the injury and where, precisely, in the spine or spinal cord it occurred. How can you know if you have a spinal injury in order to file a claim against the liable party? Our Seattle personal injury lawyers can explain in more detail.

Head or Neck Injury Should Lead to Immediate Assessment

After a car crash or another serious type of accident, you may realize that you have some injuries but may not know if you have suffered a potentially catastrophic injury such as a spinal injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of a severe spinal injury are not always obvious or immediate. In fact, the numbness or even paralysis that results from many spinal injuries can “come on gradually,” as the Mayo Clinic clarifies.

Given that many head and neck injuries also result in injuries to the spinal cord or the spine, it is critical to have a full medical assessment any time you suspect you may have suffered a head or neck injury. The Mayo Clinic even suggests that a person with signs of a head or neck injury should assume they have a spinal injury until a doctor has said that they do not since “the time between injury and treatment can be critical in determining the extent and severity of complications and the possible extent of expected recovery.”

Common Emergency Signs of a Spinal Injury

While some spinal injuries after accidents do not result in immediate signs or symptoms—but could later lead to paralysis if not properly identified and treated—some spinal injuries produce immediate signs and symptoms that should involve emergency treatment. The Mayo Clinic cites the following as indicators of a spinal cord injury that should be handled as an emergency situation:

  • Extreme pain in the back, neck, or head following an accident;
  • Weakness or paralysis that occurs in any part of the body, even if it is not near the spinal cord or spinal column;
  • Lack of coordination or any difficulty walking or maintaining balance;
  • Any loss of bladder control or bowel control;
  • Difficulty breathing after an accident and injury;
  • Numbness or tingling that occurs in the hands, fingers, feet, or toes;
  • Neck or back that has become “oddly positioned” following an accident.

Contact a Washington State Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious, and they need to be identified by a health care provider as early as possible so that you can receive treatment. When spinal injuries are not identified in a timely manner, they can result in permanent paralysis that can include paraplegia or tetraplegia. If you have any signs of a spinal injury, or if you even have any signs of a head or neck injury after an accident, you need to be assessed for a possible spinal injury. An experienced Washington State spinal cord injury lawyer at our firm can help you with your case and assist you in seeking compensation after a spinal injury in an accident. Contact Khan Law Firm today.

 

Jul 13
0
Are Wrongful Death Settlements Public Record in Washington State?

Are Wrongful Death Settlements Public Record in Washington State?

By | Wrongful Death | No Comments

When you are filing a wrongful death claim, you may be wondering if the information about your case and any potential wrongful death settlement will become public record in Washington State. In general, wrongful death settlements are not public record. As such, you should not anticipate that a wrongful death settlement reached prior to a trial or during a trial will be accessible to the public. However, there are exceptions, and it is important to understand how information about wrongful death settlements can become part of the public record, and what steps you may be able to take to avoid having the details of your settlement agreement accessible by the public. Our Washington State wrongful death lawyers can provide you with more information, and we can assist you with your wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Settlements Can Include Confidentiality Clauses

Most people who file wrongful death lawsuits do not want information about settlements to be accessible by the public, and most defendants also do not want the details of the settlement to become part of the public record. For these reasons, wrongful death settlement agreements often contain confidentiality clauses that limit access to or discussion of the details of the settlement. A confidentiality agreement is a contract between the parties, which means that either party’s disclosure of the settlement details can result in a breach of contract claim.

Without a confidentiality clause, settlement agreements themselves—as long as an exception does not apply, which we will discuss below—are not required to be part of any public record. Washington State courts have not held that the public has a right to general settlement records, and there is no requirement that general settlement records be made accessible to the public. There is also no central location in which settlement agreements are housed or stored, unlike court cases in Washington.

Settlements Involving a Public Agency May Be Accessed by the Public

Regardless of whether you include an express confidentiality agreement in your wrongful death settlement, information about settlements in wrongful death claims and other civil lawsuits is not generally part of the public record. Even with a request made through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or by other means of access, settlement agreements are generally private. This is also true of documents pertaining to settlement negotiations. However, there is an exception when the settlement involves a public agency. When a public agency is involved, the settlement may be accessible under the Washington State Public Records Act.

Settlements Filed with the Court or Litigated May Be Part of the Public Record

In addition to settlements involving a public agency, any settlement that was filed with a court in Washington State or that ended up in a court case may also be part of the public record and may be accessible through ordinary means of accessing court records, according to Washington case law. 

Contact a Washington State Wrongful Death Attorney

If you have questions about wrongful death settlements in Washington, or if you need assistance negotiating a wrongful death settlement in your case, one of our Washington State wrongful death attorneys can help. Contact Khan Law Firm PLLC for assistance.

Jun 13
0
what to do if you are in a bus accident in Seattle

What to Do if You Are in a Bus Accident in Seattle

By | Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Seattle | No Comments

Whether you are visiting Seattle and injured in a bus accident or you live in the Seattle area and suffer a bus accident injury while commuting, it is important to know what to do in order to preserve your right to compensation. Bus accidents involving King County Metro Transit buses can be devastating, resulting in serious and deadly injuries to bus passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicle occupants in Seattle. What steps should you take if you are injured in a bus accident in Seattle? Consider the following recommendations from our Seattle bus accident lawyers.

1. Document the Scene of the Bus Accident

Do your best to document the scene where the bus accident occurred. If you are physically able to take photographs (depending on the severity of your injuries), you should document the wider scene of the crash as well as close-up images of property damages and physical harm. Be sure to obtain from the bus driver, his name, bus number, and incident number. Note the day and time of the accident as well.

2. Ask for Witness Contact Information

If anyone witnessed the bus accident, be sure to obtain witness contact information. Your bus accident attorney will likely want to speak with witnesses to the crash who may be able to support your case. When you fail to obtain witness contact information at the scene, it can be difficult to track down people who might have witnessed the crash at a later date.

3. See a Doctor ASAP to Have Your Bus Accident Injuries Assessed

You need to see a doctor as soon as possible for a medical assessment. Not only can some injuries take hours or days to produce obvious signs and symptoms, but waiting to get medical attention can allow those injuries to worsen. 

4. Determine Liability for the Bus Accident

Liability for Seattle bus accidents can be complicated since various parties may be at fault for the crash. Commonly responsible parties include but are not limited to:

  • King County Metro Transit;
  • Bus driver;
  • Mechanic who worked on the bus;
  • Driver of another motor vehicle; or
  • Designer or manufacturer of a defective bus part that caused the crash.

5. File Your Bus Accident Lawsuit Before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out

The statute of limitations in your case may depend upon whether you are filing a claim against King County Metro Transit or a private party, such as a negligent car or truck driver. Under the Washington State personal injury statute of limitations, most bus accident lawsuits will need to be filed within three years from the date of the collision. If you fail to file your lawsuit within that time window, you will have a time-barred claim and will be ineligible to receive damages in a civil lawsuit. 

When you are filing a public or government claim, Washington State law clarifies that, although the claims process is different from an ordinary civil lawsuit, the claim shall be presented to the government agent within the applicable period of limitations within which an action must be commenced.

Contact Our Seattle Bus Accident Attorney Today

Were you injured in a bus crash in the Seattle area? One of our experienced Seattle busing accident attorneys can evaluate your case for you today and discuss your options with you for seeking financial compensation. Contact Khan Law Firm PLLC to learn more about the personal injury services we provide to clients in Washington State.

May 27
0
compensation for pain and suffering after a car accident

What is Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident?

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

“Pain and suffering” is a legal term used to describe non-economic damages many people suffer in car accidents. Unlike economic damages, which you can measure using a bill or receipt, non-economic damages are subjective. This means that no two people will value pain and suffering the same way.

Below, our Seattle car accident lawyers take another look at what types of losses are included in pain and suffering and offer tips for maximizing the amount of compensation you receive.

Physical Pain

Bodily injuries first and foremost cause pain. Fractures, burns, strains, and organ damage can cause intense, sometimes blinding pain. The same is true of whiplash, compressed nerves, and concussions. Even on good days, a chronic dull ache can make a person feel sluggish and uncomfortable.

Physical pain like this is part of the category “pain and suffering”—even if you are taking painkillers to blunt the agony. Related conditions, such as sleeplessness caused by pain, are also included in pain and suffering.

Mental Anguish

Many people experience emotional distress or anguish following a car accident. There are usually two causes:

  • Physical injuries. Having a serious bodily injury causes emotional distress. For example, being paralyzed is a particularly severe limitation, and it is natural to experience negative emotions as a result.
  • Emotional trauma. For example, you might have seen your child suffer serious injuries in a car crash. This experience causes post-traumatic stress disorder and other negative emotions. Other accident victims have “flashbacks,” particularly at night, where they re-live the accident.

You might start going to therapy or take antidepressants or other prescription drugs to treat your emotional distress. Accident victims can receive compensation for their emotional pain. The question is how much money “makes up” for the distress you feel after an accident.

Disfigurement or Disability

These are also subjective losses that many accident victims experience. For example, if your car catches on fire, you could receive disfiguring burns on your face or hands. Some accidents also cause amputation or crush injuries which permanently disable a person.

We include disfigurement and disability in “pain and suffering.” As with physical pain and emotional distress, the value of your loss is subjective.

How to Increase Your Pain & Suffering Compensation

Because these losses are subjective, some juries might disbelieve you are really feeling pain or distress. For this reason, we work closely with our clients to fully document the pain and suffering they experience. Although keeping painkiller bottles helps, we might need to interview your family and friends to better understand how the accident has affected you.

You can also offer graphic testimony of the pain or depression you have experienced. Indeed, we often recommend victims keep a pain journal where they record daily how they feel.

Contact Khan Law Firm, PLLC

Pain and suffering damages represent a large portion of most settlements. We will always keep your suffering in mind when negotiating a fair settlement following a car accident. To get started, or to learn more, please contact our firm to schedule a free consultation.

May 24
0
how much compensation can you get for a whiplash injury claim

How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Whiplash Injury After a Car Accident?

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

Whiplash is one of the most painful injuries car accident victims suffer. Symptoms include neck stiffness, intense headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Someone suffering from whiplash might also have blurred vision or ringing in their ears, and it can be difficult to return to normal sleeping or living patterns.

Fortunately, Khan Law Firm, PLLC can step in and seek compensation for your whiplash injury. Below, our car accident lawyers look at the key factors which will determine how much compensation you might take home.

You Should Receive Money for Medical Care

Whiplash stretches muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and upper shoulders—sometimes to the point where this soft tissue tears in two. These injuries cause intense pain. In severe whiplash, you might even fracture the vertebrae in your neck.

The main focus of whiplash treatment is to manage pain so you are comfortable while your body heals itself. Most pain management consists of painkillers and ice or heat. Over time, you will probably participate in physical therapy to reintroduce movement into your neck. In only the most extreme cases do you need surgery.

Add up all medical bills to treat your injury. Unless you were partially responsible for the accident, you should receive 100% of your medical care in compensation.

You Should Request Compensation for Lost Wages

It’s hard to work with whiplash. Most people need to move their heads in practically any job. Instead of working, you might rest and go to physical therapy for weeks or months. Headaches or dizziness can prevent you from standing for extended periods of time, so you might not even be able to work part-time.

You should receive compensation for your lost income. To calculate, multiply the numbers of weeks you missed by your weekly wage. If you missed 4 weeks and make $500 a week, you should receive $2,000.

You Can Receive Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Whiplash is painful and debilitating. Many people struggle to sleep at night, and they can fall into a funk because they can’t participate in their favorite hobbies. These types of harms also deserve compensation. In Washington, pain and suffering damages make up for the physical pain and emotional distress our clients feel.

How much can you receive? This will depend on several factors. First, the longer you feel pain, the more compensation you should receive. Second, the more disabling the whiplash, the more pain, and suffering. Unless your whiplash was truly minor, you should receive some funds to compensate for the pain.

Reduce Your Compensation by Your Fault

Under Washington law, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault for the crash. If you were 0% at fault, you should receive full compensation for all losses—medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if you were 20% at fault, your compensation is cut by 20%.

We can analyze whether you bear any fault for the crash. For example, you might have pulled directly in front of someone. Even though they were speeding, you are partially to blame as well. We always minimize our client’s responsibility as best we can to increase a settlement.

Call Us

Our Seattle car accident lawyers have helped many whiplash victims get what they are entitled to. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Apr 29
0
brain injury in kent wa

How Much Compensation Do You Get for Brain Injury in Kent, WA?

By | Personal Injury | No Comments

Brain injuries are some of the hardest to bounce back from. The brain is so central to everything we do—eating, breathing, thinking, and moving—that any injury can dramatically change your life.

At Khan Law Firm, our brain injury lawyers in Kent seek the maximum compensation for our clients. The amount you can receive depends on many factors, which we review below.

Calculate Your Medical Expenses

You should receive compensation to cover the costs of treating your brain injury. Many patients need diagnostic tests, doctor’s visits, and time in the hospital to recover. There are also rehabilitation costs if the patient’s movement, speech, or behavior is impaired (which is likely when the brain injury is serious). You should also add in any prescriptions to treat symptoms (like sleeplessness) or assistive devices, like a wheelchair.

Add Up Lost Wages/Income

If your brain injury keeps you out of work, you should receive compensation for lost income. If you have a regular job, calculating your losses is easy. Just add up the number of weeks missed and multiply by your average weekly income. If you are self-employed, take a more intensive look at how much you usually make and consider any canceled contracts.

Estimate a Fair Amount for Pain and Suffering

This is trickier. A brain injury can cause intense headaches. Other victims are paralyzed or feel trapped in their homes because they cannot leave due to dizziness and confusion. “Pain and suffering” is the term used to cover a range of inconveniences and non-financial losses, like depression, emotional distress, disability, etc.

What’s a fair amount? That depends on who you ask. Khan Law has helped many personal injury victims, and we can use our experience to estimate a realistic amount you can receive based on your symptoms.

Analyze Fault and Contributory Fault

You can only receive compensation if someone else is at least partially at fault for your brain injury. If this is something you did to yourself, then no one must pay you compensation.

Washington also recognized contributory fault. The rule found at RCW 4.22.005 states that a victim’s financial recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, you might have suffered a brain injury while walking as a pedestrian. But if you were jaywalking at the time you were hit, then your negligence is a contributing factor in your injuries.

You might have suffered $80,000 in compensatory damages listed above. But if you were 50% at fault, then the most you can receive is $40,000. Similarly, if you were 75% to blame, then the most you can get is $20,000.

Identify How Many Assets the Defendant Has

You can have $100,000 in damages and be 0% at fault. But what if the person who injured you has no money? That sometimes happens, in which case you probably won’t receive any compensation—or not as much as you are entitled to.

Sometimes, a defendant has insurance, and you can make a claim on the policy to receive something. Of course, you will be limited to the maximum policy amount.

Contact Khan Law Firm today to review your brain injury case. We fight to get our clients the most compensation we can.

Apr 19
0
hit by a car in Seattle

What to Do When You Get Hit by a Car in Seattle

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

Car accidents are a common sight in Seattle. Whether you are traveling on Interstate 5 or driving through a side street, it is not unusual to see two or more vehicles smashed up on the side of the road waiting for a tow. According to state statistics, Seattle saw over 7,800 crashes in 2021—with more than 200 resulting in a serious injury.

If you were struck by a car in Seattle, you must take certain steps to comply with the law and protect your ability to receive compensation. As always, contact one of our pedestrian accident lawyers if you have questions.

Stop Immediately

Washington requires that anyone involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage stop immediately. If you don’t, you could face charges for fleeing the scene of an accident, which is a misdemeanor or felony.

Of course, you might end up blocking traffic if you stop immediately, in which case you can pull over to the shoulder to free up traffic. But always remember to stop as soon as possible.

Check if Anyone Needs an Ambulance

Some accidents cause life-threatening injuries, and victims need to get to the emergency room ASAP. Always check with anyone involved in the wreck if they need an ambulance and call one if they do.

If you’re too hurt, then ask a bystander or passenger in your car to call for you. Put safety first.

Call the Police

You also need to inform the police of the accident. You can do this by calling at the scene. A responding officer should make a crash report. If there was only minor property damage, the police might not send anyone out—but you still should call.

Swap Personal Information with the Other Driver

You want to get:

  • License number
  • Insurance information
  • Registration number
  • Name and address
  • Contact information, such as a phone or email

Share your personal information with all drivers involved in the crash.

Avoid Admitting Fault

For example, if you admit, “I wasn’t even looking both ways!” then the other driver can use that statement to show you were admitting fault. Washington recognized contributory fault, and admissions like these could prove costly.

Take Pictures of All Vehicles & Anything Else Relevant

Photographs help document the collision. If possible, get some pictures of the cars immediately following the crash. After you pull to the side of the road, you can also take pictures of the sides of each vehicle, zooming in to focus on dents and dings.

Also, get a picture of anything else that seems relevant. If you lost control because you struck a giant pothole, then take a picture of it.

Receive Medical Treatment

Even if you feel “alright” following a crash, go to the hospital. You might be surprised that you have suffered a brain injury or something serious of that sort. Always follow your doctor’s orders so you can show you have taken your injuries seriously.

Contact Khan Law

This is the final step—but also the most important. Hire an experienced Seattle car accident lawyer to represent you in negotiations. Call us today to learn more.