Lakeland North Car Accident Lawyer
Committed to protecting the legal rights of victims everywhere
Committed to protecting the legal rights of victims everywhere
When a car accident happens, one or more victims can be injured or killed. In 2015, 516 fatal car accidents occurred in Washington, killing 568 victims. In less extreme cases, a car accident can leave a victim suffering from an injury that can lead to severe complications, including a disability for life. When an individual suffers from an injury because of a car accident caused by another party’s negligence, he or she may seek compensation for the expenses associated with the injury through a personal injury claim. Similarly, if a victim dies as a result of a car accident or the injuries sustained in one, his or her loved ones may seek compensation for the expenses related to his or her death, such as the loss of his or her income and non-financial contributions to the household, through a wrongful death claim.
An injury sustained in a car accident can be fairly minor or, as discussed above, severe to the point of causing a disability or death. There are many factors that can determine the type and severity of the injury a victim suffers, such as his or her health and fitness level before the accident, the size of the vehicles involved in the accident, and the speed and angle at which the collision occurred. A few examples of injuries that can result from a car accident include:
These injuries can have complications that include:
If you can, pull over to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to get your vehicle and any others involved out of the traffic. If you cannot safely do this, simply remain where you are. If you or anybody else in any of the vehicles involved need emergency medical attention, call 911 to have an ambulance sent to the scene. Regardless of whether this is necessary, call the local law enforcement agency to have an officer sent to record the accident and file an official police report.
Exit your vehicle and take as many photographs of the collision as you feel are necessary to communicate what happened and how. If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their contact information because you might need to contact them later to record their testimonies to support your personal injury claim. These testimonies will work alongside other evidence from the scene, such as your copy of the official police report and the photos you take.
After leaving the scene of the accident, seek medical attention for your injury as soon as you can to ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment. Your medical record and your doctor’s commentary about the injury and its prognosis are also important pieces of evidence to support your claim.
After you have received the medical care you need, start working with an experienced personal injury lawyer to pursue a car accident claim. In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident.
Through your personal injury claim, you must demonstrate the following:
Through a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for the following damages:
Although you cannot completely eliminate your chance of being involved in a car accident and suffering an injury, you can cut down on your risk by taking certain safety precautions. Above all, always follow the posted traffic signs like the speed limit and those dictating traffic patterns. When you are driving at night or during wet, snowy, foggy, or icy weather, adjust your driving to the conditions present.
Keep the following tips in mind to reduce your chance of getting into a car accident:
A car accident can leave you saddled with substantial medical bills and other expenses. To seek compensation for these damages, consider working with an experienced car accident lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. Our team at Khan Law Firm PLLC can answer any questions you have and help you seek the money you deserve. Contact our office today to set up your initial consultation with us.