Car Accident Lawyers Serving University Place

One of the most dangerous things that you can do–more dangerous than swimming in the ocean where sharks have been identified in the past, more dangerous than skydiving or taking an airplane somewhere, and more dangerous than many other activities, whether thrill-seeking or day-to-day–is to get into a car. In fact, car accidents are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in our state and throughout the nation. Despite this, most people consider driving to be a necessity and don’t think twice about hopping behind the wheel of a car. What’s more, once they’re there, many people don’t pay nearly as much attention to the act of driving as they should.

At the Khan Injury Law PLLC, we understand that while University Place may be small, serious car accidents can and do happen. If you have been in a crash, chances are it was preventable. When you work with our legal team, we can help you to determine liability and recover the compensation award you deserve.

Car Accidents Can Lead to Serious Injuries

The biggest threat associated with being involved in a car accident is the risk of incurring a serious injury. While the risk of injury is higher in cars that don’t have appropriate safety features, in accidents that happen at high speeds, or when occupants are not buckled up, injuries can occur in a wide range of car accident types. Some of the most severe car accident injuries that are possible include:

• Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are severe because they impact the most important organ – the brain. Responsible for thinking, cognition, sensation, memory, language, reasoning, emotion, and more, if the brain is harmed, all of these things could be negatively impacted. The effects of a TBI could be long-lasting or permanent.
• Internal injuries. The brain’s not the only important organ – the body also houses critical internal organs that ensure function and life. If these organs are impacted with force or punctured by a bone or object, the injury could be life-threatening.
• Spinal cord injuries. The spinal cord is one of the body’s most important systems, responsible for relaying messages from the brain to the rest of the body. If the spinal cord is harmed, this message-sending ability is impaired. The result is that the brain cannot communicate with any parts of the body below the injury site, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
• Soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries refer to sprains and strains, as well as tears, that occur in the body’s soft tissues – the ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Soft tissue injuries are very common in car accidents and can be debilitating. Fortunately, these injuries are not fatal.
• Bone fracture injuries. Bones are pliable, but only to a point. If too much pressure is applied or bones are forced in awkward or unnatural positions, they can fracture. Again, while not usually fatal (unless an internal organ is punctured as a result), this injury type can be painful and debilitating.
• Psychological injuries. Psychological injuries are common after a car accident, and may include the development of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Keep in mind that the above list is not inclusive. Further, note that these injuries are associated with a wide range of other costs, too, including high medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, disability, and more.

Top Questions About Car Accidents

If you’ve been in a car accident and have been injured, you may have questions about what happens next. Our lawyers are here to answer those questions as honestly and accurately as possible. FAQs that our University Place, WA lawyers often hear are:

• What happens if I’m at fault? Because Washington is an at-fault car accident state, drivers who cause accidents are responsible for paying for them. That being said, if you have personal injury protection coverage (PIP) as part of your insurance plan, you can file a claim with your own insurance company.
• What happens if fault is shared? If the other driver is at fault for the crash, then their insurance company will be liable for your damages. However, fault doesn’t always work this way – there are situations where fault is shared. If fault is shared, the rule of comparative negligence will apply. This rule holds that each party is liable for damages in proportion to their degree of fault. So, if you suffered $100,000 in losses and are found to be five percent to blame, you will only be able to hold the other party 95 percent responsible, or liable for $195,000.
• How long do I have to file a claim? Time is an important consideration when pursuing an injury claim. You should plan to provide your insurance company with notice of your accident immediately. However, you will have up to three years to file a lawsuit per our state’s statute of limitations. We strongly recommend not waiting for three years to take action, though.
• Will I have to file a lawsuit? Chances are, your case will not result in a lawsuit. This is because settling claims out of court is typically a top priority for all parties involved. Settling a claim is much less expensive than is litigation, and can be less stressful as well. That being said, you may need to file a lawsuit if your claim cannot be resolved through negotiations.
• Do I need a lawyer? If your injuries are serious, your damages severe, and your claim complex, then yes – working with a lawyer is strongly recommended. Working with an attorney could significantly improve the outcome of your case.

Call Our University Place, WA Car Accident Lawyers

Being involved in a crash is scary, and filing a claim afterward can be intimidating. But you don’t have to do it alone. Our University Place, WA car accident lawyers are here to support you. We work on a contingency fee basis and always offer free consultations. Call today to learn more.