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If you’ve just been in a crash, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Whether it was a minor fender bender on Aurora Avenue or a multi-vehicle collision on I-5, knowing what to do after a car accident in Washington is crucial for protecting your health, rights, and financial future.
This Washington car crash guide walks Seattle-area drivers through the key steps to take after an accident, from checking for injuries to calling a Seattle personal injury attorney. Consider this a trustworthy resource for when seeking clarity, support, and reliable car accident legal advice in Seattle.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene
Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident can make all the difference. Your actions have the power to protect you legally and medically.
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
Put your safety first. Call 911 immediately, even if the injuries aren’t obvious, as this creates an official record of the incident.
2. Move to a Safe Spot
If possible, move your car out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights and stay inside your vehicle if it’s unsafe to exit. Avoid moving injured passengers, unless absolutely necessary. Unnecessary movement can lead to severe unintended injuries, such as paralysis.
3. Exchange Information
Trade contact, license, registration, and insurance details with all drivers involved. Stay calm and avoid accusatory language. Also, be sure not to admit fault.
4. Document Everything
Take photos or videos of the following:
- All vehicles and the road
- Damage to vehicles
- Street signs, skid marks, and traffic signals
- Visible injuries
- Witness contact info
Avoid speculating or apologizing. Under Washington’s comparative negligence law, even minor statements can significantly impact fault determination.
Need more details on how to properly respond to a car crash? Read about what to do after a car accident in Washington if you’ve been struck by another vehicle.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel fine, getting checked by a medical professional is one of the most important things to do after a car accident in Washington. Some injuries, like internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
Why Medical Care Matters:
- Creates a record that ties your injuries to the accident
- Prevents undiagnosed complications
- Strengthens your insurance or legal claim
- There may be a risk of PTSD after an accident
Watch for signs like headaches, dizziness, bruising, or numbness. Unsure whether to seek care for bruises and similar injuries? Learn about what bruising can mean after an accident.
Notify Law Enforcement and File a Police Report
State law requires that certain accidents be reported. Regardless of severity, remembering to report an accident in Washington State is almost always in your best interest. Accidents with deaths, injuries, and major property damage must be reported immediately.
Minor accidents are optional to report, but it is almost always in your best interest to do so. A police report can strengthen your claim and prevent the other driver from wrongly accusing you of fault.
For more information on filing reports for minor accidents, you can review our guide, Do You Have to Call Police After a Minor Car Accident in Seattle?
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
One of the next things to do after a car accident in Washington is to notify your insurer. Timely insurance reporting is often required, even if you weren’t at fault. If you fail to report the accident, your claim may be denied or fault may be disputed.
A Seattle car accident lawyer can help you communicate with your insurance company to prevent them from taking advantage of you. Let’s take a closer look at what to do when contacting your insurer.
Tips for Reporting:
- Stick to the facts: when, where, how many vehicles involved
- Avoid admitting fault or minimizing injuries
- Don’t agree to a recorded statement without advice
Learn more about what not to say to your insurance company after an accident.
Understanding Washington’s Comparative Fault Law
Washington uses a pure comparative negligence system to determine fault in accidents. This means each party involved in an accident can share responsibility, and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Here’s an example of how pure comparative negligence can play out:
- Total damages: $100,000
- You’re 25% at fault
- You can still recover $75,000
This law makes it even more important not to make statements like “I should’ve seen them” or “It was my fault.” Any fault that is attributed to you will reduce the amount of damages you can recover. This can make a massive difference if you have lost wages or paid high medical bills due to the severity of your injuries.
Read more about comparative negligence in our blog, Can I Sue After a Car Accident?
When to Contact a Seattle Personal Injury Attorney
You don’t always need a lawyer, but if your injuries are serious, your car is totaled, or fault is unclear, contacting a Seattle personal injury attorney should be one of your first steps. Expert legal counsel can help you avoid issues during the claim process. An attorney will maximize the value of your claim and prevent your insurer from taking advantage of you.
When Legal Help Makes Sense:
- You have medical bills, missed work, or lasting injuries
- The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim
- You were hit by a commercial driver
- Fault is disputed or unclear
A personal injury attorney who understands Washington car crash law can protect your claim and help you avoid being taken advantage of.
Learn more about contacting a car accident attorney here:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even small missteps after a crash can harm your case. Insurance adjusters and at-fault parties may try to get you to admit fault or make concessions, but with the proper guidance, you can stay strong and avoid legal mistakes. Here are the most common ones to avoid:
- Admitting fault to the other driver or police
- Not getting checked out medically
- Posting photos or updates on social media
- Giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster
- Accepting a lowball offer too soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report a minor accident in Washington State?
Yes, if injuries or more than $1,000 in damage occurred. Otherwise, reporting is still strongly recommended. Failing to report an accident in Washington State can subject you to increased legal complications or difficulty filing a claim.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Washington’s comparative fault law allows you to recover compensation even if you’re mostly at fault. For example, let’s say you were 75% responsible for an accident. You can potentially still recover 25% of damages by filing a claim.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Washington?
The statute of limitations in Washington is three years from the date of the accident. Missing the deadline will likely force you to forfeit your claim, so it is important to contact a Seattle personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Legal professionals can help you gather evidence and submit a claim before it’s too late.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re still wondering what to do after a car accident in Washington, the next best move is clear: speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Attorney Khan is one of the most knowledgeable around, having helped thousands of people secure maximum compensation for their injuries. We’re called the King of Injury Law for a reason.
At Khan Injury Law, our legal team has helped countless clients throughout Seattle and Washington recover compensation after serious car crashes. We listen, provide guidance, and help victims make smart decisions every step of the way along their path to recovery.
We understand how stressful a car accident can be, both financially and physically. We take the load off your shoulders, giving you access to premier legal guidance and medical care. You always come first at Khan Injury Law, so contact us today. From your initial consultation through to the completion of your case, we will be by your side, working tirelessly to provide you with a clear path forward.
