Being involved in a car accident that was someone else’s fault can be jarring, leaving you with stress, trauma, and significant injuries. Dealing with the impact of the crash can be challenging enough without also needing to navigate complex processes like insurance claims, negotiations, and lawsuits.
A car accident lawyer in Bothell, WA, can help you understand your rights and provide guidance through the legal process. At Max Meyers Law PLLC, we represent car accident victims throughout the greater Bothell, WA, area. We can provide trusted legal assistance while you focus on recovering from this serious event.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Bothell
As part of the Seattle metropolitan area, Bothell sees a high number of commuters and dense traffic patterns. Serious accidents happen in Bothell daily; some of the more common causes are as follows:
- Distracted driving: Becoming distracted by one’s phone, passengers, or events outside the vehicle can lead to driving errors that cause serious accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Serious accidents often occur when drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which severely impairs their reaction times, coordination, and decision-making abilities.
- Speeding: Bothell drivers have a reputation for speeding, which increases the risk of accidents. The city recently installed speed safety cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits in these areas.
- Congested traffic: Commuters driving into and away from the city often sit in dense, congested traffic. Traffic jams can increase the risk of accidents, as drivers must slow down or stop suddenly.
Assessing the cause of your accident can help you begin to pinpoint who might be liable.
Washington’s Pure Comparative Negligence Statute
In Washington, multiple drivers or parties can share fault in an accident under the state’s pure comparative negligence statute. This system assigns a percentage of blame to all parties that contributed to an accident. As long as you are not 100% responsible for the accident, you can seek car accident compensation from another involved party, but your compensation amount would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were assigned 20% accident liability, you would be eligible to seek 80% of your damages. A car accident lawyer in Bothell, WA, can help you understand how this statute applies to your case.
Seeking Compensation After a Bothell Car Accident
Generally, the first step in seeking compensation after a car accident is to file an insurance claim. Washington requires drivers to carry liability coverage worth at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage per accident.
If the insurer does not offer you sufficient compensation, a car accident lawyer in Bothell, WA, can represent you in insurance company negotiations. If negotiations are unsuccessful, your legal representation can discuss filing a personal injury claim to seek economic and non-economic damages. This would allow you to pursue reimbursement for the monetary costs of the accident, such as medical expenses, along with compensation for the physical and emotional pain of the accident.
Many car accident lawsuits settle out of court. Speak with a car accident lawyer about your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Max Meyers Law PLLC Represents Bothell Car Accident Victims
Navigating the aftermath of a serious car accident can be an overwhelming experience. Max Meyers Law PLLC has been providing comprehensive legal guidance and representation to car accident victims across Bothell for more than 15 years.
Call us today at 425-559-9453 to request a legal consultation and learn how our car accident lawyer in Bothell, WA, can assist with your case.