Car accidents have a lasting financial impact. On top of the damage to your vehicle, you can also experience ongoing emotional and physical trauma.
If you are injured in a car accident in Washington State, it’s best to settle with the insurance company. The problem is that insurance companies will sometimes fail to provide a reasonable settlement, in which case filing a lawsuit will be necessary.
Insurance companies tend not to have an injured party’s best interests in mind when reaching a settlement. If they can reduce the settlement amount, they will, arguing that the injured party is partially or completely responsible for the accident.
It’s important to remember that you have options, even if you’re partially responsible. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve.
Contributory fault diminishes in proportion to the amount of damages, but it does not bar recovery. Both the defendant and the plaintiff in a car accident suit are determined to legally share responsibility for the accident, with each party being assigned an at-fault percentage. For instance, if the court determines that the plaintiff was 20% at fault, he may only claim 80% of the damages for injuries.
The case must be file within three years from the date of the injury. This statute of limitations also applies to vehicle damage.
