Getting into a car accident in Seattle can be an overwhelming and disorienting experience, especially when you're dealing with injuries and the uncertainty of what to do next. You may be hurt and under enormous emotional stress due to medical bills, insurance paperwork, and the possibility of missed work. It's a challenging time filled with questions about the future and decisions that must be made. Among those decisions is whether or not to hire a Seattle car accident lawyer. This choice should not be made lightly because it can significantly impact your recovery journey and the outcome of any potential claims.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we understand the difficulties you're facing and the importance of making informed decisions during such a vulnerable time. Let us handle the legal burdens for you so you can focus on your recovery and on rebuilding your life after a serious car crash.
Our goal is not just to inform you about the legal aspects of car accidents but to empower you to make decisions in your best interest and to reassure you that you're not alone. The journey from the moment of the accident to full recovery can be long and complex, but with the right support and advice, you can make it through.
Why Choose Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyers?
Choosing the right legal representation after a car accident can make all the difference in your recovery journey and the outcome of your case. Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon is one of the most respected and successful law firms in Washington State. Our dedication to our car accident and injury clients is evident in everything we do, and this commitment sets us apart.
From the moment you contact our law firm, you'll notice a distinct difference. You are more than just a case number to us; you become a valued member of our law firm family. Our approach to legal representation is centered around you—your needs, your questions, and your well-being. Our team prioritizes effective communication, ensuring you're always informed and comfortable with the progress of your case. With Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon, you can count on a responsive and personalized approach where your case is given the attention and priority it deserves.
Our Past Success
With a history spanning over five decades, our law firm has effectively assisted our injured car accident clients in Washington in obtaining the compensation essential for rebuilding their lives. We have secured millions in compensation for our clients through diligent representation. Below are highlights of some of our most significant car accident cases.
$65.7 million settlementfor a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury after her car was hit by an ambulance from the Seattle Fire Department, marking the largest settlement for a single injury in the state's history and among the largest nationally
$6.6 million settlementfor a man who suffered paralysis due to a motor vehicle accident
$6.1 million settlementin a case involving an elderly woman who passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident
$1.6 million settlementfor a woman involved in a car accident due to faulty vehicle and tire design
$1.5 milion arbitration awardfor a senior citizen who died in a UIM (Underinsured Motorist) auto accident
$1.3 million verdictfor a widow whose husband was killed by an out-of-control snowplow on his way to Crystal Mountain
$1 million settlementfor a family grieving the loss of their minor child in an auto accident
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Seattle
In Seattle, car accidents can happen for many reasons. Understanding the cause of an accident is crucial in determining who is liable and building a strong compensation case. At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon, we are committed to helping our clients after a car accident, no matter the cause.
Distracted driving, particularly texting or using a smartphone while driving, is a leading cause of car accidents in Seattle. Our law firm recognizes the dangers of distracted drivers and works diligently to hold them accountable. We can establish negligence and pursue the compensation our clients deserve by gathering evidence such as phone records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs a driver's judgment, reaction times, and overall ability to drive safely. When impaired driving leads to an accident, our team can prove liability through police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, and expert testimony. This evidence is pivotal in securing justice for victims of impaired drivers.
Speeding and aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic laws, are dangerous and all too common. Our Seattle car accident lawyers use accident reconstruction experts and analyze traffic surveillance footage to demonstrate how these reckless behaviors contributed to the accident, helping to establish the other party's liability.
Seattle's frequent rain and fog can create hazardous driving conditions, contributing to accidents. While weather conditions can complicate liability issues, our firm explores all angles, including whether other drivers were driving unsafely for the conditions or if roadway maintenance issues played a role. This thorough investigation helps us identify all liable parties and strengthen our client's claims.
Accidents resulting from failing to obey traffic signals and signs are clear indicators of negligence. We gather evidence showing the other party's failure to comply with traffic laws, such as red-light camera footage or eyewitness accounts, to build a compelling case for our injured car accident clients.
Types of Seattle Car Accident Cases We Handle
We understand the devastating impact that car accidents can have on individuals and their families. Our experienced car accident legal team has over fifty years of experience handling a wide range of car accident cases across Seattle. Here are some of the types of car accident cases we handle:
Often resulting from distracted driving or following too closely, rear-end collisions can cause significant injuries, ranging from whiplash to more severe spinal injuries. We help victims navigate the complexities of these cases, ensuring that the at-fault driver is held accountable.
Among the most dangerous and potentially fatal types of accidents, head-on crashes require a thorough investigation to determine liability. Our team works diligently to gather evidence and advocate for victims of these devastating accidents, seeking justice and compensation for their losses.
These accidents typically occur at intersections and can result in serious injuries due to the limited protection offered by the sides of vehicles. We have extensive experience in handling T-bone accidents, focusing on proving fault and securing the necessary compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Multi-vehicle accidents are complex. There are often multiple insurance companies and at-fault parties, further complicating the legal process. With our law firm on your side, you can rest easier knowing that our attorneys can untangle the liabilities of multi-care pileups and build a case for compensation.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents face unique challenges, especially when the at-fault driver cannot be immediately identified. We assist clients in pursuing claims through their uninsured motorist coverage and work tirelessly to investigate and bring the responsible parties to justice whenever possible.
Rollover accidents, often involving SUVs and trucks, can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the violent nature of these crashes. Our legal team is experienced in investigating these accidents, including examining vehicle design and road conditions, to establish liability and pursue comprehensive compensation.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to victims of car accidents in Seattle. Our goal is to ease the burden on our clients by handling all aspects of their cases, allowing them to focus on their recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact us to learn how we can help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Understanding Washington State's Car Accident Laws
Washington State operates under a "comparative negligence" system. This means that fault can be distributed among all parties involved in an accident based on the percentage of contribution to the accident. Your percentage of fault can reduce your compensation. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It's crucial to accurately establish the degree of fault, as it directly impacts the compensation you might receive.
Statute of Limitations: Deadlines for Filing a Claim
You must file a lawsuit for damages resulting from a car accident within a specific timeframe. Washington State's statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period typically results in losing your right to seek compensation. Our lawyers can make sure you don’t miss this critical deadline.
Compensation For Your Seattle Car Accident Case
After a car accident in Seattle, you deserve to receive full compensation for the damages you’ve incurred. While no amount of money can undo the harm you’ve suffered, you and your family should not have to endure unnecessary financial hardship because of another person’s mistakes.
Here’s a breakdown of the potential compensation available in a Seattle car accident case:
This includes compensation for all medical treatments related to injuries sustained in the accident. It covers emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical care.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for lost wages during your recovery period. Additionally, if your injuries impact your ability to earn a living in the future, compensation can include loss of earning capacity. This considers differences in your earning potential before and after the accident.
This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress you've experienced as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering are subjective and can vary significantly from case to case, but they are crucial in understanding the full impact of the accident on your life.
Compensation for property damage includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. This ensures that you are not out-of-pocket for the expenses incurred to restore or replace your possessions.
Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or someone close to you has been involved in a car accident in Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Everett, or anywhere else in Washington State, we're here to support you. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Seattle understand the challenges faced by those injured in vehicle collisions. We know that you need money quickly to help you pay for your medical expenses, lost earnings, and more. We work quickly to help our injured car accident clients get the compensation they need to move forward in their lives.
Reach out for a FREE initial consultation. We're eager to listen to your story and guide you through your legal options. Contact us at 425-226-7920 or use our confidential online contact form to get in touch.