Answers From A Proven Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents bring more questions than answers. As you sift through the confusing aftermath of a crash, you probably have a lot of questions about your medical costs, your property damage and your right to be compensated for your damages. In Seattle and the surrounding Puget Sound communities, you can turn to Wallstrom Law Offices for answers from a personal injury attorney with more than 40 years of experience.

Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions that may address your concerns.

If I accept the insurance company’s offer now to get some money for bills, can I still file a lawsuit?

No. Once you accept the payment from the insurance company, it is no longer obligated to pay you for any expenses or suffering related to your accident.

How long will my case take?

Short answer: It depends.

Longer answer: Every car accident case is different, and the unique factors at play in your case will determine how long it takes to resolve. If the insurance company makes a fair offer right away, your case could be resolved more quickly. Unfortunately, this is rare. Negotiations, backed by the threat of going to trial, are usually required to get a fair offer from the insurance companies. If an offer is not forthcoming, you can rely on Mr. Wallstrom to take your case to court to maximize your compensation. A trial can result in a time frame of over year as opposed to a settlement that can be measured in months. The most important thing is that you get the full compensation that you need to provide you with the funds to cover the expenses associated with a lifelong injury. Taking a quick lowball offer will not accomplish that.

If I file an accident lawsuit, do I need to go to court?

Probably not, but it depends.

The majority of cases settle out of court before or even during the course of a lawsuit. If your case does go to a jury trial, you will need to go to court. However, you will not be alone. Attorney Paul Arnold Wallstrom will make sure that you are prepared for court and will be there with you every step of the way providing encouragement and peace of mind.

What if the police report says that I am partially responsible for the accident?

Washington is a comparative negligence state. If it is determined that you are partially responsible, whatever percentage of fault is assigned to you will be deducted from the settlement. For example, if you are 10% responsible, you will be eligible for 90% of the court-awarded settlement.

Are there things I should do after an accident?

Yes. It is recommended that you call the police, gather evidence if possible and go to the doctor. However, if you are seriously injured, the most important thing to do is to get the medical treatment you need. If you are not incapacitated, it is a good idea to obtain the other driver’s insurance information and license plate number as well as the contact information or accounts of eyewitnesses. Preservation of evidence is crucial in car accident claims, so anything you can gather at the scene is invaluable.

Do I really need an attorney after a car accident?

No one likes the idea of hiring an attorney and filing a lawsuit, but it is the remedy our legal system provides for holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring that you have the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost earnings and other damages. Going it alone in a personal injury claim is a recipe for being left holding the bag; you simply don’t know what you don’t know. An experienced attorney can help you sidestep the pitfalls, deal with the insurance companies and maximize the value of your claim.

Should I speak to the insurance company representatives about my claim?

No. If you have been injured to the point that you are considering a lawsuit, your best course of action is to speak to an attorney and let them guide you the rest of the way.

Contact Mr. Wallstrom, And He’ll Handle The Rest

The compassionate counsel and skilled representation you need is only a phone call or click away. Call 206-558-9662 or send an email to schedule your free initial consultation.