When you are in a car accident with another driver, after seeking medical attention, your next thought may be to figure out who was at fault for the accident. Determining who was at fault for the accident determines who will have to pay for any injuries you sustained as well as any property damage to your vehicle. How is fault determined in Washington State? If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Spokane auto accident attorney so that we can help you strategize about the best possible outcomes for your case.
How to Determine Fault in Washington State
When you are in an accident in Washington, the amount that you are owed for your injuries depends on whom is at fault. Washington is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that any person who is at fault in an accident is responsible for paying another person's damages. However, if you also contributed to your injuries, then the amount that you recover in a lawsuit will be reduced by your level of fault. For instance, you get into an accident with Adam and it is determined that the amount of damages you are owed is $10,000. Adam was 90% at fault and you were 10% at fault. You will only be able to recover $9,000 instead of $10,000 because the amount that you receive is decreased by your level of fault. Though you may be able to recover in a lawsuit, it is important to note that Washington allows for no fault coverage with your insurance company. Therefore, if you have no fault coverage, your insurance policy will cover the damages no matter who is at fault. However, if you have traditional coverage, this will not be the case. Because of the difficulty that each case bears, it is beneficial to seek legal advice and representation if you are in this situation.
Need Legal Advice?
Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. For many people who are in auto accidents, injuries are sustained and you have the right to be compensated for your injuries. However, it is important to seek legal advice and representation in this matter because if you are at fault the damages you receive can be drastically decreased. Because of this, if you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, contact an experienced auto accident attorney to help you with your case. Contact the West Law Office online or call at 509-993-0748 so that we can help you.
(image courtesy of Alexey Topolyanskiy)
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