Seattle, Washington
Car Accident Injury Attorneys
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Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Seattle, you may be facing a range of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. From mounting medical bills to lost wages and the pain and suffering caused by your injuries, the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, you do not have to face these challenges alone. At Malcolm Law, our dedicated team of professionals is available to walk you through each step of the way of your legal challenge. Our experienced Seattle car accident attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Malcolm Law for your free consultation.

Why Choose Our Seattle Car Accident Lawyer?

Choosing the right Seattle car accident attorney can make all the difference in your car accident case. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose our firm:

  1. Experience: Our Seattle car accident attorneys have decades of combined experience in personal injury law, and we have successfully represented clients in a wide range of cases. We know the law, and we know how to fight for your rights.
  2. Results: Our track record of success speaks for itself. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients over the years, and we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
  3. Personal Attention: We understand that every case is unique, which is why our personal injury attorneys take the time to listen to your story and understand your needs. We are dedicated to providing personalized attention and guidance every step of the way.
  4. Contingency Fees: We are available to work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay anything upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, so you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees. Discussing fees will be one of the first steps during your free consultation so that you can confidently choose us to represent you while knowing what you’ll be required to pay.

Meet Sean B. Malcolm
Your Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

Sean Malcolm, Redmond Washington Personal Injury Lawyer

Passionately dedicated to his clients, Sean Malcolm’s 15 years of experience providing car accident, personal injury and wrongful death attorney services has prepared Malcolm Law to handle the most complex and serious cases in Washington. During that time, he’s built a strong reputation for fighting for seriously injured car accident victims and defending the civil rights of accused persons.

AWARDS & MEMBERSHIPS

Malcolm Law Firm Awards & Memberships. Top 100 National Trial Lawyers. Washington State Association for Justice. Avvo Top Attorney Litigation Rating 10.0 Superb. Top Verdict US Top 10 Premise Liability and Top 50 Personal Injury. American Association for Justice.

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

“Couldn’t thank him or recommend him enough!”

Sean Malcolm is affordable AND is willing to work with you if money is an issue, very professional, very helpful and got me the best possible deal with the best possible outcome! So thankful for him! He was honest, informative, and overall caring for me and my situation. Couldn’t thank him or recommend him enough!

HANNAH G.

 

“Highly recommend the Malcolm Law Firm”

The Malcolm Law Firm was outstanding, professional, diligent and collaborative. I worked with my lawyer, Sean Malcolm, Russ and team for 3 years. After a life-changing motorcycle accident, Malcolm Law reviewed my case and set expectations up-front. They remained fully committed, presenting the process, the anticipated pros, cons, and outcomes at each step of the process. With Malcolm Law having the expertise of both sides of the table, they were able to strategize and help to achieve a realistic goal. The ongoing communication was great. In the end, we won the case, and got justice on record. Highly recommend the Malcolm Law Firm, Redmond!

DINA H.

For more client testimonials, click here.

Seattle Car Accident Resources on This Page

Common Types of Car Accidents

No accident is always better than an accident. However, there are some types of accidents that can be more critical than others. Here are some commonly seen types of car accidents in Washington state:

  • Rear-end collisions: These motor vehicle accidents occur when one car hits the car in front of it from behind. They can happen due to various reasons, such as tailgating, sudden stops, or distracted driving. Rear-end collisions can result in injuries to passengers in the front vehicle, and the driver of the rear car is usually deemed at fault.
  • T-bone accidents: Also known as broadside collisions, these car crashes occur when the front of one car collides with the side of another car, forming a “T” shape. T-bone accidents often occur at intersections when one driver fails to stop at a red light or stop sign, resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Head-on collisions: These auto accidents occur when two vehicles collide front-to-front, often at high speeds. They are considered one of the most dangerous types of car crashes due to the significant force involved in the impact. Head-on collisions can result in severe injuries, and fatalities are not uncommon.
  • Rollover accidents: These accidents happen when a car flips over onto its side or roof. They can occur due to various reasons, such as sharp turns, high speeds, or a collision with another vehicle. Rollover accidents can result in brain or spinal cord injuries, and passengers are at higher risk of being ejected from the vehicle.
  • Hit-and-run accidents: These accidents occur when a driver leaves the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or offer aid. Hit-and-run accidents can involve any type of collision, and they can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Drunk driving accidents: These accidents occur when a driver operates a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities, and the driver is often held criminally liable for their actions.
  • Distracted driving accidents: These accidents happen when a driver is not paying attention to the road and is distracted by something else, such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting the radio. Distracted driving accidents can occur in any type of collision and can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

How Malcolm Law Will Help With Your Car Accident

The tasks our Seattle car accident lawyer will take on include:

Investigating the Accident

Our first step in building your case is to thoroughly investigate the accident. We will collect and review all available evidence, including any police reports, witness statements, and medical records. Our Seattle car accident attorneys may also consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the car crash and who is at fault.

Determining Liability

Once we have gathered all available evidence, we will work to determine who is liable for the Seattle, Washington car accident. In many cases, liability may be straightforward, such as when a driver runs a red light or is found to be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, in other cases, liability may be more complex, such as when multiple parties may share fault for the accident. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Calculating Damages

In addition to determining liability, we will also work to calculate the full extent of your damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Our Seattle car accident attorneys will work closely with you and your medical providers to ensure that we have a full understanding of your injuries and the long-term impact they may have on your life.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Once we have determined liability and calculated damages, we will begin negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Our Seattle car accident lawyers have extensive experience in negotiating car insurance claims with insurance companies and know how to build a strong case that will support your car accident claim for compensation.

If we are unable to reach a fair settlement offer with the insurance company, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our Seattle car accident lawyers have a strong track record of success in litigating vehicle accident cases and will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

What are Washington's car insurance requirements?

Washington Car Accident Laws and Insurance Requirements

In Washington, a fault-based auto insurance system governs auto accidents. If you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to bring a claim against the at-fault motorist. The negligent driver is liable for all damages resulting from the accident.

Washington law mandates that drivers demonstrate their financial capability to pay for damages. Most drivers comply with this requirement by purchasing liability insurance that meets these minimum policy limits:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in one accident
  • $50,000 for bodily injuries or deaths of two or more persons in one accident
  • $10,000 for property damage in one accident

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Seattle Car Accident Claim?

If you’ve been injured in a car wreck in King County due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. These are typically divided into two categories: economic damages, which refer to your financial losses, and non-economic losses, which involve the physical and emotional suffering that you endured.

The attorneys at Malcolm Law Firm can help you seek the following damages:

  • Medical Expenses: You can recover the cost of all medical treatment related to your accident, including hospital bills, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may require as a result of your injuries.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can claim lost wages and future earning capacity. This includes not only the income you’ve lost due to missed work but also any future income you may lose if your injuries impact your ability to work in the future.
  • Property Repair and Replacement: You have the right to seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as electronic devices, clothing, or eyeglasses.
  • Disability Accommodations: If your injuries result in a permanent disability, you may recover the cost of necessary accommodations, such as home modifications, assistive devices, or a modified vehicle to suit your needs.
  • Pain and Suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life you experience due to the accident and your injuries.

What Is the Difference Between an Insurance Claim and Personal Injury Lawsuit?

After a car accident, you have two primary options for seeking compensation: filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. While both methods aim to recover damages for your injuries and losses, there are significant differences between the two.

Insurance Claims

An insurance claim involves negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to settle. This process typically begins with your attorney submitting a demand letter to the insurance company, outlining your injuries and the compensation you are seeking.

The insurance company will then respond with a counteroffer, and negotiations will continue until a settlement is reached or an impasse occurs. This process can be faster and less expensive than a lawsuit, but recovering maximum compensation can be a challenge.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

In some cases, filing a personal injury lawsuit with the help from a Seattle personal injury lawyer may be necessary, especially if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. A lawsuit involves filing a complaint in court and presenting your case before a judge or jury.

This process involves a discovery phase, where both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome. While this process can be more time-consuming and expensive, it may result in a higher award.

Which Type of Claim Should You File?

The Seattle car accident attorneys at Malcolm Law Firm can help you determine which pathway is right for your situation. We will assess the details of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate in good faith. Based on this assessment, we will recommend the best course of action to maximize your compensation and protect your legal rights.

Call (206) 659-9514 to speak with Malcolm Law

How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Washington?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for most car accident claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this three-year window, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, so it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to determine your applicable filing deadline.

RCW 4.16.080. Actions limited to three years.

The following actions shall be commenced within three years:

(2) An action for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including an action for the specific recovery thereof, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another not hereinafter enumerated.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Seattle

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Seattle, taking the proper steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here are some key actions to take:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t believe you’ve been seriously injured, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, brain injuries, or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences if left untreated.
  • Call the Police: As soon as possible after the accident, contact the police to file an official report. The police will document the scene of the accident, gather statements from involved parties and witnesses, and create an official record of the incident.
  • Gather Evidence: If you are able, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos of the damage to the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries you or others have sustained. Get the contact and insurance information of the other driver(s) involved, as well as the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
  • Contact an Attorney: Reach out to a car accident attorney to discuss your case. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Consulting with an attorney early in the process can help you avoid common pitfalls so that your case is handled properly from the start.

Contact a Seattle Car Accident Attorney for a Fair Insurance Settlement

After a motor vehicle accident, insurance companies will often try to offer you a quick settlement to avoid paying out a fair amount of compensation. However, these initial offers are often much lower than what you are actually entitled to receive. This is because insurance companies are focused on minimizing their own costs and not on what is best for you.

Having a Seattle car accident attorney on your side can help level the playing field. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys at Malcom Law know how to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. We will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for your rights every step of the way. We understand that every case is unique, and we will work closely with you to understand the specific details of your accident and develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your needs.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Seattle, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights. At Malcolm Law, we will be with you every step of the way. Our Seattle car accident lawyers will make sure that you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation.