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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.
Choosing the right Seattle car accident attorney can make all the difference in your case. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose our firm:
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 victims and defending the civil rights of accused persons.
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!
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!
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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:
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.
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:
If you’ve been injured in a car accident 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.