Head-on collisions, also referred to as frontal collisions, are among the most dangerous drivers and passengers might experience. In 2015, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) found that while head-on collisions made up only a tiny fraction of all multivehicle accidents, they accounted for the most fatal crashes (46) of any category.
If you find yourself involved in a head-on collision, you might pursue compensation with the help of a Seattle head-on collisions lawyer for personal injury, property damage, and any other losses you incur as a result. The team with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can fight on your behalf for compensation to cover those losses. To start discussing your case with one of the firm’s representatives, you can reach out today at (844) 730-0233.
Liability After a Seattle Head-On Accident
Head-on collisions in Seattle most often result from:
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Poor weather conditions
- Aggressive or reckless driving
Often, police officers who respond to the scene or other parties investigating the accident can use situational or physical evidence to determine who was responsible for the accident.
That said, Washington car insurance operates on an at-fault model. If you find yourself involved in a head-on collision, your insurance provider and any responding police officers who assess the scene can determine which of the involved parties bears more responsibility for the damages. The party deemed responsible with then be “at-fault” for the accident and can find themselves liable for damages if taken to court.
Each driver on the road owes a duty of care to her other drivers. Should a driver in a frontal collision cause you or your loved one personal injury, death, or property damage, a Seattle head-on collisions lawyer can establish said duty and fight for compensation on your behalf.
To start this process, you need to craft a complaint and file it in King County Superior Court. You can seek out the aid of a car accident lawyer, whether a police officer or insurance adjuster determined you caused the accident, or if you suffered damages from your frontal accident.
You will need to act on your personal injury lawsuit within three years of the accident taking place. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 4.16.080 sets the statute of limitations statewide for lawsuits related to these types of accidents. If you miss the deadline, the court might not consider your case, regardless of applicable liability.
For a free legal consultation with a head-on collisions lawyer serving Seattle, call (844) 730-0233
Why You Should Work with a Seattle Head-On Collisions Lawyer
You do not have to recover from a head-on collision on your own. A Seattle head-on collisions lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights, regardless of your involvement in the accident. You can also collaborate to determine your avenues for compensation, depending on the damages you suffered.
As mentioned, you must first file a comprehensive complaint with the court detailing fault in the accident and what compensation you might be entitled to receive.
Relevant evidence that can help you establish your case might include:
- Skid marks on the road at the scene of the accident.
- Video, audio, or photo footage of the accident, either while it took place or afterward.
- Police reports filed by responding officers.
- Insurance claims filed by both parties involved in the accident.
- Eyewitness testimony reporting how the accident played out.
After compiling the information that you need to prove your case, you can then determine what losses you suffered and, in turn, what compensation you could recover. That compensation might include:
- Medical bills for hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, medication, and follow-up care you have already incurred.
- Medical expenses for future procedures necessary to restore your previous quality of life.
- Medical aids required to help you move around your house, drive your car, or otherwise perform your daily responsibilities.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Psychological counseling.
- Lost income, including wages, salary, bonuses, benefits, and retirement contributions.
- Reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death and funeral expenses, if applicable.
Working Out a Settlement
After an accident, the at-fault driver might choose to reach out to you with a settlement offer that covers your immediate need to pay for repairs and medical bills. While this sort of settlement can help you cover some of your costs, you do not have to accept it without considering your legal options.
After reviewing the offer with a Seattle head-on collisions lawyer, you might determine that the offered settlement will not cover your future medical expenses or other costs. The attorney can then continue negotiating with the at-fault driver, their counsel, and their insurance adjuster to secure a more comprehensive settlement. If all else fails, you can continue your pursuit for the justice and compensation you deserve in court, arguing your personal injury lawsuit before a judge and jury.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC, and Contingency
Frontal collisions are among the most severe collisions involving drivers on the road. After a head-on crash, you will need to take time to focus on recovery, especially if you suffered severe injuries in the accident. You may also need to spend some of your savings to replace the property damaged in the collision.
You need not forgo legal action against the at-fault driver for fear of suffering financial consequences. Ben Crump Law, PLLC, operates on contingency. As such, you pay no upfront fees, and you will not receive a bill for any services you receive unless you receive compensation for your accident-related losses. If you recover an award, whether a settlement or judgment, we only receive a percentage of your payment, allowing you to maintain your savings and use them for other purposes.
Seattle Head-On Collisions Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Fight for Compensation with a Seattle Head-On Collisions Lawyer
The team with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, knows how difficult recovery from a head-on collision can become. You do not, however, need to go through the recovery process alone. A Seattle head-on collisions lawyer can help you determine which party stands liable for your losses, build your case, and fight for the compensation you might be entitled to receive.
If you are ready to take legal action after a head-on crash, call the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, today at (844) 730-0233 for your free case review.
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