Car Accident Lawyer Vancouver

Regardless of how safely you drive, there’s always the possibility of being involved in an auto accident due to the negligent acts of someone else.

Quick Links

^How can a car accident attorney help?
^Common car accident injuries
^What should I do after an auto accident?
^Causes of auto accidents
^Common car accident types
^Damages after a Washington auto accident
^Liability
^Statute of Limitations in Washington
^Will my auto accident case go to trial?

Contact our Washington auto accident attorneys at Bridge City Law to schedule a free consultation

It’s not unusual for the insurance company of the at-fault driver to offer you a settlement without knowing the true extent of your injuries. Don’t let the stress of an auto accident force you into settling before you are done treating. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, speak with a Vancouver car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

At Bridge City Law, our attorneys for auto accidents are committed to taking care of your legal needs and ensuring you’re treated fairly, so you can focus on what’s most important — regaining your health.

How Can an Attorney for Car Accidents in Vancouver Help?

Auto accidents are common throughout Washington, including Vancouver. It’s hard to understand the full impact an accident can have on your life, until it happens to you. Depending on the severity of the collision, you could experience a lengthy recovery period that may cause you to miss several days, weeks, or even months of work. If your injuries have resulted in a permanent disability, you may be unable to return to your old job and forced to change careers. With our experienced and compassionate lawyers we can help you during this difficult time by handling every aspect of your accident claim with the insurance company, so you can focus on your recovery.

If you sustained a catastrophic injury in a car accident, you may also be facing significant emotional, physical, and financial damages. As a personal injury law firm, our role is to guide you through the legal process, every step of the way and make sure you are taken care of. Part of our duty as a personal injury lawyer is to gather evidence to build a strong case to help you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company of the fault driver to cover the cost of injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, wage loss, property damages, and other losses. We will protect your case, advocate for your rights, and handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Common Car Accident Injuries

The most common types of injuries seen in auto accidents include:

Head trauma/traumatic brain injuries
Neck injuries
Spinal cord injury
Back injuries
Broken bones
Internal bleeding
Burns
Internal organ damage
Amputation
Chest injuries

No charge Consultation

WE ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIDEO CONFERENCE CALLS

When You’ve Been Injured:

We Are Available To You 24/7
There is NO FEE OR OBLIGATION for An Initial Consultation
You Don’t Pay a Fee Until We Successfully Settle Your Case
We Are Experienced, Skilled, Responsive And Have Handled Thousands Of Cases
We Take A Compassionate Approach To Personal Injury Law
We Know How To Negotiate To Maximize Results

PRACTICE AREAS:

Hit and Run Accidents

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Auto Accidents While At Work

Wrongful Death

Claims Against Insurance Companies

COMPLEXITIES

Regarding Injuries in Car Accidents

Motor vehicle injuries often occur because of someone else’s negligent actions or inactions, whether through speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, drunk driving, or driving under the influence.

A negligent driver who is found at fault for causing an accident that resulted in a fatality may find themselves facing a wrongful death lawsuit. If you were involved in an accident, contact one of our auto accident lawyers as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your claim.

WHAT SHOULD I DO

After a Car Accident?

It can be surprising how confusing and disruptive an auto accident can be. There are so many things that must be taken care of immediately after an accident when you need to focus on recovering from injuries. It is so easy to unknowingly make decisions following an accident that can irreparably harm your case and impact the settlement amount to cover your losses. The following steps can ensure you protect your legal rights and your claim.

SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you believe you are not severely injured. Some injuries may not be apparent for several hours or days after the motor vehicle accident. Your medical records will be used as evidence in your claim. Make sure to let all of the medical providers you’re treating with know about all of your injuries, including anxiety you might be having since your accident, even if the provider you’re treating with doesn't treat those specific types of injuries.

OBTAIN EVIDENCE

If you’re able to, walk around the scene of the accident and take photos of the road, weather conditions, your injuries, the damage done to all vehicles involved, and anything else you believe may have contributed to the accident. Be sure to keep a backup of all photos, names, and numbers you collected at the scene of the accident.

DO NOT SPEAK TO AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER

The insurance carrier responsible for paying for the damages from the accident will focus on protecting its interests first and foremost. Their priority is not the person injured in the car accident or providing the settlement you deserve. It’s best to avoid speaking to an insurance adjuster to prevent accidentally harming your claim. Hiring an attorney to take over communications with the insurance company will protect your claim and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you.

SPEAK WITH A SKILLED AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

A Portland personal injury attorney can provide the legal advice you need during the challenging time following an accident. Contacting an attorney before talking with the insurance company for the at-fault driver will help protect your legal rights and give you the best chance of recovering the compensation you deserve for your personal injury insurance claim.

CAUSES

Of Auto Accidents

Car accidents are often the result of reckless or negligent behavior. If you were injured in an auto accident due to driver negligence, you have the right to file a claim for compensation. There are many major causes of auto accidents in Vancouver, Washington, including those listed here.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Poor road conditions
Inclement weather
Tailgating
Speeding
Texting
Not paying attention
Aggressive driving
Distracted driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Poor road conditions
Inclement weather
Tailgating
Speeding
Texting
Not paying attention
Aggressive driving
Distracted driving

COMMON CAR ACCIDENT TYPES

Some of the most common types of auto accidents our firm has extensive personal injury law experience include:

ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS

A rollover accident results when a vehicle tips over onto its roof or side. This type of collision has a much higher fatality rate compared to other types of auto accidents. We have decades of experience in managing these complex types of cases with care and compassion.

T-BONE ACCIDENT / SIDE IMPACT

A side-impact accident is often caused by failure to yield the right of way at an intersection. This type of accident is caused by one vehicle failing to obey a traffic signal. The severity of an accident and the injuries sustained can be increased at higher speeds. Vehicles that are equipped with side airbags can help reduce the severity of injuries.

HEAD-ON CRASH

A head-on collision is an accident in which the front ends of two vehicles collide as the vehicles are traveling in opposite directions. This is the deadliest type of accident due to the velocity of the vehicles.

REAR-END COLLISION

Commonly referred to as a fender bender, this type of accident will occur when one car crashes into the back of another vehicle. These accidents take place when there is a sudden deceleration by the first vehicle that doesn’t give the vehicle behind them adequate time to stop. Common injuries sustained in rear-end accidents include concussions, whiplash, and spinal injuries.
Distracted drivers, such as people who text or talk on the phone while driving, often cause rear-end collisions when they fail to notice that traffic has slowed or stopped in front of them. A distracted driver can also cause a side-impact collision by running a red light or stop sign. A rollover accident can be caused by a drunk driver, auto product liability, dangerous road or weather conditions, a tired driver, or a reckless driver. Any type of collision can become a hit-and-run accident if the at-fault party drives away without exchanging their contact and insurance information.

DAMAGES

Available After a Washington Auto Accident

There are various types of compensation available to people injured in auto accidents. This usually includes economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are given to those injured to help cover the following losses:

Past and future lost wages
Past and future medical expenses
Property damage
Loss of employment
Any out-of-pocket accident-related expenses

Non-economic damages are given to auto accident victims for the following losses:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship
Loss of consortium
Emotional distress

And more.

Economic damages are given to those injured to help cover the following losses:

Past and future lost wages
Past and future medical expenses
Property damage
Loss of employment
Any out-of-pocket accident-related expenses

Non-economic damages are given to auto accident victims for the following losses:

Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of companionship
Loss of consortium
Emotional distress

And more.

The total amount of compensation paid to someone injured in an accident in Washington will vary and depend on the circumstances and facts related to each situation. Some of the main factors can include the severity of the injuries, how long the accident victim was out of work, how long it took the victim to recover, and whether or not the injuries sustained led to a permanent disability.

LIABILITY:

Compensation for Damages

The state of Washington follows a comparative fault system for car accidents. This means that accident victims can still receive compensation for their damages in an auto accident if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found ten percent at fault for the accident, your award will be reduced by ten percent.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN WASHINGTON

Auto accident victims should be aware that they have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident. In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing the lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.

It’s best to talk to a car accident lawyer to make sure you understand the time limits, and other requirements you may need to do to protect your claim.

If the injured person in a car accident is a minor, the statute of limitations is generally tolled or “paused” until the minor reaches the age of 18. Once the minor turns 18, the regular three-year statute of limitations begins to run.

However, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to confirm the exact time limits applicable to your specific situation, as there may be exceptions or additional factors that could affect the timeline.

If the driver of the car that caused the collision is working for a city, county, state, or federal employer, there is a 180-day written notice requirement that must be met. If the auto collision resulted in someone dying, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is typically three years from the date of the person’s death. This means the lawsuit must be filed within three years of the individual’s passing.

RESOLVING MY CASE

Will My Auto Accident Case Go to Trial?

Most Washington auto accident cases will be resolved through settlements. There’s no need to go to court for a claim that can be resolved through negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, or if they try to deny your personal injury claim, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit and have your case handled in civil court.

Following is a list of the typical reasons that a case does not settle:

There is a question over who is at fault for causing the accident
There is not much visible damage to the car you were injured in
You have similar pre-existing conditions
There are gaps in your treatment
You did not follow through with your medical provider’s advice
You did not let your providers know about all of your injuries
You did not tell your providers about similar types of issues or problems

Even when a lawsuit is filed, most accident claims settle without going to court. When a lawsuit is filed, it often means the process will take longer. There is a discovery phase where both sides will continue to investigate the accident and exchange information with each other. Negotiations will also continue with the insurance company for the person who caused the accident. In many situations, auto accidents are resolved before going to court is necessary. However, if the insurance company of the at-fault driver still refuses to offer a fair settlement, then it may be necessary to move forward with a trial.

Contact to Schedule with
Our Washington Auto Accident Attorneys at Bridge City Law

Our personal injury law firm has extensive experience handling complex auto accident cases in Vancouver, Washington and throughout Oregon. We have the skills and resources necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure you have the best possible outcome for your case.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by the negligent or careless actions of someone else in the greater Portland area, reach out to our legal experts. The Vancouver Car Accident Attorneys at Bridge City Law can help.

We’re here to guide you through the personal injury claims process, take care of your legal needs, ensure you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance company, and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Situated along the stunning Columbia River, Vancouver, Washington, is a thriving urban environment and dynamic community, surrounded by breathtaking views of the river, mountains, and forests. Experience the best of the Pacific Northwest in Vancouver while enjoying a slightly more suburban and relaxed lifestyle. Enjoy the vibrant downtown area, burgeoning cultural and artistic scene, and frequently organized community events, farmers’ markets, and festivals that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby parks, hiking trails, the picturesque Waterfront Renaissance Trail, Mount St. Helens, a variety of lakes and rivers, and other natural areas.