Personal Injury FAQ

When you’re injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you may face devastating consequences. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys and staff have helped Seattle area residents recover compensation after accidents for their medical bills, lost wages, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you should reach out to our personal injury lawyers at Emerald City Law Group today at 206-973-0407.

Personal Injury Topics

What is negligence?

The failure of a person to act with the care and concern that another reasonable person would in the same circumstances is referred to as negligence. Negligence is an important aspect of most personal injury cases. If you can prove that a person’s actions were negligent and caused your losses, you may be able to obtain compensation for the damages they caused.

What is personal injury?

Personal injury is the term used to describe any physical and mental injuries and other losses that are the result of someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions. In a personal injury lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, property damage, and more.

How do I know if I have a personal injury case?

If you have suffered from an injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions, you may have a personal injury case. In Washington, you must prove the following legal elements in order to establish liability in a personal injury claim:

• Duty of Care – The defendant had a duty to act in a reasonable manner toward you.
• Breach of Duty of Care – The defendant breached their duty.
• Cause – The defendant’s negligent, reckless, or intentional acts caused your injury.
• Damages – Your injury led to damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Is there a time limit to file a personal injury claim?

The statute of limitations is a law that limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim. In Washington, the statute of limitations is three years, meaning you only have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim.

If you were injured in Washington, you should avoid waiting until the last minute to file your claim as investigations can take time. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more likely that the evidence and witnesses you need to prove your claim will disappear.

How much is my personal injury claim worth?

The value of your personal injury claim depends on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include the types of injuries you’ve sustained, your previous medical history, the cost of your past and future medical expenses, how much income you have lost because of the accident, the severity of your pain and suffering, and the particular conduct of the defendant. By hiring an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer at Emerald City Law Group to review your case and negotiate on your behalf, you can work to obtain the full value of your claim.

Will my personal injury case go to trial?

Most personal injury cases settle before trial through insurance negotiations. However, some cases are tried before a judge or jury because they involve questions of liability or an insurance company will not settle them fairly.

How long will it take to settle my case?

The length of time it will take to settle your personal injury case will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. Personal injury claims can take anywhere from several months to several years to settle. Emerald City Law Group works hard to negotiate with insurance companies and obtain the most compensation possible in every case. It can take time to investigate the situation, interview witnesses, and present information to insurance companies who often make several low-ball offers before presenting a reasonable settlement amount. If we cannot settle your case for an amount that is fair, we will help you take the case to trial.

Should I wait to get medical treatment?

If you’ve been hurt in any type of accident, you should seek immediate medical care. You may put your health at stake by waiting to see a doctor. In addition, if you see a doctor immediately, you can start documenting your injury and reduce the risk of an insurance company arguing that your injury was not related to the accident.

Should I accept a settlement offer from an insurance company?

Insurance companies have a goal of minimizing the amount of money they pay out so that they can increase their profits. This is their business model. Therefore, an insurance company may contact you soon after the accident to try to convince you to accept a low-ball settlement. You should avoid answering any of their questions and contact a Seattle personal injury attorney at our firm right away.

I had a family member who died due to someone else’s actions. Can I sue the person who caused the death?

If you have lost a family member due to someone else’s negligent, reckless, or intentional acts, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Although no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a wrongful death claim can provide you with compensation for funeral expenses and help replace lost wages so that your family can grieve without worrying about finances.

What if I was partially at fault in the accident?

Under Washington law, you can still bring about a personal injury lawsuit if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of your compensation would be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For example, if you recover $10,000 and the judge or jury determines that you are 20 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $8,000.

What types of personal injury cases does Emerald City Law Group handle?

Emerald City Law Group handles a wide array of personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bite accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful deaths, amongst others. Our personal injury lawyers can assist you in maximizing the compensation you receive for your damages.

What if I was hit by a car while walking?

Our pedestrian accident lawyers can help you recover compensation after a devastating accident with a car. Pedestrians have no protection and often suffer serious injuries when hit by motor vehicles. After seeking medical help, you should immediately obtain the help of a personal injury lawyer to begin the investigation process. We can help you file a claim with an insurance company or sue the person responsible for your injuries if necessary.

Can I sue a car that hit me while riding my bicycle?

Bicycling can be a healthy activity; however, when a cyclist is hit by a motor vehicle, the injuries sustained can be serious. Because cyclists have very little protection, they often require significant medical treatment and cannot work for weeks or months. If you’ve been injured while riding a bicycle, contact our bicycle accident lawyers today at Emerald City Law Group.

For legal help, call one of our Seattle criminal defense attorneys or personal injury lawyers from Emerald City Law Group at 206-973-0407.