Seattle Car Accident Lawyer
A serious car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you are driving through Seattle on your way to work, school, or home, and the next you find yourself facing ambulance bills, weeks or months of medical treatment, and financial uncertainty while you try to heal. At Gustad Law Group, we understand how stressful and scary this time can be. We regularly represent injured people across Seattle, and we know that every client comes to us at one of the most difficult times in their lives. Our Seattle car accident lawyer is here to support you, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your future.
Car accident cases are rarely simple, even when they may appear straightforward. Insurance companies often deny fault, downplay injuries, and pressure victims to accept fast, low settlements long before the full extent of the harm is known. We step in to level the playing field. Led by experienced Seattle personal injury attorney John-Paul Gustad, we take a proactive, hands-on approach to every case. We gather evidence, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and make sure your voice is heard. When cases demand it, we are fully prepared to take your claim to court and present the truth to a jury.
Facts About Washington Car Accident Law
Washington is a fault-based state when it comes to car crashes, meaning the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting damages. But the burden of proving fault lies with the crash victim, and proving a case is not always easy. Even with clear facts, insurance companies often look for ways to shift blame to the injured person, minimizing what they must pay. Our role is to make sure the full circumstances of the crash are properly documented and presented so that our clients receive fair treatment under Washington law.
Washington also follows the rule of comparative negligence, which means an injured person’s compensation can be reduced if the insurance company convinces the victim that they share a portion of the blame. Insurers sometimes use this rule to unfairly argue that a victim was partially at fault because they “could have reacted faster,” “should have seen the other vehicle,” or even “were driving too cautiously.” We push back against these tactics by collecting witness statements, traffic camera footage, police reports, and expert testimony when necessary.
Another important part of Washington car accident law is the state’s mandatory liability insurance. Every driver is required to carry minimum coverage that includes:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to multiple people
- $10,000 in property damage coverage
These minimums are often far too low to compensate someone after a serious crash, and nearly one in five drivers on Washington roads don’t carry any insurance at all. That is why uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so valuable. UM/UIM protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little insurance to cover your losses. Many clients do not realize they have this coverage until we review their policy for them, and it often becomes one of the most important resources available in a case. Our representation is equally valuable in a UM or UIM claim; even when you are going through your own insurance company, they may still try to limit their payout with the same tricks and tactics other insurers use.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Seattle
Seattle’s busy roads, dense traffic patterns, and unpredictable weather contribute to many collisions every year, but the most common causes stem from preventable, negligent driving behaviors. These include:
- Distracted driving, including texting, using social media, or eating or grooming while driving
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Speeding, especially on I-5, I-90, and other high-speed corridors
- Following too closely, which is one of the major causes of rear-end crashes
- Failure to signal or improper lane changes
- Disregarding traffic signals or crosswalks, endangering both drivers and pedestrians
When drivers ignore the rules of the road, the consequences can be devastating. Our team works to identify exactly what happened and why. By reconstructing events and examining the driver’s behavior, we build a strong foundation for your claim.
Types of Serious Car Accidents and Resulting Injuries
The nature of the collision can greatly influence the injuries a person suffers. For example, rear-end crashes often lead to neck, shoulder, and back injuries. T-bone collisions, which frequently occur at intersections, can cause severe trauma to the ribs, pelvis, and internal organs. Head-on crashes, though less common, are among the most dangerous, often resulting in catastrophic or fatal injuries. Rollover accidents can trap occupants inside the vehicle, leading to head injuries, fractures, and long-term disability.
We understand that no two accidents or injuries are alike. Some clients suffer soft-tissue injuries that require months of therapy. Others experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent impairment that affects every aspect of their life. We take each case personally and work closely with medical professionals to understand the full scope of your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
At Gustad Law Group, we represent individuals and families injured in all kinds of motor vehicle collisions throughout Seattle and the surrounding areas. These cases most often include:
- Rear-end collisions that cause whiplash, back injuries, and chronic pain
- Intersection and T-bone crashes involving right-of-way disputes
- Head-on collisions resulting in catastrophic harm
- Rollover accidents, often tied to speed or vehicle instability
- Multi-vehicle crashes where determining fault is complex
- Accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers, where UM/UIM coverage may apply
- Hit-and-run accidents, requiring immediate legal intervention to protect your claim
In every case, we aim to reduce the burden on our clients so they can focus on healing while we handle the insurance process, negotiations, and litigation if needed.
What To Do After a Car Accident in Seattle
After a crash, it is difficult to know what to do next. Many people are in shock, and insurance companies often contact victims within hours, hoping to secure a statement or obtain authorization to access medical records. Our clients often tell us they felt pressured or confused by these early calls.
We encourage people to seek medical care immediately, even if they think their injuries are minor. Symptoms of head, neck, and internal injuries can appear later but need to be diagnosed and treated promptly. We also recommend contacting an attorney early, so your rights are protected from the start. Our team manages communication with insurers, investigates the crash, and ensures your claim is properly valued before any settlement discussions occur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seattle Car Accident Injury Claims
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Washington?
Washington’s statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but insurance companies need to be notified within days to protect a claim. It is always better to speak with an attorney as soon as possible so that evidence is preserved and no mistakes are made that can affect the value or success of your claim.
What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?
You may still be able to recover through your uninsured motorist coverage. We can review your policy and help you pursue every available source of compensation.
Do I need to talk to the insurance adjuster?
You are not required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, doing so can harm your claim. We can handle all communications on your behalf.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Washington allows recovery even if you share some responsibility, though your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
What if my injuries were severe or life-changing?
We regularly handle catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases in Seattle car crashes. These claims often require expert input and detailed long-term planning, and our team is fully prepared to pursue them.
Call Gustad Law Group for a Free Consultation After a Seattle Car Accident Injury
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Seattle, we are here to help. At Gustad Law Group, we understand the stress, pain, and uncertainty you may be facing, and we are committed to standing beside you every step of the way. We offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today to get the support and guidance you deserve.