Spokane Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can happen in an instant, changing lives forever. Even minor collisions can result in serious injuries, long-term medical needs, or the loss of a loved one. For drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists in Spokane, the aftermath of a car accident can be impossible to deal with effectively. Insurance companies, adjusters, and legal procedures add layers of stress when you are already dealing with pain, uncertainty, and financial pressures.

At Gustad Law Group, our Spokane car accident lawyer and team are here to provide compassionate support while aggressively protecting your rights. We help you understand your legal options, fight for fair compensation, and make sure insurance companies cannot minimize your injuries or deny responsibility. Attorney John-Paul Gustad and our experienced team have decades of combined experience advocating for accident victims. We know what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure the full impact of your injuries is recognized.

Liability in Spokane Car Accidents

Washington is a fault-based, comparative negligence state. This means the party who caused the accident can be held responsible for damages, but your recovery may be reduced if you share any degree of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for an accident, your compensation could be reduced by that percentage. Even if you are partially at fault, though, you still have the right to seek damages for your injuries.

Liability is established through evidence such as police reports, driver and witness statements, photos, videos, and expert accident reconstruction when necessary. Insurance companies often dispute liability to avoid paying, or they may try to shift blame onto the victim. A Spokane car accident lawyer can gather evidence, demonstrate fault clearly, and negotiate with insurers to maximize your recovery.

Washington Insurance Requirements and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Washington law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage in the following amounts:

$25,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident.
$50,000 for injury or death of two or more people.
$10,000 for property damage.

While these minimums provide basic coverage, they are often insufficient to cover serious injuries or catastrophic accidents. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance (which happens about 20% of the time) or lacks sufficient coverage to pay your full damages.

Insurance claims can be complicated. Adjusters may deny claims, offer low settlements, or claim that damages are not covered. Our Spokane personal injury legal team ensures that your insurance coverage is properly applied, including pursuing claims under the at-fault driver’s policy and your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if necessary.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Spokane

Car accidents can occur in countless ways, but some reasons are more prevalent than others. Distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and other reckless behaviors are frequently responsible for collisions. Spokane drivers face risks from:

Distracted driving, such as texting, phone calls, or other in-vehicle distractions.
Drunk or impaired driving, including alcohol or drugs that reduce reaction time.
Speeding and aggressive driving, which reduce the ability to avoid collisions.
Following too closely and failing to leave enough distance to stop safely.
Failure to signal, improper lane changes, or disregarding traffic signs and signals.

Accidents also vary by type of collision. Common crash types we handle in Spokane include rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, and rollovers. Each type of accident can result in different injuries and challenges, requiring tailored investigation and medical documentation.

Serious Injuries from Car Accidents

Even seemingly minor collisions can result in long-term consequences. Severe car accidents can lead to:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which may cause memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and personality changes.
Spinal cord injuries, which can result in partial or total paralysis.
Fractures and broken bones, requiring surgery or long-term rehabilitation.
Soft tissue injuries, including whiplash, chronic pain, and mobility issues.
Internal injuries, which can be life-threatening and require emergency medical care.

In cases where accidents cause a fatality, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

How Gustad Law Group Helps Spokane Car Accident Victims

Dealing with insurance claims and legal procedures after a car accident is daunting. Gustad Law Group provides comprehensive representation from start to finish. Our Spokane car accident attorneys:

Investigate the accident thoroughly, including reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, and, if necessary, working with accident reconstruction specialists.
Gather and organize medical evidence, ensuring your injuries are fully documented and the long-term impact is clearly explained.
Negotiate with insurance companies, advocating for fair compensation rather than accepting a low initial offer.
Represent you in court if the insurer refuses to settle or disputes liability, ensuring your rights are fully protected.

We approach each case with empathy, recognizing the emotional and financial toll accidents impose on victims and families. Our team combines personal attention with aggressive legal advocacy to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions – Spokane Car Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Seek medical attention, contact the police to file a report, and document the scene with photos. Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without legal guidance.

2. Can I recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Washington has comparative negligence laws, so your damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault but not completely barred.

3. What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?

Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may protect you. Our Spokane attorneys ensure your policy is applied correctly.

4. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Washington?

Generally, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident. Some claims, including those against government entities, may have shorter deadlines.

5. Do I have to pay up front to hire Gustad Law Group?

No. We work on a no recovery, no fee basis and offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options.

Contact a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a car accident in Spokane, it is critical to act quickly. John-Paul Gustad and our team at Gustad Law Group provide compassionate, aggressive representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation. Remember, there is no fee unless we win your case.