Car Accident Attorneys in Vancouver, WA
While sharing a name with its Canadian counterpart in British Columbia, Vancouver, Washington is a place unlike any other. The region is Washington State’s oldest and fourth largest city, home to roughly 193,000 residents.
Unfortunately, with such a busy and crowded population, car accidents are not uncommon in Vancouver. If you or someone you love has been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. That’s why it is important to consult with experienced car accident attorneys in Vancouver, WA who can help you get the justice and financial recovery deserved.
Working With You to Obtain Equitable Compensation After a Car Accident
When you’ve gotten into a car accident, the last thing on your mind is taking legal action. You and your family are likely dealing with immense physical and emotional distress, making it difficult to think of anything else. That’s why it is important to work with a car accident attorney who can handle the legal processes for you–without taking away from the time and energy needed to heal.
What Are the Causes of Most Car Accidents?
Many car accidents are caused by driver negligence or recklessness.
This can include things like:
- Aggressive Driving – Aggressive driving and road rage are serious problems in the United States. Some drivers become reckless when they are frustrated, leading to serious car accidents.
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is a major contributing factor in car accidents. This can include things like texting while driving, eating and drinking behind the wheel, or even engaging in conversations with other passengers in the car.
- Drunk Driving – Drunk driving is an incredibly dangerous practice and can lead to life-threatening accidents.
- Night Driving – Driving at night can be difficult and dangerous due to lower visibility. Drivers have a decreased field of vision and may not be able to see potential hazards until it is too late.
- Failing to Obey Traffic Rules – Driving too fast or failing to adhere to traffic laws can lead to accidents.
- Weather Conditions – Inclement weather like fog, rain and snow can reduce visibility and increase the chance of an accident.
How Do You Determine Negligence in a Car Accident?
The first step in getting compensation for a car accident – or any other injury – in Vancouver, WA is establishing the negligence that caused it to occur in the first place. Negligence is a legal concept that requires the person or party responsible for causing an injury to meet certain criteria. They must have had a duty to the injured person that they failed to adhere to, and the failure must have been a direct cause of the injury.
In the context of car accidents, there is usually an implied duty of care between drivers. This means that each driver must act with reasonable caution and obey traffic laws while driving in order to protect others who may be on the road. If a driver fails to do so and an accident occurs, they may be found to have breached their duty of care and thus be held liable for any resulting damages.
In order to prove negligence in a car accident, you will likely need to collect evidence such as witness statements, photos of the scene, and other physical evidence. Additionally, experts such as accident reconstructionists may be needed to explain the cause of the accident in greater detail and help establish negligence on the part of the other driver. If you can prove that another driver was negligent, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Case?
Vancouver, WA falls under the purview of Washington State’s statute of limitation laws. In the case of a personal injury, these rules dictate that you must file a lawsuit within three years of the injury-causing event.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injury was not apparent at the time of the accident and only manifested itself later on, you may have more than three years from the time of the accident to file a case. Additionally, if for a period of time after the injury event, the victim was incapacitated, that period of time is not counted toward the time limit.
It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible following an accident so that you can determine what your available options are and how much time you have to take action. An experienced Vancouver, WA car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and the best course of action for your situation.
How Palace Law Can Help
At Palace Law, we are experienced in handling car accident cases and have obtained compensation for our clients in numerous cases. We understand the impact a serious car accident can have on you and your family, and we are here to help you. Our legal team features four attorneys that have tried over 200 cases each, and our practice has earned over 1,500 positive reviews.
We offer free consultations and will work with you to understand your needs and develop a strategy for achieving the best possible outcome. We also provide free legal forms to get you started and are available 24/7 if you need immediate assistance. We also make house calls, so even if you’re too injured to travel, we can come to you.
Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how an attorney from Palace Law can help you collect evidence, build a strong legal case, and advocate for the compensation you deserve.