Thousands of people are injured or killed in car accidents across Washington every year. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, our state has been in a “traffic safety crisis,” with record numbers of fatal car accidents and an increasing number of seriously injurious crashes as well. With leading risks including driver distraction, speeding/reckless driving, and impairment, it becomes clear that even the most responsible drivers are not fully protected against the actions of others. Knowing what to do and who to call when you’re in a car accident—is incredibly important.
Do You Have to Report Car Accidents to the Police in Washington?
In Washington, if a car accident results in injury or property damage above $1,000, it must be reported to law enforcement. This helps to ensure proper documentation is made for any insurance or legal claims that may arise from the accident. If there are injuries, it is necessary to call 911 after a car accident in any event. Having emergency personnel evaluate injuries on-site helps to ensure timely medical treatment is administered.
Even if you decide it is not necessary to call emergency responders after an accident, it is a good idea to see your doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries—including potentially serious internal injuries—may not be immediately symptomatic. Having a trusted physician evaluate you for potential injuries can help prevent long-term complications. It will also provide documentation that you were injured to help prove your claim.
We Are Here to Help
At Fuller & Fuller, we understand how stressful it can be just deciding who to call when you’re in a car accident. By calling us for a free and confidential consultation, you can learn more about your options, your rights, and the damages you may be entitled to. Call us at 800-570-4878 to schedule your case review right away and let us help you start the process of obtaining fair compensation.
Reporting Your Accident to Insurance
After an accident, once immediate safety concerns have been addressed, the next step is notifying your insurance company. It is often best to do this within 24 to 48 hours of an accident. However, it is essential that, when reporting your accident, you stick to the facts: where it occurred, the other driver’s information, and any police reports or medical evaluations. Avoid speculating about fault or making any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of blame. These speculations can impact your claim.
Insurance companies may work quickly to offer a settlement when you’re in an accident. If your injuries are serious or you feel the offer is inadequate, it is best to have it reviewed by a qualified car accident attorney who can help you determine if the offer is fair. Washington car accident lawyer Marya Fuller has more than 35 years of experience helping victims of life-altering injuries seek justice. During your free car accident claim evaluation, she will carefully review the facts of your case, assess your medical expenses, lost wages, and related damages, and help you decide if accepting an offer or filing a lawsuit will make the most sense in your case.
On the Issue of Fault in Car Accidents
Knowing who to call when you’re in a car accident is a good way to make sure your rights are protected. Making sure you do not take the blame for an accident that was not your fault is also very important. Determining fault in an accident can be a complex process. It requires assessing reports and witness statements, collecting evidence from the scene, and, in some cases, accident reconstruction to get a clear picture of what happened. Even if you feel you are partially to blame, it is important that you do not make a statement suggesting you should be held liable. There are too many variables for you to make that determination on your own.
Having a car accident lawyer investigate your accident helps to ensure that the liable parties are held to account. As a specialist in accident and injury law, Marya Fuller has the experience needed to conduct fact-finding investigations, identify all contributing factors, and assist in ensuring the party responsible for your injuries is held liable for the damage they have caused.
When to Call a Car Accident Attorney
When you sustain an injury in a car accident, you should talk to a car accident lawyer. Cases involving serious injury, disputes over fault, or large medical expenses often require legal intervention to ensure that you receive fair compensation. In some cases, an attorney is the most important “who” to call when you’re in a car accident. Without legal representation, you are at the mercy of insurance companies and attorneys for the other parties, which can quickly result in your being offered much less than you are due. Talking to an attorney before you accept an offer from insurance or another party helps to preserve your options and allows you to pursue alternative methods of seeking compensation.
Fuller & Fuller Will Fight for You
Fuller & Fuller has been a trusted name in personal injury law in Olympia, Tacoma, and surrounding areas of Washington for more than 50 years. As a family-run law firm, we know what “we treat you like family” actually means. These are not empty words to us but rather our promise to you. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, we are here to listen, provide straightforward advice, and protect you against the predatory tactics that may be used to coerce you into accepting less than you are owed.
Since our founding in 1972 by husband and wife team Herbert and Carol Fuller, we have been tirelessly dedicated to helping our clients obtain the justice they deserve. Today, attorney Marya Fuller carries on our firm’s legacy. Bringing decades of experience and a deep commitment to our clients, Marya understands how challenging life after an accident can be. She is here to build your case, negotiate on your behalf, and, when necessary, litigate your case in front of a judge and jury. Standing by your side every step of the way, Fuller & Fuller offers the highest level of service for individuals and families facing the consequences of life-altering injury. Unrelenting in our dedication, we are who to call when you’re in a car accident in Washington state.
Have You Been in a Car Accident? Contact Fuller & Fuller for a FREE Consultation
Wondering who to call when you’re in a car accident? You’ve landed in the right spot. Call Fuller & Fuller at 800-570-4878 or contact us online to schedule a cost- and obligation-free consultation with Washington accident and injury law specialist Marya Fuller today. With offices in Olympia and Tacoma, we proudly represent car accident victims throughout the state.
