Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

A car crash can leave you with severe injuries, many questions, and fears regarding your future. You may not know what to do after your accident, whether you will ever be able to work again, or how your medical bills are going to get paid. You may even require costly long-term care for your injuries.

At Elk & Elk, our Seattle car accident lawyers have the answers to some of your most pressing questions. We’re here to help you navigate every step — from dealing with insurance companies to making sure you get the medical care you need.

If you or a loved one sustained debilitating injuries in a car accident, contact us as soon as you’re able. Our Seattle personal injury lawyers know what to do to help you get back on your feet again.

Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your specific auto accident.

Why Choose Elk & Elk?

When your future feels uncertain, you need a legal team you can trust — one with the resources, experience, and compassion to fight for what you deserve. Clients come to Elk & Elk because they trust in our work ethic, history, and ability to defend your rights in a court of law.

  • Proven Case Results: We’ve recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients, including multiple settlements and verdicts in the millions. We know what it takes to hold negligent drivers and an insurance company accountable.
  • Clear Communication: You deserve a law firm that keeps you informed every step of the way. We make communication a priority, so you always know what’s happening in your case.
  • Network of Experts: We work with a trusted network of accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and financial professionals to investigate your case and calculate the full value of your claim. This allows us to build the strongest case possible — and demand a fair settlement on your behalf.

Navigate This Page

Click on any of the following links to jump down to the section on the page.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accident Cases We Handle

Seattle car accident statistics show the unfortunate truth of roadway accidents in our communities. Our firm has extensive experience handling a wide range of auto accident cases.

Below are some of the most common types of accidents we represent:

No matter how your accident happened, we’re ready to listen to your story and help you explore your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Seattle Car Accident Claim?

A statute of limitations is a time limit for how long someone has to file a claim or lawsuit surrounding a personal injury that they have sustained.

According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 4.16.080, someone is able to file a claim for their injuries following a car accident up to three years following the incident.

The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better. Evidence can disappear quickly, and early legal guidance can make a significant difference in your case.

Determining Fault After a Car Accident in Seattle

Determining who is at fault for car crashes comes down to a law called negligence. In Washington, comparative fault means that anyone involved in the incident can be found partially at fault. If the victim is determined to be a certain percentage at fault, that percentage will be reflected in their compensation.

How is Negligence Determined?

In Washington state, there are five factors that are required to determine whether there was negligence:

  1.  Duty: The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty. This means that the defendant was clearly expected to act a certain way in the situation.
  2.  Breach of duty: The defendant did not fulfill their duty as defined above.
  3.  Cause in fact: This breach of duty resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries. It needs to be determined that the injuries would not have occurred without the defendant’s alleged negligence.
  4.  Proximate cause: The defendant should have known that an injury would occur based on their actions.
  5.  Damages: The plaintiff did indeed suffer an injury.

Insurance companies may not come to a conclusion you agree with, which is where Seattle car accident attorneys come into play. A good law firm will fight for car accident victims and make sure they get the compensation they deserve.

Locally Trusted Seattle Car Accident Lawyers

Potential Compensation Available After An Auto Accident

The compensation you may be eligible for can vary based on several key factors, such as the extent of your injuries, recovery costs, your level of fault, and the available insurance policies. In most Seattle car accident cases, compensation typically covers:

  • Medical costs: Keep detailed records of all medical-related expenses tied to the accident, not just the initial doctor or hospital visit. Be sure to save bills and receipts for things like medication, medical procedures, therapy, or rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you can claim lost wages. Your attorney can calculate this by reviewing your past pay stubs or tax returns. This may also include compensation for missed tuition if the accident caused you to miss classes.
  • Property damage: Whether your vehicle was severely damaged or just in need of minor repairs, you may receive compensation for the cost of repairs, rental cars, or replacing the vehicle if it’s deemed a total loss.
  • Emotional impact: Beyond physical injuries, accidents can take an emotional toll. PTSD or emotional distress caused by the crash can be significant, especially if loved ones were harmed. If you needed counseling or medication as a result, those costs should be included in your claim.
  • Long-term care: If you suffered serious injuries, such as an S1 joint injury, that require ongoing physical therapy or long-term care, this should also be part of your compensation.

What Are Common Causes Of Car Crashes?

Car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but certain factors are more common than others. Understanding the primary causes of collisions can help drivers stay aware and potentially avoid dangerous situations. Some of the most frequent causes of car accidents include:

  • Distracted driving (including texting)
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Failing to yield
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Drowsy driving
  • Aggressive or reckless driving
  • Weather conditions
  • Tailgating

No matter the cause, we’re here to help you hold the responsible party accountable.

Common Car Accident Injuries

While there is a wide range of injuries that one must be aware of when considering the consequences of a car accident, there are a number that are more common than the rest:

  • Whiplash. After getting struck by a car, people are often jerked around in a forceful manner. This issue is particularly prevalent with the neck, one of the most critical parts of the human body. When experiencing whiplash in the neck, long-term issues with movement and pain can arise, placing increased pressure and stress on the neck.
  • Broken bones. With the deployment of an airbag or bending of a car’s body, people often experience broken or fractured bones. This can happen virtually anywhere on the body and must be met with immediate medical attention.
  • Injuries to tissues, muscles, and tendons. Muscles and soft tissue are very important to the function of the human body. When connecting tissue and tendons are broken off between two areas of the body, someone may be no longer able to use that area of their body. These types of injuries can be anywhere from minor or life-threatening.
  • Concussions. Concussions are similar to whiplash, in the sense that the sudden jerking of the car causes strain on the upper extremities of the body. When someone’s head is hit hard enough that their brain collides with the inside of their skull, they are considered to have sustained a concussion. Concussions can also be life-threatening, causing bleeding inside the head.
  • Emotional damages. Oftentimes, overlooked but equally as important, the jeopardization of someone’s emotional health can have terrible consequences after an accident. Many people walk away from car crashes with exorbitant amounts of distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional or psychological conditions.
  • Internal bleeding. When someone’s organs or tissue is heavily impacted, it may cause a rupture and bleeding. Sustaining an internal bleeding injury can lead to organ failure, seizures, coma, or death.

Concerned About Costs? Not at Elk & Elk

Elk & Elk Co., Ltd Lawyers - No Fee Promise Badge

Elk & Elk is committed to the success of our cases. We hold our clients’ satisfaction at the forefront of our values, constructing our policies around injured individuals. We operate on a contingency fee basis for all of our clients.

When you contact us, we will invite you to join us for a free case evaluation so that you understand exactly where your legal standing is. Additionally, you will not have to pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket until we put compensation money in your pocket. Elk & Elk does this to ensure that our clients are not further financially burdened.

Client Testimonial

5 stars

“I couldn’t have asked for a better team to represent my case…”

– Lori Neibert | Facebook Review

Contact Our Seattle Car Accident Attorney Today

Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your specific auto accident. Our Seattle car accident lawyer will assess your case and advise you on the best course of action to pursue your insurance claim.

Call 1-844-ELK-WEST (1-844-355-9378) or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with a Seattle car accident lawyer at our law firm today.