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On the roads and highways surrounding Bellevue, Washington, motorists should exercise caution every time they grab their steering wheel.
According to data from 2021, there were 19.6 percent more traffic accidents than the previous year. Since 2020, there has also been a significant increase in the number of fatal auto accidents (+10.2%) and accidents resulting in injuries (+14.98%).
Some parts of the Seattle metro area have a significantly higher number of car crashes such as the intersection of 8th Street and 148th Avenue NE or James Street and Sixth Avenue. In addition to the thousands of new Washington residents inexperienced with driving in our climate, the presence of construction zones, potholes, and distracted drivers increases the likelihood of a car collision in Bellevue.
Despite the fact that driving is the best way to experience all that Western Washington has to offer, a road trip to the Olympic Peninsula or North Cascade Forest can end because of the negligence of another driver. If you are involved in a car accident, you will need the assistance of an accomplished Bellevue car accident attorney to obtain the compensation you require for a complete recovery.
Call Metier Law Firm and arrange a free consultation with our experienced legal team. We will examine the details of your case and provide you with expert guidance on how to proceed.
Vehicles can crash in a variety of ways, particularly in regions with a rapidly growing population and struggling infrastructure, which results in more cars than the roads and highways can accommodate. Whether you are crossing town or heading out to the supermarket on the corner, accidents can happen anywhere around Bellevue.
The following are the most common types of car accidents according to Washington crash data:
T-Bone / Side Impact — this type of collision generally occurs when a driver makes a mistake at an intersection, disregards a red light, or merges into another lane at the wrong time. There may be head, neck, pelvic, back, and limb injuries as a result. In this type of collision, traumatic brain injuries are common, and the likelihood of fatalities is also rather high.
Head-On — this type of collision is especially dangerous and doubles the impact damage by the speeds of both vehicles. So, two cars traveling at relatively low speeds can have an accident resulting in serious damage. Fatalities are frequent because there is often no time to react.
Multiple Car / Pileup — accidents between multiple vehicles will occur because cars are following too close together, speeding, or driving while distracted or under the influence of narcotics. This type of accident is dangerous because is especially difficult to escape the mass of crumpled cars. A single car may be struck multiple times. Motorists and passengers in multiple car accidents will be subjected to crushing damage, burns, impacts, and more. Fatalities are common.
Rollover — rollovers are far more common than you would imagine and can be caused by impacting another vehicle or hitting a pothole. Cars that are swerving to avoid obstacles on the road can also roll over and collide with other vehicles.
If you were injured in one of these common crash types in Bellevue, our legal team is very familiar with how to investigate them, factors that prove liability and the ways insurance companies will try to place the fault at your feet. You deserve a team that knows how to win these cases, along with others:
Despite the uniquely wet climate, rain isn’t a dominating cause of car crashes in the Evergreen state. It may come as a surprise, but car accidents in Bellevue are caused by many of the same factors in other major cities.
If you do not see the cause of your accident on this list, call us for a free consultation with a Bellevue Car Accident attorney who can review your case and provide you with expert direction. Our expertise comes from years of fighting for our clients to get the results they need to heal.
If you have been injured in a car accident, Metier Law Firm will be with you every step of the way to provide you with sound advice and help in every way we can. We understand that many injuries sustained in a car accident may not be initially visible after the car accident and some may have lingering complications for many years.
We will enlist the help of a team of experts in determining the full account of your damages and to get you the compensation for necessary medical treatments and therapies in the future. Call now to schedule a free consultation with our Bellevue car accident lawyers.
At Metier Law Firm, we fully understand that a serious injury can impact your life in many ways. Nevertheless, it doesn’t stop you from getting the legal assistance you need to get compensation for your injuries. We have a skilled team of lawyers who specialize in car accident cases and can make the trip to your location to discuss the details of your case. We will visit your home, your work, or even your hospital. Call us today at (866) 377-3800
In Washington, you have three years from the date of the injury to submit a claim if you were hurt in an automobile accident (Rev. Code of WA 4.16.080). Even if the only damage is property, you only have three years from the collision date to file a claim for property damage.
In the worst instances, you only have three years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim.
Without prompt intervention by knowledgeable car accident attorneys, witnesses will quickly forget information about your auto accident, evidence at the site may be taken, dashcam or surveillance camera footage may be erased, and the evidence may be lost. Do not wait if an automobile accident causes serious injuries or a death – call an experienced Bellevue Car accident attorney today.
If a Seattle area law enforcement officer stops you, you must show proof that you have the necessary auto insurance. If you’re unable to provide proof, you will be issued a ticket (traffic violation). When you begin or renew your car insurance, your insurance provider gives you a proof-of-insurance card. The required minimum car insurance liability limits for Bellevue are:
If a driver without insurance causes your car wreck, the careless driver may be held liable for their conduct. It is possible to file a lawsuit against that party directly to seek compensation from them. However, those who opt out of insurance sometimes have very few assets available to cover a claim.
The plaintiff's own insurance coverage can be the solution in some circumstances. The purpose of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is to take over in the case of an accident involving an uninsured driver. The plaintiff's own insurance may cover the remaining costs, according to the applicable policy limitations, if the at-fault party is unable to pay the whole amount of the damages.
It is crucial to have a solid legal case and experienced counsel to preserve the plaintiff's rights because insurance companies may try to avoid paying out in order to save money.
Washington State applies "modified comparative negligence" (CO Rev Stat 13-21-111). This approach argues that a victim of an automobile accident may occasionally be entitled to financial recompense notwithstanding their own responsibility. A car accident victim will not be able to recover damages for their losses if they contributed 50% or more to the collision or crash. If a jury finds that the rider is less than 50% at blame, the total amount awarded will be adjusted accordingly.
For instance, if a jury finds a driver to be 10% at blame while incurring $100,000 in medical costs and other damages, they will only be awarded $90,000.
An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to investigate the incident and find the evidence needed to prove liability. Building a strong case in your favor and negotiating with experienced insurance adjusters are just two of the major benefits of expert legal counsel.
We have extensive experience in these affairs and have won millions for our clients already. Negligent and reckless drivers place lives at risk in Bellevue and we are here to make sure the victims are properly compensated.
For over 40 years, we’ve helped car accident injury victims with a simple goal of increasing the insurance settlement or court verdict so much that the increase completely pays for our fees. Read about a 2022 court verdict that was over 4x larger than our client’s original attempt to settle with the insurance company.
At Metier Law Firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we will shoulder the costs of assembling the strongest case – accident reconstruction, digital/electronic forensics, and more to establish liability along with medical experts to provide treatment paths and long-term effects from your injuries. Access to an expert legal team won’t cost you a thing - we only get paid if we win your case!
When you least expect it, a car accident may occur, leaving you with medical expenses, property damage, and mental suffering. It is essential to know what to do to protect yourself and others in the event of a catastrophic car collision. Obtain the car accident attorney in Bellevue who can handle your case.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Bellevue, you may be uncertain about what to do next. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind that can protect the integrity of your case.
Step 1. Get help Dial 911 — call the local police to the scene of the accident and don’t leave until they have made a report. That report can be very important to your case later.
Step 2. Don’t Argue with the other driver — this is not going to do you any good. If you are upset, you may say or do something that weakens the integrity of your case.
Step 3. Get Information from Witnesses — get the names and contact information of anyone who may have seen the accident take place. Their testimony may be imperative in building a strong case in your favor.
Step 4. Document the scene — use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene. Take some close-ups of the damage to the vehicles and some wide angles of road debris, skid marks, the vehicles in relation to each other, and traffic signals in the vicinity.
Step 5. Exchange Insurance info - the police officer will write down the name of the other driver and their insurance information — which is another good reason to call the police to the scene. Make sure you collect insurance information but don’t speak with any adjusters until you have spoken to your car accident lawyer.
Step 6. Be Polite — make sure you are respectful and polite to the officer arriving on the scene. If they take a long time to arrive, this is not their fault. If you believe the other driver may be intoxicated say so to the police.
Step 7. Take Your Stuff — if your car is getting towed there is a good chance you will not see it for a long time. If you have anything in the car you will need in the next few weeks, it’s best to take it with you before it is towed.
Step 8. No Social Media — avoid the urge to post anything about the accident on your social media accounts. Even the most innocuous remarks can be misconstrued by the opposition to reduce their payout.
Step 9. Call a Lawyer — a smaller firm will be able to give your case their full attention. This is one of the advantages of choosing a smaller firm than the large operations with extensive marketing campaigns.
If you have been injured in a car crash, call us today. We don’t charge anything for a consultation and will explain your legal options.
Among the possible compensation to which you may be entitled are:
Do I have a case?
How much should I be offered?
Do I need an attorney?
If these questions have crossed your mind, let us help. You may need a little direction or may not need an attorney at all, but you deserve to be confident knowing your options. Your confidential consultation with us is totally free.
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