When a vehicle causes harm.
A collision with a motor vehicle can change everything in seconds—whether you were driving, hit while walking in a crosswalk, struck while riding a bicycle, or injured at the roadside. After the immediate shock, most people have practical questions: what to do next, how medical bills are handled, whether a claim should be made, and what steps will protect the ability to recover damages. Early decisions matter because the facts develop quickly and many important details are easiest to document in the first days after the incident.
Insurance claims also move quickly. Carriers commonly request recorded statements, seek authorizations, review medical records for preexisting conditions, and evaluate whether treatment is consistent with the mechanism of injury and the timeline of symptoms. Adjusters may ask about gaps in care, work history, prior injuries, use of seatbelts or helmets, and the exact location of a pedestrian or cyclist at impact—issues that can affect fault analysis, causation, and the value of the claim. Early settlement offers may appear before the full scope of injuries, time loss, and future care needs is known, so it is important to understand what is being released and what information the insurer relied on in valuing the case.
Washington law shapes how these cases are evaluated regardless of whether the injured person was a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist. The claim typically turns on proving negligence and damages, and comparative fault can reduce recovery if responsibility is shared. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, future treatment, lost income and diminished earning capacity, and non-economic harms such as pain, disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. Coverage issues—policy limits, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, and lien or reimbursement claims—often affect what recovery is available and how it is distributed.
This office approaches motor-vehicle injury matters with an emphasis on careful investigation, clear documentation, and early case framing. The goal is to develop the evidence needed for a fair resolution and, when necessary, to litigate from a position of strength based on a well-built record.
If you are in a car accident or hit by a vehicle:
Get to safety and call 911. Move out of traffic if you can and request medical assistance and law enforcement, whether you were driving, walking, or riding a bicycle.
Seek medical care promptly. Accept evaluation at the scene if offered and follow up with a medical provider as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor.
Document the scene. Take photos or video of vehicles, the roadway, traffic signals, crosswalks or bike lanes, visible injuries, and weather or lighting conditions.
Identify witnesses. Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the incident, including nearby pedestrians or drivers.
Exchange basic information. Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. Avoid discussing fault or speculating about what caused the crash.
Make a factual report. Provide a clear, factual account to law enforcement without guessing or minimizing injuries. Ask for the report or incident number.
Notify your insurer as required. Report the incident to your own insurance company, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or signing authorizations before understanding your rights.
Preserve records and evidence. Keep medical records, bills, repair or replacement estimates (including for bicycles or personal property), photographs, and notes about symptoms and missed work.
Avoid early settlements. Do not rush to accept an offer before the full extent of injuries, treatment needs, and financial impact is clear.
Consult an attorney early. Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and ensure the claim is properly positioned from the start.