Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

If you were in a car accident in Seattle, you may be entitled to compensation.

Our team of seasoned Seattle car accident lawyers at Dean Standish Perkins & Associates has years of experience navigating accident claims.

From evaluating your claim to negotiating a settlement on your behalf, we can help you hold the responsible party accountable for what they did to you.

Contact Dean Standish Perkins & Associates by calling (206) 467-0701 for a free consultation or case evaluation.

Understanding Car Accidents in Seattle, WA

According to the Seattle Department of Transportation (DoT), daily traffic in the city in 2023 was 86 percent of what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. With more and more drivers continuing to frequent the roads as time goes on, it’s important to understand the risks of being on the road.

There were a total of 76 fatal crashes reported in Washington in 2023, with another 84 reported in 2022 and 87 in 2021. Typically, the summer months and weekends throughout the year experience the highest volume of traffic fatalities.

In 2023, however, fatal accidents spiked from September to December. This could be due to a combination of poor road conditions from weather and increased holiday traffic volumes. For example, it’s quite common to experience a Seattle car crash in the rain. King County saw a slight increase in fatal car crashes between 2022 and 2023, with reported deaths rising from 126 in 2021 to 146 and 150 in the subsequent years.

Since then, incidents have been on the decline once more. There were a total of 8,452 auto-related accidents in Seattle in 2023 and 7,312 in 2024. Still, motor vehicle collisions are a prevalent risk every driver faces when they’re on the road. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights when it comes to receiving compensation for your losses.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Seattle

It’s important to know the steps after a car accident, so you can protect yourself and be as prepared as possible to seek compensation down the road. Our team of skilled attorneys at Dean Standish Perkins & Associates has years of experience representing Seattle residents in car accidents.

We provide aggressive strategies tailored specifically to each and every client’s case, so we can walk you through the car accident settlement timeline with ease. The immediate steps to take after an accident include:

1. Seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
2. Contact law enforcement.
3. Exchange information with the involved parties.
4. Gather information from the scene.
5. Contact a Seattle car accident lawyer from Dean Standish Perkins & Associates.
6. Go get cleared by a doctor if you haven’t already.

Recovering Damages From a Car Accident Settlement in Seattle

When you file a car accident claim, you can seek to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the direct expenses related to an accident, while non-economic damages cover less tangible costs like pain and suffering. Some of the most common types of compensation we’ve helped Seattle clients recover include:

• Emotional distress
• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Burial/funeral expenses in wrongful death cases

Washington is a pure comparative fault state, which means any compensation that an injured party receives can be reduced if they are found to be partially at fault for an accident. In some states, you can’t file a personal injury claim if you’re found to be 50 percent or more at fault for an incident. In Washington, however, you can recover damages as long as you’re not 100 percent at fault.

Benefits of Working With a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

You may be wondering if getting a car accident lawyer is worth it. You don’t have to work with an attorney, but it’s highly recommended that you do. In addition to offering advice and guidance throughout the claims process, your attorney can handle:

• Determining liability
• Drafting legal documents
• Evaluating and bolstering your case
• Facilitate communications between parties
• Gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Navigating challenges that arise
• Negotiating your settlement agreement
• Representing you in court if you go to trial

Collecting Evidence

Since the burden of proof is on the plaintiff, you must present a preponderance of evidence to support your case. Some pieces of evidence that your attorney can help you collect include:

• Accident reports
• Company/manufacturer records, if applicable
• Decedent’s financial information
• Expert testimonies
• Photos and videos of the accident
• Medical bills
• Witness accounts

A Seattle personal injury lawyer can also help you gather less obvious but critical forms of evidence that may strengthen your claim. For example, if the crash involved a commercial vehicle, your attorney may obtain maintenance logs, black box data, or employer safety records to help prove negligence and liability.

Negotiating Deals

Most car accident claims are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than going to trial. When you file a claim, your attorney will negotiate directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a fair agreement. While settlements allow for quicker resolutions and more control over the outcome, insurers often start with low offers to protect their bottom line.

At Dean Standish Perkins & Associates, we will advocate on your behalf, pushing for compensation that truly reflects your losses. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we’re fully prepared to escalate the matter through litigation.

Representing You in Court

If you’re unable to reach an agreement through negotiations or arbitration, you can take your case to court to get a formal judgment from a judge or jury. Entering litigation can extend the amount of time it takes to settle your claim, but it offers you an alternate way to recover damages if the at-fault party is not being cooperative.

Whether it’s an open-and-shut case or a complex claim with conflicting accounts, working with a car accident lawyer can make the process more manageable. Our team at Dean Standish Perkins & Associates is ready to help with your claim.

How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Car Accident Lawyer?

The cost of working with a car accident lawyer depends on a number of factors. Different lawyers charge varying amounts based on their experience and reputation. The complexity of your case can also impact how much your attorney may charge.

In personal injury cases, you can usually expect your lawyer to charge a contingency fee. This means they take their cut from the settlement you win. It also means you usually don’t have to pay anything upfront, or at all, if they’re unsuccessful with your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Washington a No-Fault Insurance State?

Washington operates under a fault system, which is also known as a tort system. In an at-fault state like Washington, individual drivers are responsible for securing their own insurance to protect themselves on the road.

If you’re in an accident and wish to recover damages, you can expect to enter negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance to secure your compensation. The only situation where you may have to seek money from your own insurance is if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured.

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

If you wish to file a personal injury claim after a car accident in Seattle, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to do so. This statute of limitations gives you time to build your case, but acting sooner can help preserve important evidence and witness memories.

Washington also recognizes a discovery rule, which allows the three-year period to begin from the date you discovered your injuries, if they were not immediately apparent.

What Are Common Types of Injuries From Car Accidents in Seattle?

Car accidents can lead to injuries ranging from minor scrapes to fatal wounds, depending on the severity of the crash. The extent of your injuries can affect how much compensation you may recover, so it’s important to get a complete diagnosis and retain all medical records to support your claim.

Some of the most common types of injuries sustained from car accidents in Seattle and the surrounding areas include:

• Broken bones
• Fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Whiplash

Connect With a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer to Discuss Your Case Today

Navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle collision can be overwhelming, but a car accident lawyer from Dean Standish Perkins & Associates can make all the difference. As a well-known boutique firm with decades of experience, we offer personal attention, efficient case handling, and a genuine commitment to your recovery.

Our team is known for being approachable, empathetic, and dedicated to achieving results. If you’re ready to talk about your case, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Call us at (206) 467-0701 or send in an online consultation form to speak with a trusted Seattle car accident lawyer today.

For more information, visit:

• Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
• Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer