Is Washington an At-Fault Car Accident State?

Knowing your rights regarding recovering compensation after a car accident can help to ensure that you get your maximum settlement amount. Because each state in the nation is responsible for setting its own laws regarding fault, and whether or not a person who causes an accident is eligible to recover compensation for that accident, it is important that you understand Washington’s car insurance system, and how it may impact your ability to seek compensation.

Washington Is a Fault Insurance State

The state of Washington maintains a fault system of insurance, which means that when drivers cause accidents, their liability insurance is responsible for paying for damages sustained by the not-at-fault party. It also means that a not-at-fault driver can file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver for compensation for damages.

Under fault laws, an at-fault driver is barred from recovering compensation under a liability insurance policy; instead, the driver must turn to their own insurance company for support, assuming that they have certain coverage types, such as personal injury protection or medical payments coverage, or collision coverage. You can read more about types of car insurance, and how the system works, in A Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance , published by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State.

What If Fault Is Disputed?

Because fault in an accident determines who is responsible for paying for damages in the accident, it is critical that fault is accurately determined. However, fault is not always clear, and often times, both drivers believe that the other is to blame. Disputes about fault must be resolved in order for a claim to be resolved, and for a car accident victim to recover the compensation award that they deserve.

At the law offices of Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC, our Seattle personal injury lawyers thoroughly investigate your accident in order to make a fault determination. We work with design experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals who can analyze the facts of your case and any evidence collected in order to prove the fault of the negligent driver. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation amount can be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault – our lawyers want to make sure that that does not happen.

Contact Us Today and Protect Your Right to Your Full Damages Award

Our Seattle car accident attorneys have the experience that you are looking for in a legal professional, and are here to help you to understand Washington’s car accident fault laws, and how fault may affect your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. If you have suffered significant losses in your car accident, it is important that you have a legal professional on your side who is ready and willing to work hard for you, and who understands all laws relevant to your case. To schedule a free consultation with the law offices of Gosanko, O’Halloran, Lepore PLLC and find out how we can assist you, contact us today online or by phone.

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