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Protecting the rights of injured Seattle residents for over 20 years.
It can be terrible when the insurance company constantly makes lowball offers. It doesn’t have to be this way. We know how to protect you from their unfair tactics. We have helped hundreds of injured resident recover the full compensation that they deserve.
Certa Law Group
Seattle Law Office
1455 Northwest Leary Way
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 838-2500
Hours of Operation
Monday: 9AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 9AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 9AM – 5PM
Thursday: 9AM – 5PM
Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Seattle Car Accident Attorney | Certa Law Group
Certa Law Group is a leading Seattle car accident law firm. Our lawyers have over three decades of experience winning motor vehicle accident claims and getting maximum compensation for our clients.
Were you recently in a serious Seattle car accident? If so, chances are you are still in pain, in need of a new car, and looking at a lengthy course of medical treatments. Depending on your injuries, you may also be unable to work and provide for your family.
The good news is that a Seattle car accident attorney from Certa Law Group can help you get a payout to cover your expenses and loss of earnings and compensate you for your pain and suffering.
About Certa Law Group
Looking for a car accident attorney in Seattle? You have come to the right place.
Certa Law Group is a boutique legal practice specializing in personal injury law, motor vehicle accidents, and insurance claim disputes. Cheryl Farrish and Pellegrino “Pino” Certa – our brilliant attorneys – only work with personal injury victims and their families.
We are a boutique law firm specializing in personal injury law, motor vehicle accidents, and insurance claim disputes.
With a combined experience of over 30 years, Cheryl and Pino know the ins and outs of the Washington court system. They also know all the tricks insurance companies use to minimize or avoid payouts altogether. Aided by our brilliant paralegal team, they will make sure that you get the compensation you deserve – and not a penny less.
Certa Law Group’s main office is in Edmonds and we service clients statewide. Whether you are in Edmonds, Seattle, or anywhere else in Washington, we can help.
Traffic Accidents in Washington are on the Rise
Unfortunately, traffic accidents are a daily occurrence in our state.
In 2020, a total of 86,215 crashes were registered in Washington. Of these, 23,497 and 9,596 took place in King County and Snohomish County, respectively. Seattle alone had 6,909 accidents, and Edmonds recorded 382 – a substantial number given the city’s population. Statewide, 507 crashes were fatal.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Seattle
If you follow Seattle car accident news, the following should not come as a surprise.
Distracted Driving
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), distracted driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. In 2020, a whopping 1,033 of the 6,909 crashes in Seattle and 187 of those in Edmonds – nearly half of all crashes in the city – were caused by inattentive drivers. Fifty-four and six of these involved cell phone usage for Seattle and Edmonds, respectively.
The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) further found that some 30% of crash fatalities and 23% of serious crashes in the state were due to distracted driving. In addition, drivers talking on a phone were three times more likely to be in an accident, and a staggering 70% of observed distracted drivers were on their phones.
To curb distracted driving, the state legislature introduced a complete ban on hand-held devices in 2017. As a result, drivers are no longer allowed to use any hand-held electronic devices while driving, waiting at a stoplight, or while stopped in traffic. The only exception is if you are using the device to make an emergency call.
Driving Under the Influence
Drunk and drugged driving are among the chief causes of serious car crashes in Seattle. While DUI accidents are not that common in absolute terms – the WSDOT estimates they make up less than 5% of all crashes in Washington – nearly one-third of fatal collisions involve intoxicated drivers.
In 2020, there were 380 alcohol-related accidents in Seattle and 26 in Edmonds. Four of the crashes in Seattle were fatal, and 23 resulted in serious injury.
Speeding
Speeding or driving too fast for the road conditions is another common cause of car crashes in Washington. In 2020, 679 speed-related accidents were registered statewide. Of these, 144 were fatal, and 526 involved serious injury. There were 69 fatal or serious injury speeding crashes in Snohomish County and 155 in King County, with 43 in Seattle alone.
Other Causes
Other common causes of car crashes in the Seattle and Edmonds areas include:
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely
- Poor vehicle maintenance or defective equipment
What to Do If You Have Been in a Car Accident
If you have recently had a traffic accident, take the below steps as soon as possible after the crash. This is the best way to protect your interests and set yourself up for success in a potential insurance claim.
Gather Evidence
Ideally, you should start collecting evidence while you are still at the scene of the crash. Some things you should do include:
- Take high-quality photographs of the scene from different angles
- Collect the other driver’s insurance details – these will be much harder to hunt down after the fact
- Collect the names and contact details of any witnesses
If possible, you should start collecting evidence while you are still at the scene of the crash.
Call the Police
If the accident is serious, you will want it documented. This can help your case later on.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured, you should get medical help as soon as possible. If your condition is serious, call an ambulance right away.
However, even if you do not have a medical emergency, be sure to seek medical attention within the next 24 hours. Get yourself checked up at a walk-in clinic and put on record everything that is hurting – and mention explicitly that it is hurting because of the accident.
Do not forget to collect and keep any medical documentation related to the crash.
Talk to a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer
Get in touch with us right after the crash to talk to a Seattle car accident attorney. The sooner you get legal advice from an auto accident lawyer in Seattle, the better.
What NOT to Do After a Car Accident
For a successful claim and to walk out with the maximum payout possible, avoid doing these at all costs:
- Making a recorded statement to the insurer. You can expect a call from them within a day or two of the accident. Do not take that call unless absolutely necessary. If you end up taking the call, be sure not to give a recorded statement. This could severely hurt your case.
- Failing to document your injuries. If there are no records of your injuries, we cannot prove them to the insurer or the court.
- Failing to listen to your doctor. You should always follow your physician’s instructions and adhere to the prescribed treatment plan. Failing to do so may compromise both your case and your recovery.
You should never make a recorded statement to the insurance company.
Car Accidents in Seattle FAQs
These are some of the most common car accident-related questions we get at Certa Law Group.
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney for a Minor Car Accident?
Yes, it is. If you want to maximize your chances of success with the insurers or in court, a Seattle car accident lawyer is a must – no matter the severity of the crash.
Remember, insurance companies have one job: to make money by reducing or avoiding payouts altogether. They handle car accident claims every single day and keep an army of specialist lawyers on retainer. Hiring a Seattle car crash attorney is the best way to protect your interests, put up a good fight, and get maximum compensation.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Crash?
Ideally, right after the accident. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of making a mistake that could be detrimental to your claim.
What is a Good Car Accident Payout? How Do I Maximize My Settlement?
The compensation you may be able to get depends on a variety of factors, including:
- The drivers’ insurance policies
- The extent of any property damage
- Any medical or out-of-pocket expenses you may have incurred
- Whether you have suffered a loss of wages or earning capacity
- Any pain, suffering, and reduced enjoyment of life resulting from the crash
To maximize your payout, you should consult with a Seattle car accident attorney as soon as possible and avoid settling early on. Insurers will often try to pressure people into settling right after a collision, as the full extent of their injuries may be unknown at this point.
The insurers will try to pressure you into settling right after the collision, as the extent of your injuries may be unknown at this point.
Certa Law Group’s Seattle Car Accident Attorneys are Ready to Help
Our expert lawyers will:
- Guide you through the claim process
- Gather information and vital evidence
- Negotiate with the insurers
- Talk to the police, the other driver, and any witnesses
- Help present your case in the best light
- Represent you in court
- If necessary, appoint experts to estimate the value of your damages or recreate the crash
- Ensure that you get the compensation you deserve
