What are Washington Personal Injury Laws?

Washington personal injury laws include contributory fault laws, which play a significant role in determining damages in a personal injury case. The legal system follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning that the amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Washington negligence laws demand certain elements to make a successful personal injury claim, including duty, breach of duty, cause in fact, proximate cause, and damages. The statute of limitations demands that personal injury claims be filed within 3 years from the day you were injured.

What is Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Washington State?

Leaving the scene of an accident in Washington denotes a situation where a driver involved in a collision departs without providing assistance or reporting any personal injuries, fatalities, or property damage. Under RCW 46.52.020, the driver has a duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property. Penalties for leaving the scene of an accident can be severe, including jail time and fines.

What is the Washington State Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury?

The Washington statute of limitations offers three years following a personal injury to file a lawsuit. Various scenarios can impact the application of the statute of limitations, such as underage victims, the discovery rule, and evasion of justice. The statute of limitations encourages timely dispute resolution and grants plaintiffs adequate time to discover their injuries, ascertain the full extent of their injuries, and determine who might be legally responsible.

Orting Personal Injury Attorney - No Fee Unless You Win

Injury Lawyers Serving in Orting Washington

Have you been injured in an accident or incident and wondering what your legal remedies are? We at Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys are here to help, and our team is standing by to provide you with a risk-free, cost-free case consultation regarding your accident. We have decades of combined experience helping injured clients like yourself recover the full amount in compensation they are entitled to.

Our Personal Injury Practice Areas

With over 50 years of combined experience achieving top case outcomes, the Orting personal injury lawyers from Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys have worked on cases involving:

Car Accidents
Truck and bus accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Boat accidents
Wrongful death
Motorcycle accidents
ATV accidents

With an established network of experts and other resources, we are able to provide you with the assistance needed to collect evidence in support of your case, no matter how your accident happened.

Working with Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys is a smooth and streamlined process that allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while we focus on recovering the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Connect with an Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible

The sooner you connect with an Orting personal injury lawyer after your accident, the more complete and comprehensive your case or claim settlement can be. Once you contact an attorney, we begin the process of collecting evidence to support your claim. This includes proving liability for your injuries and accurately measuring the damages that you have experienced. Our goal is to obtain the full compensation that covers all of your losses from your injuries – both in the past and future.

How do you measure the number of damages that you are entitled to? How do you determine whether the other parties involved in the accident or incident are responsible for paying your damages? Leave this process to our experienced legal professionals who have extensive experience handling personal injury claims.

Proving Your Injury Claim

The first part of your personal injury lawyer’s job is to determine who or what party might be responsible for the losses you have experienced. Such parties can include other individuals, companies, and other entities. Some cases involve more than one liable party, and we can identify all sources of possible compensation in your case.

The second part of your claim involves calculating the full damages that you deserve for your losses. Damages include the medical bills you already received and the income you already lost, as well as future losses you expect to incur.

If your injuries lead to long-term rehabilitation or medication needs, this should be incorporated into your damages. When your injuries impact your ability to work, you are entitled to compensation equal to the change in your earnings ability from the time of the injury through your working life.

Determining such amounts requires the collection of relevant evidence and, sometimes, the opinions of experts who can estimate your future losses. Insurance companies try to limit your financial recovery, so it is critical to accurately calculate your damages from the start.

Your Lawyer Negotiates and Communicates on Your Behalf

Once your injuries and their related costs have been accurately measured, your personal injury attorney will then begin the process of negotiating a complete settlement on your behalf. This requires filing the necessary insurance claims and often going back and forth with the insurance company in pursuit of a fair and complete settlement.

If the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement, we can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and take the case to civil court. We are committed to recovering the full amount you are entitled to, whether it involves negotiation or litigation, and we work to achieve the maximum amount of compensation for each and every client that we work with.

Discuss Your Injury with an Experienced Orting Personal Injury Lawyer Near You

Our best personal injury attorney from Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys is committed to helping people injured in accidents collect the full amount they deserve, so contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn about your legal options if you are in Orting or nearby. With convenient scheduling for no-cost consultations and even the option to have us come to you, working with us is both cost-effective and convenient.

Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys

At Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys, our team of skilled attorneys is dedicated to providing top-tier personal injury legal representation in Bonney Lake and surrounding areas. Conveniently located at 8520 182nd Avenue East, Bonney Lake, WA 98391 (GeoCoordinates: 47.1775384, -122.1863981), our office is positioned to serve clients throughout Pierce County and beyond.

Contact us at (253) 862-1811 or via email at contact@jdandersonlaw.com to schedule a consultation and experience our commitment to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you schedule your free consultation with a Orting Personal Injury Lawyer, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:

Personal injury refers to any harm or damage caused to an individual’s body, emotions, or reputation. The injury is often a result of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions, and personal injury victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages.

An injury law firm can evaluate the case and determine if there is a valid claim. A Orting personal injury lawyer will gather relevant information and provide an assessment of the potential outcome. They provide the necessary resources to advocate for victims to receive compensation for their losses.

Ground for Filing Personal Injury Claims

In Orting Washington, filing a personal injury claim involves establishing sufficient ground. The plaintiff must demonstrate key elements, which include establishing the following:

Negligence

Negligence forms a crucial basis for personal injury claims. This involves instances where individuals fail to exhibit the level of care expected from someone of ordinary prudence in similar circumstances. Failing to meet the standard of care becomes the linchpin for legal action.

Strict Liability

In certain cases, personal injury claims may arise under the doctrine of strict liability. Here, the focus shifts from the defendant’s intent or negligence to the inherent dangerousness of the activity or product in question.

For example, a manufacturer in Washington state has a duty to ensure their products are designed for safe use (RCW 7.72. 030(2). This legal concept holds individuals responsible for injuries resulting from their actions or products, irrespective of fault.

Intentional Wrongs

Personal injury claims can also be brought on the grounds of intentional wrongs, wherein harm is inflicted purposefully. This entails situations where the defendant deliberately engages in actions that cause injury to another person.

For a successful defense against such claims, your personal injury lawyer will prove the following elements:

Duty of care: The legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others. This duty may vary based on the relationship between the parties and the circumstances, such as in medical malpractices, product liability, and slip and fall cases, among others.
Breach of duty of care: The demonstration that the other party did not fulfill their duty of care, indicating a deviation from the expected standard of behavior.
Cause: Establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the occurrence of the injury. It involves proving that negligence was a substantial factor in causing the harm.
Damages: The claimant must provide evidence that the actual damages suffered occurred due to the defendant’s actions or negligence. This could include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, or other tangible losses.

Let an Orting Personal Injury Lawyer Help You With Your Personal Injury Claim

A successful personal injury claim depends on resources and experience in handling such cases. This is because navigating the legal processes and addressing potential legal defenses can be challenging. It is, therefore, in your best interest to involve a personal injury attorney.

A legal team at Anderson Law will handle all aspects of the legal process. This allows you to focus on recovery and while leaving the legal matters in the hands of legal professionals. To understand more about your personal injury claim, call us today at (253) 881-8613. We offer free initial case evaluation.

Imagine you’re in Orting, surrounded by greenery and city life. Unfortunately, something unexpected happens, like a car crash, a slip on someone’s property, or getting hurt by someone’s dog. Like most people, you don’t know much about the laws in Orting Washington that deal with these situations.

In this situation, a personal injury law firm can help break down Washington’s personal injury laws in a way that’s easy to understand. A personal injury attorney will use simple language to help you figure out what you need to know if you find yourself dealing with a personal injury situation in Orting.

Let’s demystify the Orting personal injury laws.

Contributory Fault

In Orting Washington, contributory fault laws play a significant role in determining damages in a personal injury case. Under this concept, even if you are partially to blame for an accident or injury, you may still be eligible to collect damages as long as you don’t bear the blame 100%.

Contributory fault law is based on the idea that accidents and injuries can often involve multiple parties with varying degrees of responsibility. In Orting WA, the legal system follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that the amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

For example, you are involved in a motorcycle accident, and a court determines that you are 10% at fault for the collision. If you were seeking $100,000 in damages, your potential recovery would reduce to $90,000, reflecting your 10% share of the blame. It is important to note that Washington state laws will allow recovery even if a person is found to be 99% at fault for an accident.

Orting Negligence Laws

Washington negligence laws demand certain elements to make a successful personal injury claim. These elements include:

Duty: There has to be a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care toward the prevention of foreseeable risks to others.
Breach of duty: To prove negligence, you ought to show that the defendant did not fulfill their duty of care.
Cause in fact: This element establishes a direct connection between the defendant’s actions and the harm suffered by the plaintiff.
Proximate cause: This is also referred to as legal cause, and it examines whether the harm was a foreseeable result of another person’s conduct.
Damages: To pursue a negligence claim, you need to prove that you suffered actual damages.

Statute of Limitations

In Washington State, the statute of limitations demands that personal injury claims be filed within 3 years from the day you were injured. However, the “discovery rule” allows the clock to start ticking from the date the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Certain circumstances might lead to exceptions or variations in the statute of limitations. It is advisable to engage the services of a personal injury lawyer to help you observe important timelines.

Contact an Orting Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have been involved in an incident that caused injuries, you can seek justice for your personal injury in Orting. You can consult with an attorney from Anderson Law for help with understanding the Washington personal injury laws. We will offer you the legal support you need to navigate your case successfully. Contact us today for legal guidance.

It’s not uncommon to hear about hit-and-run accidents in Orting. Reports indicate that in 2021 alone, there were over 300 hit-and-run collisions in Washington state, which resulted in severe injuries or deaths. This is despite the state law demanding motorists to stop any time their vehicle crashes into another car or property.

Leaving the scene of an accident denotes a situation where a driver involved in a collision departs without providing assistance or reporting any personal injuries, fatalities, or property damage. At Anderson Law, we have handled several hit-and-run cases for people who find themselves in such scenarios. Our personal injury lawyers would like to shed more light on what it implies to leave the accident scene in Orting.

Orting WA Law After a Vehicle Crash

Under RCW 46.52.020, the driver has a “duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property.” You are legally required to do the following:

Have your vehicle stop at the scene of the accident or reasonably close to the scene.
Exchange your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration information with the other parties involved in the accident. Additionally, you are to share your insurance details.
Provide reasonable assistance where possible. This may include calling emergency services or offering aid until help arrives.
Move the vehicle to safety if no one suffers serious injuries or death.

Note that if the accident leaves you physically unable to meet the above requirements, section 4(d) states that you are not obligated to do the above.

Also, RCW 46.52.010 specifies a driver’s duties upon striking an unattended car or other property. In such a scenario, You are obligated to make a reasonable attempt to find the owner of the property. If efforts to find the owner fail, you may attach a note to the struck property with your address details.

However, if you fall unconscious or suffer injuries that require immediate medical assistance, you may leave the scene for medical aid. Additionally, if it is apparent that the victim needs immediate medical help, taking them away doesn’t amount to hit and run.

What are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

In Orting Washington, leaving the scene of an accident that leads to death is a class B felony. This is punishable by up to 10 years in jail or up to $20,000 in fines. On the other hand, if the accident causes an injury, it is considered a class C felony, which may lead to up to five years in jail and a fine not exceeding $10,000.

In addition, individuals found guilty of a hit-and-run may face a license suspension for up to one year. Furthermore, the conviction may increase the at-fault driver’s car insurance premiums.

Contact an Orting Hit and Run Attorney Today

Washington state allows victims of hit-and-run crashes to seek recovery through a legal process. However, it is in your best interests to consult a hit-and-run attorney to know your rights and obligations. Our legal team will guide you according to your specific situation and help protect your interests throughout the process. Contact us today and let us evaluate our case for free.

When you want to file a personal injury claim in Orting, it is important to note that you have limited time. The timeframe within which you can file your lawsuit is dictated by the statute of limitations. The Washington statute of limitations offers three years following a personal injury to file a lawsuit. mn

Importantly, you need to consult with a personal injury attorney to help you meet the specific timelines that apply to your case. An attorney from Anderson Law will guide you through the legal process and ensure each step meets stipulated deadlines. Read on to learn more about the Washington statute of limitation for personal injury claims.

Scenarios that Affect Statute of Limitations

Various scenarios can impact the application of the statute of limitations in legal cases. These include the following:

Underage Victims

In cases involving minors, the statute of limitations often doesn’t commence until the individual reaches the age of majority. This ensures that minors have the opportunity to file a claim after becoming adults. The law recognizes their potentially delayed ability to comprehend and address the harm suffered.

Discovery Rule

The discovery rule is applied when the injury or its cause isn’t immediately apparent. In such scenarios, the statute of limitations may begin from the date when the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered the injury. This allows for a fair timeframe for injuries that may not manifest immediately, such as concussions.

Evasion of Justice

In situations where the defendant actively evades justice, the statute of limitations might be tolled. The Orting personal injury law recognizes the principle that individuals shouldn’t be able to escape accountability by avoiding legal consequences. For example, if a defendant leaves the state so as to avoid being served with a personal injury complaint, the clock may start ticking again once the defendant returns to the jurisdiction.

Due to the confusing nature of the statute of limitations, it’s advisable to work with a personal injury lawyer to determine timelines according to your situation.

Importance of the Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations primarily encourages timely dispute resolution by setting a specific timeframe for initiating legal action. This ensures that parties promptly address and resolve their grievances through a legal process.

The law also grants plaintiffs adequate time to:

Discover that they have been injured, especially when injuries may not be immediately apparent
Ascertain the full extent of their injuries, which may take time
Determine with a reasonable degree of certainty who might be legally responsible for the injuries

Moreover, the limited time frame shields the legal system from resolving ancient feuds where memories may have faded, evidence may have been lost, and fairness in adjudication may be compromised.

Speak with a Orting Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident, the statute of limitations is not an excuse to delay. Promptly filing a lawsuit could mean you will receive compensation for your losses sooner after an accident. Our team at Anderson Law advises victims to seek legal assistance right away after the injury. If you want help with your personal injury case, don’t hesitate to call us at (253) 881-8613. We offer free case evaluation.

Over 40 years of combined personal injury experience

Report damage for your own injury

In the perfect world, you will only get the compensation you deserve for the injury, but that is not how the system works. Of course, if you are injured in an accident or incident and someone else has made a mistake, you will need to seek compensation by filing the necessary insurance claim and proving that it is your fault and loss. It is a complicated process.

Who will pay for my damages?

Many more could be arrested for your injuries, including other drivers, neglected team members, businesses, owners, manufacturers, etc. We determine all members who can afford to pay and file the necessary declarations and each insurance company has the necessary evidence.

You must also disclose your losses in order to obtain complete destruction of your case. Deaths vary from injury to injury, but may include:

Past health care and future
Financial in the past and in the future
pain and suffering
Disability or permanent disability

We compile and provide proof of your loss to ensure you are looking for the full amount you need.

Don´t agree to solutions without consulting a personal injury lawyer

When you apply for an insurance claim, you can expect to receive a check that covers all your losses upfront. However, this rarely happens. An insurance company is a business that is able to increase profits and increase profits by reducing payments. Insurance companies want you to receive as less as possible.

An insurance agent may contact you soon after your injury and offer you a solution. Although prompt payment may seem attractive, this demand is almost always less than necessary. Do not accept a claim without review by Orting Personal Injury Attorney. If you do this, you run the risk of large deposits at the table and have to suffer a big loss yourself.

Find an accident legal representative and personal injury attorney you can trust from the start.

The personal injury lawyer manages all stages of the process.

The last thing you have to deal with when you’re injured is a bad insurance policy that doesn’t exist. You may not be aware of saying something that interferes with your request. The good news is that when you hire a personal injury attorney in Auburn, we handle all communications and consultations on your behalf.

With a personal injury lawyer for your case, you can focus on recovering from your injury and focus on getting the best compensation for your injury. It will reduce your stress and give you the peace that the law is going through.

Connect with an Orting Personal Injury Lawyer Near you.

For a risk-free consultation to explore options in your situation, please contact us to schedule an appointment. The best Orting personal injury lawyer from Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys is ready to help you to get a full and fair outcome.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

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Integrity, Thoughtfulness and Attention

Josh always acted with integrity, thoughtfulness and attention to what my needs and concerns were. I was very happy with the outcome and could have never achieved it without Josh and his expertise.

SCOTT LARSON

Ethical, Professional, Caring

Josh contacted me periodically to see how I was doing, which I appreciated. I also received many emails from the paralegal and legal assistant from the other attorney’s office, so I knew they were taking care of things. I would highly recommend Josh to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney. He was ethical, professional, and caring.

JULIE

I’m glad I went with Josh.

10 out of 10 if I could give more then that I would. Josh and his team are amazing. They will treat you with respect and help you in any way they can. Josh and his team know what they are doing. Josh is a smart guy. Tom who also works with Josh is a very nice guy and very helpful. I’m glad I went with Josh.

Blakely Y.

Highly recommend Anderson Law!

Best lawyer hands down! Walking into his office you feel part of the family and so at ease. Amazing to work with, and always available For questions or concerns! I had an extremely difficult case and Josh went over and beyond to make sure I was taken care of. Highly recommend Anderson Law!

Kaitlyn Shaw

Would recommend and would use again!

Josh did a great job with my case. He and his team never lost touch with me and when it came down to the wire, Josh worked diligently to get the best. End of the case transaction went smoothly. Would recommend and would use again!

Carline Roads

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Orting Personal Injury Attorney