If you have been in a serious car accident, you know that life can change in an instant. Many accident victims suffer from long-term physical injuries and emotional trauma and require several weeks or months of treatment to get back to normal. Other victims have injuries so severe that they will never be able to go back to how they used to be prior to the accident. No matter what your situation, if another party is responsible for the car accident that caused your injuries and damages, you are likely entitled to compensation.
How can I recover damages after a car accident?
In Washington, an at-fault accident state, accident victims can file a personal injury claim against the negligent parties at fault for their accident to recover damages. Some examples of negligent parties a victim may file a claim against include:
- A driver who ran a red light and collided with the victim’s vehicle at an intersection.
- The owner of a vehicle who entrusted their vehicle to someone who was incapable of driving responsibly.
- The employer of a driver who was operating the employer’s vehicle while on-the-job.
What damages can I recover?
If you successfully prove that another party’s negligence caused your accident and accident-related injuries, you can recover both compensatory and non-compensatory damages for your accident-related injuries.
- Compensatory damages: Includes medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and other tangible expenses that you can usually prove with documentation.
- Non-compensatory damages: Includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible expenses.
Filing a claim against the parties responsible for your accident may be the best way to get the damages you deserve. A personal injury attorney in your area can help you collect the evidence needed to effectively build your case.