If you were injured in an accident in Newcastle, Washington law gives you the right to seek compensation from the person whose carelessness caused you harm. But having that right and getting a fair outcome are two different things.
The system isn't designed to be simple for an individual. Insurance companies are businesses, built to protect their financial interests. That means every part of your claim, from the initial filing to the final valuation of your injuries, will be examined closely. You need someone on your side whose only focus is protecting your interests, which is why many people turn to a Newcastle personal injury lawyer when the process becomes overwhelming.
That is what we do. Our firm helps people in your exact situation handle the legal work so they can put their energy into recovery. If you have questions about what happened and what your options are, we’re here to give you clear answers.
For a free, no-pressure review of your case, call Pendergast Law at (425) 228-3860.
Why Choose Pendergast Law for Your Newcastle Claim?
Our History and Approach
For over 30 years, Pendergast Law has been a source of support for accident victims across Washington. Joseph “J.P.” Pendergast founded our firm on a simple principle: combine results-driven representation with genuine compassion. We operate on a “no-fee promise,” which means you don’t pay us anything unless we successfully recover money for you, giving you the confidence that your personal injury case is being handled with your best interests at the center of every decision.
A Record of Results
Our track record includes numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. This history shows our capacity to handle difficult claims and our dedication to pursuing the maximum compensation the law allows.
We are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a distinction held by a very small percentage of attorneys, and have been recognized by America’s Top 50 Lawyers.
Meet Our Founder, J.P. Pendergast
J.P. Pendergast brings more than three decades of experience to every case. His earlier work as a prosecutor gave him a deep understanding of the legal system, which he now uses to advocate for the injured.
Clients and peers have consistently recognized his work, including a listing by Super Lawyers as a top-rated attorney serving the Newcastle area.
Our Commitment to You:
- A Free Case Review: We will listen to you and give you a straightforward assessment of your legal options, with no cost and no strings attached.
- A Contingency Fee Basis: You will not see a bill from us unless we win your case. This removes the financial risk of asking for legal help.
- Direct & Personalized Attention: When you work with us, you work directly with our team. We are responsive, keep you informed, and are always available to answer your questions. We also offer services in Spanish.
How Is Compensation Determined in an Injury Claim?
The goal of a personal injury claim is to secure financial compensation to cover the losses you suffered because of the accident. This compensation is generally divided into two main categories, which is why it’s so important to file a personal injury claim with a full accounting of both economic and non-economic damages to avoid leaving money on the table.
What are Economic Damages?
These are the straightforward costs with a clear dollar value. Think of them as reimbursement for any money you lost or had to spend because of your injury.
Examples Include:
- All medical bills (past, present, and future).
- Lost income and wages from being unable to work.
- Diminished earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to earn a living long-term.
- Property damage (like car repairs).
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs.
What are Non-Economic Damages?
These damages cover intangible losses that don’t have a receipt but are just as real. They are meant to compensate you for the human cost of the injury.
Examples Include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring.
How Does "Comparative Fault" Affect My Compensation?
Washington law follows a "pure comparative fault" rule. This legal concept means your total compensation award is reduced by the percentage of fault you are assigned for the accident.
For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10%. Insurance companies frequently search for any reason to assign blame to the injured party to reduce what they have to pay. Our job is to ensure no amount of blame is unjustly put on you.
What Does It Mean to Prove Negligence?
Winning a personal injury case isn't just about showing you were hurt. We have to legally prove that the other person was negligent. It’s a legal term, but the idea is simple. It boils down to proving four distinct elements.
- Duty: The other person had a responsibility to act with reasonable care. Every driver on the road, for example, has a duty to follow traffic laws and pay attention.
- Breach: They failed in that duty.
- Causation: Their failure directly caused your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered actual losses as a result. This includes your medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
Where Do Accidents Happen Around Newcastle?
Newcastle's mix of residential streets, major roads, and proximity to I-405 creates several areas where accidents are more likely to happen.
Common Accident Hotspots:
- Coal Creek Parkway: As the main artery through Newcastle, its high traffic volume and many intersections and business entrances make it a frequent site for rear-end and T-bone collisions.
- Intersections with Newcastle Way: The crossings at 116th Ave SE and Newcastle Golf Club Road can be difficult to manage, particularly during peak commute times.
- I-405 Ramps: The on and off-ramps connecting Newcastle to I-405 are areas of high congestion where merging accidents are common. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, highways and interchanges remain the most common locations for serious collisions.
- Lake Washington Boulevard SE: This winding road has scenic views but also presents risks, especially in the wet or foggy weather common to the Pacific Northwest. Sharp curves and changing speed limits sometimes contribute to single-vehicle and head-on crashes.
How Do Weather Conditions Play a Role?
Like the rest of King County, Newcastle gets significant rainfall, which leads to slick roads and reduced visibility. These conditions commonly contribute to an increase in collisions during the fall and winter. Morning fog can also pose a serious hazard, particularly on roads near Lake Washington, which is why many people make it a priority to choose the right personal injury lawyer who understands how weather-related factors influence liability and insurance negotiations.
What Kinds of Personal Injury Cases Do We Handle?
Our practice is focused on representing people who have been harmed by the carelessness of others. This can happen in many different ways.
Common Types of Accidents:
- Car Accidents: Collisions involving passenger vehicles, frequently caused by distracted driving, speeding, or impairment.
- Truck Accidents: These cases are typically more difficult due to the severe injuries and the involvement of commercial trucking companies and federal regulations.
- Motorcycle Accidents: We understand the unfair bias motorcyclists sometimes face and work to ensure the facts of the accident are presented clearly.
- Premises Liability (Slip and Fall): Property owners have a duty to keep their spaces reasonably safe. When they fail, and someone gets hurt, they can be held responsible.
- Wrongful Death: We provide compassionate legal guidance for families who have lost a loved one, helping them pursue justice on behalf of their family member.
Common Types of Injuries:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: This includes things like whiplash, sprains, and strains, which can cause chronic pain if not treated properly.
- Broken Bones: Fractures that may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From concussions to more severe brain damage, these injuries can have lifelong consequences.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: An injury to the spinal cord might result in partial or total paralysis, permanently altering a person's life.
The Washington Statute of Limitations
Under Washington law, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
While that sounds like a long time, the practical deadline—the one for gathering evidence—is much shorter. As time passes, witness memories fade, video footage gets deleted, and physical evidence from the scene disappears.
Dealing with the At-Fault Party's Insurance Company
After an accident, you will likely speak with an insurance adjuster from the at-fault party's company. It's helpful to remember their role in this process, including how an accident affect your personal injury claim when adjusters look for anything they can use to reduce what they have to pay.
Their Goal is Different Than Yours
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. This means they must balance paying valid claims with making a profit. An adjuster's job is to resolve your claim for the lowest amount possible. While they may sound friendly on the phone, their professional duty is to their employer, not to you.
Here's What to Look Out For:
- A Quick Settlement Offer: An insurer might make a fast offer before the full extent of your injuries is known. If you accept, you give up the right to seek more compensation later if your medical condition gets worse.
- Requests for a Recorded Statement: You are not required to provide one. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that could be used to argue you were partially at fault or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
- A Long and Tedious Process: The claims process is filled with paperwork and procedures. It’s easy to get frustrated as medical bills pile up, and some people accept a lower offer just to be done with it.
We handle all communication with the insurance company for you. Our role is to ensure they have the information needed to evaluate your claim fairly while protecting you from tactics designed to weaken your position, which becomes even more important when you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident to secure the compensation the insurer refuses to pay voluntarily.
What Should You Be Doing from Home to Protect Your Claim?
While we manage the legal aspects, there are several things you can do from home to help build a strong claim.
- Follow Your Doctor's Treatment Plan: Go to all appointments, take prescribed medications, and attend your physical therapy sessions. Not doing so can be used by the insurance company to argue that your injuries weren't that serious.
- Keep a Pain Journal: Each day, take a few minutes to write down your pain levels, any physical limitations you experience, and how your injuries affect your daily life. This becomes a powerful record of your non-economic damages.
- Track All Expenses: Keep every receipt and bill related to your accident. This includes co-pays, prescription costs, and even mileage for trips to the doctor.
- Avoid Discussing Your Case on Social Media: Do not post photos, videos, or comments about the accident or your recovery. Insurance companies will review your social media profiles for anything they can use against you.
- Direct All Questions to Us: If the other party's insurance company calls you, simply tell them to contact our office. You do not have to speak with them.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Newcastle Personal Injury Lawyer
What if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
You might still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy. Washington law requires insurers to offer you Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, though you can decline it in writing. If you have this coverage, we can file a claim with your own insurance company.
How long will my case take?
The timeline varies. A straightforward claim might settle in a few months, while a more involved case could take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit is necessary. Our goal is always to resolve your case as efficiently as possible without sacrificing value.
Do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. This approach puts you in the strongest possible negotiating position and shows the insurance company we're serious.
The accident happened in a company vehicle while I was working. What happens now?
This situation can involve both a workers' compensation claim and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. These two claims interact in specific ways. We can help you understand your rights under both systems to ensure you are pursuing all available sources of recovery.
What if the insurance company’s first offer seems fair?
It’s wise to be cautious. Initial offers are frequently made before the long-term costs of an injury are fully understood. You may still need future medical treatment or discover the injury impacts your work more than you first realized. It's always a good idea to have an experienced attorney review any offer before you accept and sign away your rights.
Take the Next Step
We’ve been guiding people through this for decades. Our job is to take the legal burden from you so you can focus all your energy on getting better. We will handle the paperwork, the deadlines, and the negotiations.
If you were injured in Newcastle, get clear, straightforward answers from a team with a proven history of results. Contact Pendergast Law today for a free and confidential consultation at (425) 228-3860.