What to Do After a Car Accident in Spokane, WA

Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and frightening, especially when you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance claims. If you’ve been in an accident in Spokane, Washington, knowing the right steps to take can protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial future.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

Ensure Safety First

Your safety and the safety of others should be your top priority. If possible and safe, photograph the resting position of the vehicles before moving them and any debris and fluids in the road that might help prove the point of impact. Where the cars hit and where they ended up may be critical information in proving fault. Photographs should be zoomed out enough to give perspective of the vehicles’ position relative to the entire intersection or scene of accident.  Move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If anyone is seriously injured or the vehicles cannot be moved safely, leave them where they are and focus on getting medical help.

Check for Injuries

Assess yourself and all passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask pain and injuries. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not present symptoms immediately. If anyone is injured, no matter how minor it seems, call 911 right away.

Call the Police

In Washington State, you’re required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Even for minor accidents, having a police report can be invaluable when dealing with insurance companies. When you call 911, request both police and medical assistance if needed. These calls are recorded so be cautious of admissions of fault, speed, stating you did not see the other driver or definitive statements that you are not injured – often injuries show up later.

Document the Scene

If you’re able to do so safely, gather as much information as possible:

• Take photos of all vehicles involved, including damage and license plates
• Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles
• Capture road conditions, traffic signs, and any relevant environmental factors
• Get pictures of any visible injuries
• Write down or record the exact location and time of the accident.
• Take down the name, phone number and e-mail of any witness.

Exchange Information

Collect the following information from all drivers involved:

• Full names and contact information
• Insurance company names and policy numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Vehicle makes, models, years, and VIN numbers
• License plate numbers.

Also, gather contact information from any witnesses, as their testimony could be crucial later.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Contact Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require prompt notification of accidents but if you were not at fault, starting a claim will have repercussions. As soon as possible, call our office and we can help. You decide who to call, when to call and what to say. Calls with insurance companies are often recorded so use caution. 

Be Cautious with the Other Driver’s Insurance

The other driver’s insurance company may contact you quickly, sometimes within hours of the accident. While you should cooperate, you always have a right to have an attorney with you on the phone. Remember that their goal is to minimize their payout. Be polite but cautious when speaking with them. Consider consulting with an attorney before giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offers.

Seeking Medical Attention

Get Medical Care Immediately

Even if you feel only a slight injury or even just shook-up, it’s wise to see a doctor as soon as possible to report these injuries.. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, may not manifest symptoms for hours or days. Having medical documentation from immediately after the accident can be crucial for your health and any potential legal claims. Be careful to complete all questionnaires and pain diagrams accurately so they every symptom is memorialized. Concussions following a car accident require great care. You may be asked if you lost consciousness. Loss of consciousness includes loss of memory, even if only briefly. If you have even brief loss of memory following the impact, that qualifies as a loss of consciousness. 

Follow Up on Your Treatment

Attend all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations. Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any time missed from work due to your injuries.

Understanding Washington State Laws

Fault-Based System

Washington operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages. However, Washington also follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means that if you’re partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Statute of Limitations

In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s best to begin the legal process as soon as possible while the evidence is fresh and the witnesses’ memories are clear.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

While not every car accident requires legal representation, you should consider consulting with a car accident attorney early in the process, especially if they give free initial consultations like we do. Talking to a personal injury attorney becomes more important if:

• You or your passengers sustained injuries
• There’s significant property damage
• The other driver was uninsured or underinsured
• Fault is disputed
• The insurance company is offering an unfairly low settlement
• You’re unsure about your legal rights.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your interests, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Protecting Your Rights

Keep Detailed Records

Maintain a file with all accident-related documents, including:

• Police reports
• Medical records and bills
• Insurance correspondence
• Photos and witness statements
• Records of time missed from work
• Receipts for accident-related expenses.

Don’t Rush into Settlements

Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. Don’t accept any settlement offer until you fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages. Some injuries may require ongoing treatment, and you want to ensure any settlement covers your future medical needs.

Avoid Social Media

Be careful about what you post on social media after an accident. Insurance companies and opposing legal teams may monitor your accounts for evidence that contradicts your injury claims.

Contact Fannin Litigation Group Today

Recovering from a car accident involves more than just physical healing. The process of dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and potential legal proceedings can be stressful and time-consuming. Having experienced legal representation can help alleviate some of this burden and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Spokane, WA, don’t navigate this challenging time alone. The team at Fannin Litigation Group understands the complexities of personal injury law in Washington State and is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.

For a free consultation about your car accident case, contact Fannin Litigation Group at 509-328-8204. Let us help you understand your rights and options so you can focus on what matters most – your recovery.