Personal Injury Blog

If you were injured while receiving medical treatment at a hospital, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the hospital for medical malpractice under Washington law. In some cases, hospitals are liable for the negligence or malpractice committed by their employees and other professionals who use the facility. When the Hospital is Liable for Employees If you received medical treatment in a hospital, it's likely you had several different doctors, nurses, therapists, and other specialists responsible for some part of your care. Some medical professionals are hospital employees, but many doctors are independent contractors who aren't employed directly by the hospital. If the doctor who deviated from the standard of care and caused your injury is an employee of the hospital, then the facility can be liable for the provider's actions. If you're not sure whether the doctor in question is a hospital employee, see if you can determine if the hospital controls the fees the doctor is able to charge patients or if the hospital controls the doctor's hours and vacation time. The more the hospital controls, the more likely it is that a court will find the physician to qualify as a hospital employee. When the Hospital Is Liable for Non-Employees In some cases, hospitals can be liable for a doctor's medical malpractice, even if that doctor is an independent contractor. If the hospital doesn't make it clear to the patient that the doctor is not a hospital employee, the court might agree that the hospital is liable for the doctor's action or inaction that led to the injury. In some cases, a court will allow a patient to sue a hospital for malpractice by a doctor who worked as an independent contractor if the patient can prove that the hospital was aware of the doctor's obvious incompetence and kept contracting with the doctor anyway. What Plaintiffs Need to Prove The plaintiff must prove that the medical provider deviated from the medical standard of care and that the deviation caused the plaintiff's injuries in order to win a medical malpractice case. While Washington doesn't require all malpractice cases to have testimony from a medical expert, most cases that aren't obvious cases of negligence will require this testimony to prove the injured victim's claim. Many malpractice cases that go to court will have multiple medical experts testify on both sides. How the Statute of Limitations Works It's important to follow all state laws precisely when you prepare a medical malpractice case. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases in Washington is three years from the date of the incident that caused the injury. If you aren't aware of the injury until the three years have passed, you have one year from the date you discovered the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If your minor child was injured due to medical malpractice, you can file a suit on behalf of your child. If you do not file a lawsuit, your child can file a suit themselves within one year of their 18th birthday. What to Know About Hiring an Attorney Most medical malpractice cases are complicated and involve many pages of documentation and records. If you've been injured due to a medical provider's negligence, it's best to speak with a personal injury attorney experienced with medical malpractice cases. Most attorneys who represent medical malpractice clients don't charge their clients fees unless they win their cases and recover damages. Plus, Washington law allows either party charged with paying the lawyers' fees to request a final bill and ask the judge to determine the reasonableness of attorney fees.  The Washington Supreme Court found damage caps on medical malpractice cases to be unconstitutional in 1989. The state doesn't have any caps on the economic or non-economic damages a medical malpractice plaintiff can recover. Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc represents personal injury clients in Snohomish, Washington, and surrounding areas. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical professional's negligence while you were in the hospital, contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation to discuss your case.

Research indicates that ridesharing has increased traffic fatalities by 2 to 3% , and tragically, every year, many people are injured in ridesharing accidents. These accidents can affect passengers, other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Wondering what to do if you are involved in a ridesharing accident? Take a look at these tips. 1. Get to Safety After an accident, always get yourself to a safe spot, and move any vehicles involved to the side of the road. If you cannot get out of your vehicle safely, stay in your car until the authorities arrive. 2. Call the Authorities Always call the authorities after an accident. The police can make sure the situation is safe, facilitate communication between you and the ridesharing driver, and create an accident report. If the ridesharing driver says they don't want to call the police, call them yourself. Do not simply take the driver’s details and agree to deal with the issue privately. In most cases, you are legally obligated to report the accident. Beyond that, you may need an accident report to make an insurance claim or take legal action against the ridesharing driver. Keep in mind that you can't always assess injuries or vehicular damage at the scene of the accident. 3. Ask for the Driver's Details If possible, ask the ridesharing drivers details before leaving the site of the accident. If you are involved with a hit-and-run driver, try to take a photo of their license plate. 4. Seek Medical Help Even if you don't have any visible injuries, you should still seek medical help. If you go to urgent care or an emergency room after an accident, they can check for injuries that you may not notice on your own. For instance, they can assess you for a concussion, look for signs of whiplash, ensure there is no internal bleeding, and take care of other essentials as needed. Remember, some injuries, including both concussions and whiplash, may not show up right away. 5. Report the Accident to the Ridesharing Company In addition to reporting the accident to the authorities, you should also make a report to the ridesharing company. Major ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have web pages where you can report accidents. If you're dealing with a smaller ridesharing company, look for a similar feature on its app or website, or contact the company directly. In most cases, you can report incidents to ridesharing companies whether you are a passenger, someone else involved in the accident, or a bystander. That said, if you do contact the ridesharing company, be careful about what you say. If you were driving another vehicle, you don't want to inadvertently admit fault or even contributory neglect. If you are worried about this, you may want to have an attorney handle communication for you. 6. Take Notes and Keep Records While dealing with the aftermath of a ridesharing accident, take notes and keep records. If you are able to do so safely, take photos at the scene of the accident. Also, ask first responders for their contact details. When you get medical help, remember to keep your records. Additionally, maintain receipts or notes about any expenses you incur as a result of your injuries. 7. Consult With an Attorney Ridesharing companies are big and powerful. Typically, their drivers work as independent contractors rather than employees, and these companies try to use that distinction to absolve themselves of liability. To ensure the best results possible, you should seek the help of an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate a ridesharing accident. They can negotiate with insurance companies, handle mediations, and take the case to trial if necessary. If you suffer injuries due to the negligence of a ridesharing driver, you may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can help to safeguard your rights. To learn more, contact us at the Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc today.

Were you or someone you love injured while on a charter boat? While you must first focus on getting proper medical care and treatment for the injuries and ensuring the safety of everyone involved, one of your next tasks is often to determine who may be at fault. Charter boats, though, can provide some additional challenges when it comes to determining who should be held responsible. What are some of these unique factors? And how can you decide where to start finding the compensation you need? Here are four factors to consider. 1. Who Was In Charge Charter boats usually come in two varieties. The first is a straight rental of a boat that you and your party will steer, care for, and navigate yourself for the duration. In this case, if the boat accident was caused by a driving error, the driver is likely in your party. The boat charter company is less likely to be at fault for the actions of someone not under its jurisdiction. The second type of charter is one with at least one crew member (usually a captain) provided along with the rental. In this case, that piloting accident may be the responsibility of the boat owner if the pilot was acting on their direction. 2. What Caused the Injury The second major component of responsibility is generally what caused the incident or injury. Was it faulty or inexperienced piloting? Or was there some kind of breakdown in the engine or body of the boat? Was it unexpected weather? An accident with another vessel? Each situation is unique in what may have contributed to an injury. Because the rental company is responsible for the vehicle’s condition, failures that can be attributed to care and maintenance can often be easily placed at the feet of the company. For example, if there was insufficient nonslip material on the deck and someone fell, the owner is likely at fault. On the other hand, if the boat was delivered in proper condition but something was done incorrectly once in your party's possession, liability may be different. If you were provided with (and instructed in) safety equipment but failed to use it in a reasonable manner, you may be liable for your own injury. 3. Who Owns and Operates the Boat Many charter boats are owned by organizations rather than individuals — such as a partnership, limited liability corporation, or S corporation, for instance. The actual owners of the vessel could provide an additional layer of confusion about responsibility. If the boat is owned by one person who is in a partnership with another person who serves as captain, liability could fall upon one or the other depending on the accident. Those working on a charter boat in any capacity have additional protections under the Jones Act, as well. If a chef was injured while performing assigned duties, his or her employer may be the one deemed responsible for those injuries. If that chef is an independent contractor, though, they may need to prove that the boat owner was ultimately responsible under workers' compensation laws. 4. Insurance Coverage Limits Even if you do establish who is most likely at fault, you have to consider financial aspects of an injury. Many boat injuries are more serious than other slip and fall injuries because of the extra damage open water can cause. This can mean more compensation is necessary to restore your health and finances. If the responsible individual's insurance coverage is insufficient, you may need to pursue compensation directly from those individuals. Clearly, injuries on the water can be trickier than many other injuries or damage. For more help, start by consulting with the maritime law professionals at Monro Law Firm, P.S. Inc. , today. Our experienced Washington legal team will help you find the right parties and receive the compensation you deserve.

Mesothelioma, or cancer of the mesothelial, is diagnosed in 3,000 new patients each year, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Mesothelioma develops in patients exposed to asbestos fibers, which are inhaled or ingested into their bodies. Once there, fibers embed themselves in various body cavity linings and damage the mesothelial cells. These damaged areas are prone to tumors and cancer. While much is known about mesothelioma, many sufferers might not fully understand what mesothelioma means to them or their families. Take a look at these three surprising facts about mesothelioma you probably weren't aware of. 1. Mesothelioma Affects More Than Just Lungs Mesothelioma, or pleural mesothelioma, most commonly affects your lungs. However, you can get mesothelioma in other areas in your body with mesothelial. Mesothelial cells that surround the lining of various organs like lungs, heart, and stomach produce fluid that coats and protects each organ. This lubrication allows organs to move smoothly against others. Tiny asbestos fibers that enter the body lodge within the mesothelial of internal organs — mostly the lungs. Those same fibers can reach other sites like the heart, stomach, and testicles, causing damage and inflammation. Eventually, those organs can develop the same characteristic tumors of mesothelioma. Symptoms of these other types of mesothelioma differ from that of pleural mesothelioma (lungs). Rather than classic shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain, sufferers experience abdominal pain, swelling, and nausea in addition to unexplained weight loss. 2. Mesothelioma Can Harm Family Members Because mesothelioma is caused by harmful asbestos fibers, those who work with and are exposed to the substance are at risk. Miners, shipyard workers, insulators, construction workers, and pipefitters are among those most at risk due to the presence of asbestos in the workplace. Military personnel and demolition workers are at risk too. But did you know that you are 10 times more likely to develop mesothelioma simply by living with someone who works around asbestos? Asbestos fibers are adept at adhering to and hiding in clothing, hair, and other materials exposed to asbestos. A worker can bring home asbestos in his or her belongings and put family members at risk for secondhand exposure. If you lived with or currently live with someone that works with asbestos, you can inhale or ingest dangerous fibers. Children of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos, but may not exhibit symptoms until 40 years later. Mesothelioma latency periods vary by person, but symptoms can appear as soon as 15 years after exposure. 3. Mesothelioma Needs Nutrition Therapy A mesothelioma diagnosis often means your body is about to undergo cancer treatment. Your body needs a well-balanced diet to prepare for the rigors of treatment, sustain itself throughout treatment, help you deal with symptoms, and fuel your body for post-treatment recovery. During treatment for mesothelioma, the right nutrition matters. The traditional Food Guide Pyramid and newer My Plate guidelines need to be adjusted for those with mesothelioma. Many patients simply don't eat enough protein and calories, which lowers their immunity and lessens their ability to fight fatigue. Instead, you can use food and nutrition therapy to your advantage to maintain weight, fight off infections common during many treatments, and feel better overall. Experts suggest a diet higher in fish and poultry for protein rather than red meat, cured, or processed meat. Also, you can increase caloric intake by emphasizing starchy veggies over low-calorie veggies. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma , talk to a professional regarding your rights for compensation. Call Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc if you're concerned about family members in your home that may be exposed to secondhand asbestos. Were you or someone you love injured while on a charter boat? While you must first focus on getting proper medical care and treatment for the injuries and ensuring the safety of everyone involved, one of your next tasks is often to determine who may be at fault. Charter boats, though, can provide some additional challenges when it comes to determining who should be held responsible. What are some of these unique factors? And how can you decide where to start finding the compensation you need? Here are four factors to consider.

Negligence can occur anywhere, and offshore is no exception. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, an accident that leads to an injury while offshore requires special handling. Whether on the ocean or in a bay, maritime laws concerning personal injury cases work differently, and here are several reasons why. 1. Maritime Accidents Are Often More Severe Often, maritime activities come with a higher level of risk. This is especially true of people who work offshore. The conditions on the water can go from calm to dangerous at any time, and the possible injuries you can suffer increase the longer you're away from shore. In addition, maritime activities can increase the risks of certain types of injuries. Just by working on the water, you're more prone to: Slip and fall accidents above and below decks Accidental drowning or injuries from falling overboard Injuries that derive from tight or enclosed spaces Utility hazards such as from fire or electricity Injuries from unsafe, faulty, damaged, or defective equipment While many of these hazards come with the territory, negligence can also play a role in creating these potential avenues for injury. 2. Maritime Accidents Follow a Different Set of Laws Maritime and admiralty laws govern sea activities. A lot of different laws exist, and they don't all work directly in favor of the injured. Even when the law is in your favor, it's often confusing to figure out how to navigate the different federal and state laws concerning maritime personal injury cases. The Jones Act exists to help people who work on the water seek compensation for injuries. Workers compensation isn't always an option for those who work on the sea. However, the Jones Act protects specific classes of maritime workers and under specific situations. When the Jones Act does work in someone's favor, they can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and occasionally punitive damages. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) works much like a wrongful death lawsuit. A spouse, child, parent, or dependent can file a lawsuit under this act on behalf of the decadent. Still, this law only applies under specific conditions. For example, the DOHSA only comes into play if the accident occurred at least three miles out beyond a territorial limit. Some other avenues of remedy include: Maintenance and Cure benefits Longshore Harbor and Workers' Compensation Act The Doctrine of Unseaworthiness Other protections exist as well, including remedies at the state level rather than federal. Altogether, these disparate pieces of legislation aren't the easiest to understand. You can miss out on compensation through one method because you believed you were supposed to pursue it through a different remedy. 3. Maritime Accidents Require Legal Representation Negligence in a maritime environment can come from any of several sources, and pressing a personal injury case requires you to figure out those potential sources. This isn't something everyone can do, nor is it something anyone should attempt on their own. For example, multiple parties can hold responsibility for your injury, including: An employer Employees Manufacturers Parent companies Others sharing the waters Any of these parties can contribute to the negligence that led to your injury. A legal representative can help you find those links to give your case a better chance at succeeding. Even if you have a cut and dry situation, you can often miss something or lose a chance of compensation if you don't consult with someone who knows maritime and admiralty law. At Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc., we have significant experience with maritime and admiralty cases . If you're injured offshore, contact us immediately.

Sadly, pregnancy complications are not uncommon. Many women can avoid the complications of pregnancy with good medical care, but in some cases, a medical professional may fail to provide the best possible care. If you received improper treatment during your pregnancy or delivery, you may have a personal injury case. If your spouse died as a result of pregnancy and labor related complications, you may have a wrongful death case. How Do Pregnancy-Related Injuries and Deaths Occur? About 700 women die from pregnancy complications in America each year. More than half of the deaths could have been prevented and occur during or after the labor and delivery process. In many cases, these women are under the care of a medical professional, but that professional may have been negligent or lacked the experience to diagnose a problem or treat it effectively. What Are the Types of Pregnancy Injuries and Deaths? One common injury that occurs is profuse bleeding. The result could be a hemorrhage or damage to the placenta. A doctor may provide inadequate treatment to a woman after labor who loses a tremendous amount of blood. This intense blood loss can lead to death. The drugs used to induce birth can contribute to a woman's likelihood of this condition. Some women also develop blood clots, which can form in the lungs or even in the brain. Blood clots are relatively rare, but it’s still important to have your doctor check for them. Undiagnosed medical conditions also contribute to pregnancy-related injuries and deaths. A woman with an undiagnosed heart condition, for example, may have a heart attack or stroke linked to the pregnancy. Infections during and after labor and delivery, even during a C-section delivery. Infection may result from improper treatment and failed diagnosis. Eclampsia and preeclampsia are the result of high blood pressure, and both can damage your organs. Some women who experience preeclampsia actually experience seizures when they go into labor, and the consequences of a seizure can be long-lasting. Some consequences can even impact the child. Finally, many women experience emotional and mental suffering as a result of medical treatment during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. They may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety as a result of the way they were treated. Why Are Health Care Professionals Responsible? Health care professionals are responsible for pregnancy-related deaths in some cases because they have a duty to monitor pregnant women and identify potential medical conditions. They also have the responsibility to treat any medical conditions that develop. Health care providers can also provide their clients with education. This education is based on medical knowledge but also on the patient's lifestyle habits, medical history, and potential risks. A doctor that does not complete a full patient background and complete the required tests lacks pertinent information. You must prove that a health care provider was responsible for the injuries or death via medical records and other documentation. An attorney will help you compile these necessary documents. What Should You Do About Your Case? After you are harmed during pregnancy at the hands of a negligent doctor or a loved one has been killed, you should make an appointment with a malpractice attorney. Attorneys help you determine if you have a solid claim for your injury in court. Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc. is a personal injury law firm that offers experienced attorneys who understand your plight. We serve Snohomish County residents in their journeys. Our goal is to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve after medical malpractice, car accidents, and other injuries. Call our office today to get started.

After having been in a car accident, you can get a bit mixed up. The accident itself is often traumatic, and honestly, most people don’t practice what to do in case of an accident. This means you will most likely “wing-it” if you haven’t already thought through how to act in advance. If you are looking for a great list of steps to take in case you are in an accident someday, this is for you. And if you’ve been in an accident, help us to make this list better by adding your own advice. Seek Safety The first and most important piece of advice in this whole article is that no matter what, you need to seek safety. This might just mean moving your vehicle to the side of the road if it makes sense to do so, or staying put if you’re in the middle of a freeway. In this respect it’s somewhat of a judgement call. However, when in doubt, play it safe. Sometimes, the biggest risk to your safety is someone in another vehicle, often the other vehicle involved. If that’s the case, make sure you contact the authorities as soon as you are able, and disregard the next step! Stay Nearby – Don’t leave the Scene of the Car Accident Most likely, everyone is going to be a bit shaken up by the car accident. You, other drivers involved, passengers, bystanders, pets, your family once you let them know… Immediately after a car accident is usually a very confusing time for all parties. It’s important that you don’t leave the scene of the accident without having filed a police report and given a statement though. Assess Yourself and Others After you’ve determined you’re safe and you have a little bit of situational awareness returned, you should do a quick assessment of yourself and others in the immediate area. This will help you in informing 9-1-1 if there are immediate medical needs to be taken care of. An excellent way to do a quick assessment of your physical condition after an accident is to start at your toes and move up through your body – wiggling, moving, touching, and physically looking each major area, if you’re able. You may be in shock at this time, so it’s possible that you don’t feel something that is indeed a significant problem. For this reason, it’s good to look as well as feel for injuries, in your self assessment. This doesn’t have to take much time, the point isn’t to provide a thorough examination. You are only trying to get a quick assessment of your own situation as well as anyone else in your immediate area (your vehicle). A more thorough assessment can be made after you contact 9-1-1 and help is on its way. Look for Landmarks Take a quick glance around. Do you see street signs? Is there a mile marker on the road? What road are you on? Car accidents are unexpected. The locations are often in between roads, or somewhere between exits on a freeway. You are about to call 9-1-1, they are going to ask you where you are. Think for a brief moment, how you’re going to be able to tell them. If you cannot figure out where you are, which is possible from the shock of the accident, don’t let this piece of advice hold you up from calling 9-1-1. However, if you can take a moment to mentally catalog a landmark or two, it will help you in both letting the authorities know where you are, and in your memory of locations relative to those landmarks when you are recalling the accident later. Call 9-1-1. If they are not already on scene The previous steps probably didn’t take more than 30 seconds to a minute in total. It’s possible someone has already called the police and that someone is on the way to take an account of the scene of the accident. However, don’t count on it. You need to call too. Make sure there is someone on the way, and don’t feel like you’re somehow in the wrong to call for help. Sometimes the other party will ask that you don’t call 9-1-1. You need an officer on scene to take a report, and it’s probably not in your best interest to not reach out for one. Call 9-1-1 and let them decide if it’s something they are going to send an officer (and other emergency services) out to address. You won’t get in trouble for calling. In fact, you might put yourself in a much worse circumstance by not calling. Exchange Car Insurance Information While you’re waiting on the authorities to show up, this is a perfect time to take care of things that will help you in the following hours and days. At the top of this list is getting the car insurance information from other parties involved. This isn’t about assigning blame, or claiming the other person is to blame. At this point, this is about getting the information you, your insurance company, or your personal injury attorney may need at some point. Assess the Car Accident Scene & Document Do you have a camera on your cell phone? Start taking pictures. In this way, you’ll be able to document the damage, if any, to your property and other people’s property. A great benefit of doing this is that it can help you to establish a timeline as well. “I got in the accident, checked myself, called 9-1-1, exchanged information, and took this picture at 11:12 AM.” ^ You know this because the picture established a timeline. By looking at the scene like this, you also may notice things you otherwise might not see. Potholes, missing road signs, bald tires, road debris, etc. This falls under the category of C.Y.A – or cover your posterior. But, at some point it’s possible someone, or someone’s insurance company, will try to assign blame, and it’s a great thing to be able to demonstrate with pictures how someone else’s story doesn’t add up. Keep It Cordial At this point, you’re starting to look like you have this car accident thing under control. You are doing all the things you should be doing, you’re covering yourself for potential future issues, and the police will be here shortly to take a report. It’s very important that to the best of your abilities you keep things cordial between yourself and other people on the scene. Others may not be able to keep it cordial, and if you feel in danger, you may need to leave the area temporarily. However, the issues that might affect you or them in the future won’t be figured out until later. In all likelihood the issues will be negotiated between insurance companies and/or personal injury lawyers, if necessary. It won’t be hashed out in an argument, a fight, or any other adversarial interaction. Do your best to get along. It will make the rest of a very stressful day just a little bit less stressful. Get Police Report When a law enforcement officer shows up they will take statement’s, assess the situation, and file a report. It may be nothing more than a barebones accounting of the situation, where it happened, and when it happened. But it’s important that you get a report nonetheless. While building a report, the officer will likely ask you what happened. Be sure to tell them the truth, but not share things that aren’t clearly established by the facts of the situation. In statements, people often admit some form of guilt for accidents, even when there is other, sometimes bigger, reasons for the accident that they didn’t know. You may not feel it at the time, but after a car accident is often looked back at as a confusing time, even by people who thought they were well aware and composed at the time. Keep the report about what you experienced, how you know you experienced it, and how it’s affecting you. And remember that you won’t often feel the physical or experience mental health impact of a car accident until a day or two afterwards. Report the Accident to Your Insurance After you have the police report, you will need to report this to your insurance. This is the beginning of figuring out who is to blame for the accident, so when you report it to the insurance, this is not the time to lead with, “it’s my fault!” The police report will provide more information and you also will have pictures, and other documentation that can help to figure this out. It’s possible the other party already admits fault, in which case, your insurance won’t be doing anything except getting their insurance to pay for things on your behalf. So, report your accident. Don’t declare guilt right away. You need some time to decompress from the situation and potentially to seek professional advice. See a Doctor After the accident, you may leave the scene in an ambulance – or you may be fully capable of leaving on your own. It’s possible you have no apparent injuries, and so you won’t wish to go to get evaluated by a doctor. Then again, you might have injuries you don’t realize you have yet – due to shock and/or adrenalin. You can go to an emergency room if you feel some immediate medical emergency is imminent, or people often schedule a follow-up within 24-48 hours after a car accident with their primary care physician. Start Documenting Whether you go to your doctor or to an emergency room. You will want to start documenting everything related (even in a small way to the accident). How small…? Added daycare expenses due to car accident Lost sleep due to car accident Lost work due to car accident Missed work due to car accident Long-term disability related to injuries from the car accident Cost of rental car not covered due to car accident Cost of work on vehicle covered, or not, due to car accident Cost of getting home from car accident #, description, & value of lost goods in vehicle from car accident and, so on… You get the idea. Keep a list, and start discussing the impact with an attorney. Consult with an Attorney Consulting with an attorney about your car accident is still in the category of “Cover Your Behind.” You need to make sure the value of your vehicle is taken care of, the costs associated with the accident (see Start Documenting) are covered, and that you’re not bearing the burden (financially, physically, mentally, or otherwise) for something that may not be your fault. Or that may not entirely be your fault. Consulting with an experienced attorney after you car accident will help to protect you from accidentally making very expensive mistakes. 

If you’ve been in a car accident, there are many things going through your mind. How will I replace or repair my car? What are my medical bills going to be? Am I going to be sued? Should someone else be responsible for helping me pay for this? Whose fault is this? The answer to these and many more questions really depends on who you consider for help. A great local car accident attorney can really help you to understand and answer all these questions. But how do you choose one? Here’s a list of 6 things to help you Choose a Car Accident Attorney in the Puget Sound. Are They Local And Does That Matter to You? While we can strongly suggest you consider locality when choosing a car accident attorney to help you, it’s not necessarily required. However, consider the barriers working with an out of state firm might bring up. Being able to meet your attorney face to face is something that a lot of people consider a must, but when they call into an 800 number for the advertisement they saw on Google, they discover the attorney is not local at all. Can you imagine how this might play out? Do you want to have to explain how I5 & I405 intersect in Everett to someone who’s never driven that stretch of road? Imagine how that’s going to complicate every single discussion you have. There are a hundred other reasons why having a local attorney can help you in what could be a very complicated legal scenario. However, it comes down to preference in the end. Perhaps even by reading this though, you’ll consider it as a question to ask when contacting different firms. Can You Communicate with Them? This is something you should be asking yourself regularly, can I get ahold of my attorney (or staff) when I have a question? This will bleed over into the next point (external communication), but the crux is, if you aren’t informed about your situation, claim, case, etc – you’ll never know if you’re getting good, bad, or indifferent support from your attorney. Good car accident attorneys have an effective system to communicate with clients. Do They Commit to Answering Questions and Helping You Understand? This article is a perfect example of what we’re talking about at this point. A good car accident attorney will help you to understand the processes you might be involved in. Sometimes that means providing in-depth answers to questions you don’t even know to ask yet and providing a place you can find them (this blog for example). A great secondary benefit of a blog like this is that it demonstrates expertise in a conversational manner. Many websites for attorneys are flashy advertisements, with little help (unless you call the number). But a law blog like this can really help you to understand your situation, as well as your options. Reviews It’s hard to quantify the quality of a car accident attorney, in an objective way. But you can get a lot of qualitative feedback from independent reviews. And that’s a great thing. Searching for a good local car accident attorney on AVVO , Google , or Yelp – returns reviews that can go a long way in helping you figure out who to work with. Make sure to take a look at a couple review sites though. Some sites can be gamed, resulting in false reviews or testimonials. A reputable firm will be consistent across multiple review platforms. Write a List of Questions At some point, you should reach out to your short list of car accident attorneys. Perhaps with a couple questions so that you can compare apples to apples. One of the best ways to approach this is like a job interview. Have a list of 5 or so questions and ask each potential attorney the same questions. You should be able to get an idea of who resonates with you after doing this. Comfort Whichever attorney you choose to consult with and potentially choose to represent you, you will want to make sure it’s someone you’re comfortable interacting with. Needing an attorney is stressful enough. You need to be able to trust your attorney if you’re going to get the best results from your representation. If we can leave you with this last bit of thought, in addition to the ideas above, pick someone you’re comfortable with. You may be working together for a long time and in very stressful issues.

If you have been in a car accident, you might be considering talking to a car accident lawyer. We covered several reasons why you would want to speak to a car accident lawyer in this previous article, and we thought it might be helpful to share with you a set of great questions you can ask when checking around for the attorney you want to represent you. Do You Have Experience With My Injuries This question is something that can help you immediately recognize whether the car accident lawyer you are talking to understands the impacts the car crash has had in your life. Though, simply because an attorney does not have direct experience with your particular injuries is not necessarily a reason to discount them from being your representative. While they may not have experience with your particular injury, how they answer the question, how honest they are, and how much they seek to understand what they do not already know will tell you a great deal about how they will approach your potential personal injury or property damage claim. How Often Do You Pursue Car Accident Cases? Much the same as the question before this one, this query is all about probing to see how the car accident lawyer responds. Are they being honest with you about their experience pursuing cases like yours? Ideally, you want to work with a firm that has a lot of experience in car accident cases. A firm that writes on the topic is willing and even enthusiastic to educate you on the issue, and a firm that is fully responsive to all the questions you have regarding your car accident. What Is the Extent of Your Car Accident Legal Services? You likely do not have much experience working through the various aspects of a car accident claim. That is entirely reasonable; you are not a professional at getting in accidents after all! After a car accident, there are lots of places a car accident attorney could be helpful, including negotiating with insurance, communicating with other parties, pursuing treatment and damages on your behalf, even coordinating with law enforcement. So, while you might be talking to an attorney about personal injuries or property damage related to your car accident, you might want to ask about other support for the constellation of challenges that usually come from a crash. How Are Your Fees Structured? Many people hesitate to reach out to attorneys because of the price concern. It is a common perception that the wealthy can afford lawyers, the rest of us just have to get by without one. This belief is not the case, and there are several ways that a law firm might structure their fees. Our advice, do not let your speculation on the answer to this question stop you from asking it in the first place! Another piece of advice along this line of thinking, ask what, if any, out of pocket costs for which you might be responsible. What is a Typical Settlement Range for Car Accident Cases Similar to Mine? This question is something you are curious about, though you may not feel comfortable asking it either (some of these questions might be uncomfortable for some to ask). You might as well ask though. How the car accident lawyer responds will tell you a bit about their experience working on such cases, and it will give you an idea if you should pursue legal damages