HOW INSURANCE COMPANIES HANDLE PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS IN WASHINGTON
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How Insurance Companies Handle Personal Injury Claims in Washington State
Table Of Contents
How the Insurance Process Works After an Accident
After an accident in Washington, the insurance company of the at-fault party usually handles paying your claim. Here’s how the process generally unfolds:
- You report the accident to your insurance company and possibly the responsible parties.
- An insurance adjuster is assigned to investigate the claim.
- They review police reports, medical records, and other documents.
- The adjuster might reach out to you for a recorded statement (be cautious).
- A settlement offer is typically made at a lower amount than your case is worth.
Types of Insurance Involved in a Personal Injury Claim
- Liability Insurance: Covers damages caused by the at-fault party.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Applies if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.
- Health Insurance: May cover immediate care, pending reimbursement from the settlement.
Common Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For
- Delaying the process in hopes that you’ll give up.
- Requesting unnecessary documentation to delay payment.
- Denying responsibility or blaming you for the accident
- Offering a quick but low settlement
- Misrepresenting coverage limits
- Recording your statements and taking them out of context.
Understanding Your Rights Under Washington Law
You have important protections under Washington state law. For example:
- You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. (RCW 4.16.080).
- Washington employs a pure comparative fault system, meaning your compensation is decreased by your proportion of fault. (RCW 4.22.005).
When to Involve a Personal Injury Attorney
- The insurance company is contesting fault.
- You experienced severe injuries or long-lasting disability.
- You’re being offered a low settlement.
- You’re unsure of your case’s value.
- You’re feeling forced to settle quickly.
Get Help Dealing With the Insurance Company
You don’t have to face the insurance company alone.
At Morgan Hill P.C., we level the playing field. We understand their tactics and know how to beat them.
Call today for a free consultation and get the support you need to fight for fair compensation.
FAQ: Insurance and Injury Claims in WA
Q: Do I have to speak to the other party’s insurance adjuster?
A: No. You’re not legally obligated to provide a recorded statement, and doing so could harm your case.
Q: What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A: You can appeal the decision or file a lawsuit. An attorney can assist you in evaluating your options and seeking compensation.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: Under Washington law, you generally have three years from the injury date to file a lawsuit.
Q: Will my case settle or go to court?
A: Most cases settle before trial; however, having a lawyer willing to litigate can improve your chances of achieving a better settlement.
Practice Areas
FAMILY LAW
PERSONAL INJURY
Our Service Area Locations
Tacoma
Pierce County
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