Spokane Car Accident Attorney

Every day, car accidents disrupt lives across Spokane, leaving victims to face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the daunting task of physical recovery. These crashes happen in an instant: a distracted driver runs a red light, an impaired motorist swerves into oncoming traffic, or hazardous road conditions lead to a multi-vehicle collision.

When you are injured in a car accident, you deserve justice—and Colburn Law can help. We have earned a reputation for providing aggressive and dedicated representation to injured people throughout Washington. Our Spokane personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to seek justice while providing compassionate support throughout your recovery journey.

Call (206) 919-3215 for a free consultation today.

Spokane Car Accident Lawyer

Why Choose Colburn Law for Your Car Accident Case?

Our firm knows what it takes to seek fair compensation for car accident victims. Our track record includes a $2 million recovery for a client whose injuries were initially disputed by the insurance company and $795,000 for a client who required treatment from different medical specialties.
We provide dedicated advocacy and maintain consistent communication throughout every step of your legal journey. We will handle all insurance company communications, gather critical evidence, and keep you informed while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
You will not pay any upfront fees when you choose Colburn Law to handle your car accident claim. Our contingency fee structure means we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Spokane

Car accidents in Spokane occur with alarming frequency, often leaving victims dealing with serious injuries that require extensive medical care. In some cases, these accidents are fatal; according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, 20 people died in car accidents in Spokane during 2023, an increase from the 15 traffic deaths in 2022.

While each accident has its unique circumstances, some of the most common causes of motor vehicle collisions include:

Distracted Driving: Drivers who take their attention off the road create dangerous situations for everyone sharing the roadway. Cell phone use, eating, adjusting the radio, or even interacting with passengers can lead to devastating crashes that could have been prevented.
Weather-Related Hazards: Spokane’s weather conditions, particularly during winter months, create treacherous driving conditions. Black ice, heavy snowfall, and rain-slicked roads contribute to numerous accidents when drivers fail to adjust their speed and following distance for the conditions.
Impaired Driving: Despite strict laws, drivers continue to operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These impaired motorists demonstrate poor judgment, delayed reaction times, and reckless behavior that often results in serious or fatal accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Exceeding posted speed limits and engaging in aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and running red lights significantly increase the risk of accidents. These behaviors leave little room for error and reduce reaction time when unexpected situations arise.

How Car Accident Compensation Works in Washington

Washington operates under a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the party responsible for causing the crash bears financial responsibility for resulting damages. This system allows injury victims to pursue compensation through multiple channels, including filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company or their own insurance provider, or by pursuing a personal injury lawsuit directly against the responsible party.

An attorney from Colburn Law can help determine which course of legal action is right for your situation.

How a Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Protects Your Rights

While you have the right to pursue legal action after a car accident, the path to recovery can be full of challenges. Insurance companies are often focused on protecting their bottom lines and minimizing payouts, making it crucial to have an advocate in your corner who will defend your interests.

At Colburn Law, our Spokane car accident lawyer knows what it takes to counter these tactics and secure the compensation that you deserve. We will skillfully analyze traffic camera footage, accident scene evidence, and witness statements to build a strong case that establishes liability.

Leveraging this evidence, we will negotiate aggressively with the insurer, demonstrating the true value of your claim and the strength of your legal position.

Our firm will never accept a settlement that is less than what you need to recover. When the company refuses to settle, we are prepared to take your case to trial and present compelling arguments before a judge or jury.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Spokane

The moments following a car accident can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after the collision can protect your rights and your health. In the aftermath, stay calm and make sure to:

Protect Your Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If anyone is injured or vehicles cannot be moved, leave them in place and keep all occupants safely away from traffic.
Call 911: Contact law enforcement to file an official accident report, even if the damage seems minor. This creates an official record of the incident and preserves important details about the accident, such as the positions of the vehicles and the time of the crash. This report can help protect your interests if the other party’s story changes later.
Seek Medical Care: Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. When you visit a healthcare provider, describe all symptoms in detail and follow their treatment recommendations carefully. This step creates documentation of your injuries and demonstrates that you took your recovery seriously.
Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene and all vehicles involved, including damage, skid marks, road conditions, and relevant traffic signs or signals. These visual records can help you establish the other party’s fault in your future legal claim.
Gather Information: Exchange contact details, insurance information, and vehicle information with all parties involved. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur, as their statements may be used in your case.
Stay Off of Social Media: Avoid posting anything about your accident on social media platforms, as insurance companies often monitor these accounts for information they can use to dispute or devalue your claim. Even seemingly innocent posts about your activities or recovery could be taken out of context and used against you.
Speak to an Attorney: Contact a Spokane car accident attorney before speaking with any insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers. A lawyer can protect your rights, handle communications with insurers, and help you understand the true value of your claim while you focus on recovery.

Understanding Spokane Car Accident Laws and Regulations

Washington operates under a fault-based system for car accidents, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident bears financial responsibility for resulting damages. This system allows accident victims to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company or through a personal injury lawsuit.

State law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance coverage in the following minimum amounts:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$10,000 for property damage

Drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must report the crash to law enforcement. Failure to remain at the scene of an accident or provide the required information to other involved parties can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Washington?

In Washington, you have three years from the date of the crash to file a car accident lawsuit. This deadline applies to all car accident claims, whether seeking compensation for personal injuries or property damage. If you miss this deadline, you typically lose your right to pursue compensation through the court system, regardless of the strength of your case or the severity of your injuries.

RCW 4.16.080. Actions limited to three years.

The following actions shall be commenced within three years:

(2) An action for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including an action for the specific recovery thereof, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another not hereinafter enumerated.

While three years may seem like ample time, building a strong case often requires extensive investigation, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. By speaking with an attorney as soon as possible, you can protect your right to compensation while providing adequate time to investigate your claim.

The Importance of Evidence in Spokane Car Accident Cases

To recover compensation after a Spokane car accident, you will need to show that the driver who caused the accident was truly at fault. This means that the driver was negligent or reckless in some way and that their actions directly caused your collision. Proving liability requires strong evidence of these negligent actions or inactions.

You can leverage several pieces of evidence in your case, including:

Physical evidence from the crash, such as photos and videos
Police reports that document how the collision occurred
Medical records that detail your injuries and treatment
Statements from witnesses who saw the accident happen
Testimony from accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other experts
Footage from traffic, surveillance, or dashboard cameras

The same evidence applies to collision incidents with large commercial vehicles — a Spokane truck accident attorney can get you the justice you deserve today.

Contact Colburn Law Today for Your Free Case Review

After a car accident, you have the right to pursue legal action against the driver who caused your collision. Colburn Law has helped countless victims secure the compensation needed to rebuild their lives and can guide you through every stage of your legal journey.

Take the first step toward protecting your rights—call (206) 919-3215 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and learn how our Spokane car accident lawyer can fight for you.