In 2023, there were just under 3,000 crashes reported in Kitsap County by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Of the total number of crashes, 19 were fatal, and 475 involved either serious or minor injuries.
Regardless of the severity of the crash, there are a slew of factors to navigate in the aftermath of an accident. Although advocating for yourself is an option, an experienced Port Orchard car accident lawyer can help ease your worries about what to do after you’ve been involved in an accident and give you an edge in seeking damages from the accident.
In this blog, the LaCross & Murphy team will explore why hiring an attorney for car accidents in Port Orchard can make all the difference in your claim.
Understanding the Aftermath of a Car Accident in Port Orchard, Washington
Being involved in an accident can be jarring. After an accident, your mind might be being pulled in 10 different directions, and you may be asking yourself questions like what do I do next? What does this mean for my insurance? Who should I call?
Immediately following an accident, contacting local authorities is essential. However, it’s important to check for injuries that any party involved might have sustained so that the appropriate help and resources may be deployed if needed.
Once any potential injuries are addressed and you and all parties involved are in a safe, secure area, begin gathering information. You’ll need to exchange insurance information, start taking photos of any damage sustained, the location of the vehicles, and any other relevant information, and begin recording other pertinent details of the incident.
An attorney who is experienced in navigating car accident claims can help guide you in determining what information is helpful to gather. Every incident is different, but it’s important to err on the side of caution and gather as much information as possible. Having too much information is a good problem to have, compared to not having enough information to prove (or disprove) who and what was at fault for the accident.
Timing is everything in accident claims, so contacting a Kitsap County car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident is going to be crucial.
Signs You May Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Washington State
There are myriad reasons why hiring a car accident lawyer is advisable, three of which are that the cases can be complex, there may be potential issues with insurance claims, and legal implications and intricacies vary by state, county, or even city.
In addition, the following factors can make car accident cases difficult to navigate without the guidance of an experienced attorney:
- Multiple parties are involved
- Disputes regarding liability
- Accidents may result in severe injuries or fatalities
- Delayed or denied insurance claims
- Insufficient compensation offers
- Statute of limitations considerations
The Benefits of Hiring a Port Orchard, Washington Car Accident Lawyer
Having over 35 years of experience settling personal injury claims, our team understands how overwhelming it can be to stand up to insurance companies. Hiring a lawyer post-accident means that you have an advocate on your side who is dedicated to fighting for your best interest — and the best result possible.
Car accident lawyers know how to investigate the full extent of the accident, as well as any injuries or harm sustained in the accident. An experienced attorney will work hard to gain a complete understanding of what happened and be sure that you have a full understanding of your legal options and any potential outcomes when pursuing a claim.
Car and Truck Accident Lawyers in Port Orchard and Kitsap County
It’s no secret that car accidents can disrupt lives and leave individuals grappling with several uncertainties. Amidst the chaos and confusion that follows these accidents, seeking legal counsel can provide a much-needed anchor.
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident requires diligence and attention to detail, from gathering crucial information to understanding the complexities of insurance claims and legal proceedings. Enlisting the help of an experienced car accident lawyer can significantly alleviate the burden on victims, ensuring their rights are protected.
Don’t face the aftermath of a car or truck accident alone. The LaCross & Murphy team is here to support you through the complexities of your accident and claim and will fight tooth and nail for the best outcome possible. Contact us online today or by calling (360) 447-9365.
