Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Bellevue Washington

Posted Friday, July 28, 2023 by Chris Thayer

Washington state law requires that you take specific actions following a car accident. If you have never been involved in an accident or are unfamiliar with the law, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these steps. Most laws that Washington drivers should know can be found in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington. These laws cover the basics of licensing, registration, and road rules.

Washington has been considered one of the safest states in the United States. In 2019, there were 0.83 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles. This makes Washington the 7th safest state for drivers across the country.

However, serious car collisions are still all too frequent. If you have been involved in a car collision in Bellevue, Washington, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer.

*Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Bellevue*First, stop your vehicle. It is advised to stop at the scene of the accident. Alternatively, stop as close as possible to the scene.

Second, provide your name, address, and insurance company information. Give your insurance policy number and vehicle license number to anyone involved in the crash.

Third, render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. While these steps may seem like common sense, it is important to recognize that you are following the law and acting with human decency.

*Steps to Take After an Accident with an Unoccupied Vehicle in Bellevue*If you collide with an unoccupied vehicle, you must take two steps. First, stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident. Next, locate the owner of the vehicle. Alternatively, leave a written note with your name. Provide your contact information.

*Three Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Washington*If you are in a car accident in Bellevue, Washington, experts note that there are several typical mistakes that it is wise to avoid.

*Never Handle a Car Accident Claim Yourself*Experts note that the single biggest mistake people make is handling a car accident on their own. It may be because people are reluctant to contact a lawyer. Some people have a belief that the process for handling a car accident claim is simple.

Negotiations can be intricate and challenging. A legal expert is skilled in understanding the landscape of insurance claims, negotiations, and lawsuits.

*Avoid Posting on Social Media*While it can be tempting to post insights, outings, and emotions on social media, this is not a smart action. Photos, texts, and comments may be used as evidence should you decide to take legal action.

*Do Not Apologize to Anyone Involved in the Accident*You may be trying to be polite. You may feel obliged to apologize profusely for the accident. Legal experts advise against apologizing to anyone involved in the accident. Your polite comment may be taken as a sign that you admit guilt or fault. This could show up on a car accident report and could work against you in a legal case.

*When to Speak to a Dedicated King County Personal Injury Attorney*If you have been involved in a car accident in Bellevue, it is normal to feel confused or overwhelmed. You may want to talk with an experienced Personal Injury Attorney to understand how to protect your legal rights.