What You Need To Know About Personal Injury Law in Bellevue, WA
If you reside in Bellevue, WA and are involved in an accident for which you are pursuing damages, you probably have numerous questions about the procedures and state laws affecting your claim. The following web page will delve into some key elements of personal injury laws in Washington.
Statute of Limitations for Injury Lawsuits
In Washington, you are required to file a personal injury claim within a specific period. The time limit for filing a claim is a law known as the statute of limitations. If you fail to present your claim within this time frame, you have no right to be compensated for your sustained injuries. The statute of limitation for personal injury claims in Washington is three years. The time starts lapsing from the date of the accident.
Comparative Fault Rule in Washington
In some instances, an injured party may share the blame for causing their injuries by being partially responsible for the accident. The fact that you share liability for an accident does not mean you cannot make an injury claim. Washington applies a concept called “pure comparative negligence.” This means that the amount you recover from a claim will be reduced by the share of liability that the judge or jury attribute to you.
For example, if you are awarded $10,000 in damages and the court determines that you are 20% to blame; your recovery will be cut down to $8,000.
Strict Liability for Dog Bites
Many states protect dog owners from liability for injuries if their dog is injuring a person for the first time and the owner had no reason to consider the dog to be dangerous. This rule is known as the “one bite rule.” However, in Washington, this rule is not applicable. Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means the dog owner is held liable for personal injury caused by their dog regardless of the pet’s past behavior.
No Damage Caps
In Washington, there is no limit to the compensation one can receive for personal injuries. According to the law in Washington, damage caps are regarded as unconstitutional.
The Essence of a Bellevue Personal Injury Attorney
When faced with a personal injury claim, your attorney will help gather evidence for your case and negotiate with the insurance adjuster. If a settlement is not forthcoming, your attorney will represent you in court and put up the best possible argument to ensure you get a fair compensation. If you are worried about attorney fees, you should know that most personal injury attorneys represent clients on a contingency basis. Therefore, for a fair damage award, it is advisable to seek out a Bellevue personal injury attorney.