If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Bellingham, you know firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take on your life. You may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the challenges of recovering from your injuries, all while dealing with insurance companies and trying to go through the legal process.
The experienced Bellingham car accident attorneys at Walton Law are here to help you. We can guide you through every step of your claim, fight for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Bellingham Car Accident Guide
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Car Accident Case?
Walton Law is a respected personal injury firm with offices in Bellingham. Our founding attorney, Christopher C. Walton, is a seasoned trial lawyer who has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year since 2013.
At Walton Law, we have a proven track record of success in representing car accident victims and their families.
Our knowledgeable attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives after a crash. We have the skills, experience, and tenacity to take on even the most difficult cases and well-funded defendants, including major insurance companies.
Our Bellingham office is conveniently located at 2219 Rimland Drive #301, just minutes from I-5 and downtown Bellingham. We also have an office in Snohomish County to serve clients in the southern part of the region.
Wherever you are located, our team is ready to come to you for a free consultation at your home, hospital room, or any other location that is most convenient for you.
Compensation in Car Accident Cases
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Washington, you may recover a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and benefits from missing work during your recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Pain and suffering from your physical injuries and emotional trauma
- Emotional distress and mental anguish, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once loved
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Wrongful death damages if you lost a loved one in the accident
The value of your car accident claim will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, the available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence against the at-fault driver.
Our Bellingham personal injury attorneys will assess your case to determine the full scope of your damages and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation you are owed.
Proving Liability in Car Accident Cases
To win a car accident case in Washington, you must generally prove:
The other driver owed you a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.- The driver breached that duty through negligent or reckless conduct, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
- The driver’s breach of duty directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
Proving these elements can be challenging, especially when dealing with contested liability, complex accident scenarios, and well-funded defense attorneys.
At Walton Law, we have the knowledge and resources to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a compelling argument on your behalf.
We work with trusted experts in fields like accident reconstruction, medicine, and economics to demonstrate the full extent of the defendant’s negligence and the impact of your injuries.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common causes we see in Bellingham include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting, using a phone, or adjusting the radio
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes or merging
- Failing to adjust to weather or road conditions
- Vehicle defects or maintenance issues
Regardless of how your car accident happened, if someone else’s negligence caused it, you may recover significant compensation.
Our attorneys can help you investigate the accident, identify all potentially liable parties, and build a strong case for damages.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Bellingham, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Get contact and insurance information from the other driver.
- Collect contact information for any eyewitnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.
At Walton Law, we offer free consultations to help car accident victims understand their rights and explore their legal options. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building your case and fighting for your recovery.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident
One of the biggest challenges after a car accident is dealing with insurance companies. While you may hope that the at-fault driver’s insurer will offer a fair settlement, the reality is that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not paying out claims.
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries, argue that you were partially at fault, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement offer. They may also ask you to give recorded statements or sign medical releases, which can be used against you later.
That’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced car accident attorney.
At Walton Law, we know how to deal with insurance companies and protect your rights. We can handle all communications with the insurers, gather evidence to support your claim, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Contact a Bellingham Car Accident Attorney
Christopher C. Walton, Car Accident Lawyer in Bellingham
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Bellingham, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you contact an experienced car accident attorney, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
At Walton Law, we have the knowledge, resources, and dedication to stand up to insurance companies and fight for your rights. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your case.
Contact us today at (360) 543-1010 for your free consultation with one of our skilled car accident lawyers. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide personalized guidance on your best path forward.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Bellingham Office Location
2219 Rimland Dr Suite 301,
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 543-1010