Washington state car accident laws RCW 46. Several laws have been implemented to prevent further car accidents and to protect motorists, pedestrians, and passengers from property damage, injuries, and death. In Washington, the system is based on fault, meaning that the at-fault party compensates the accident victims. 5. In the state of Washington, drivers involved in an accident must file a legal claim within three years from the date of the accident. Document the scene. Should someone attempt to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has passed, the court will dismiss the Jan 18, 2024 · For cases like car accident claims and personal injury legal matters, Washington is an at-fault state, not a no-fault state. These laws allow victims to hold the at-fault driver legally responsible for the expenses and losses that occur. In some situations, you must report an accident to the Washington State Department of Transportation. You are required by law to report an accident if it results in any of the following: injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. These conditions include: Understanding Washington State Car Accident Laws. Mar 12, 2023 · Washington Car Accident Laws. In every Washington car accident, you will need to understand the state’s car insurance requirements. At that point, the insurance company may offer more money, or may find you a comparable vehicle within a “reasonable distance” for you to examine. 83 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, making Washington the 7th safest state for drivers. These laws make it mandatory to immediately stop, locate or notify the owner of the damaged property, render aid to injured people, and remain on the scene until he or she fulfills the requirements of the law. This is by state laws that protect the rights of all parties involved in traffic incidents, regardless of their insurance status. 095. no longer actively practices in this area, but if you have been injured in an accident please give us a call! The Washington State Department of Transportation says that roughly 100,000 car accidents happened in 2019, no matter the cause as they range from distracted driving to disregard for traffic laws, over 30,000 of these car accidents resulted in injuries. For this purpose, the chief of the Washington state patrol shall prepare and, upon request, supply to any police department, coroner, sheriff, and any other suitable agency or individual, sample forms of accident reports required hereunder, which reports shall be upon a form devised by the chief of the Washington state patrol and shall call for The state of Washington has fault-based car accident laws. 020) Common or contract carrier with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission; Vehicles registered in another state. When you drive a vehicle in Washington that's registered in another state, you must have the type of insurance required by that state. Are Dashcams Legal in Washington State? It is not illegal to install a dash camera in your vehicle in Washington State, as long as drivers do so within the confines of the law. Delays on vehicle repairs could cause you to exhaust the rental car limit on your policy before the repairs are Oct 11, 2024 · Did you know that in 2017 there was a car crash on the roads of Washington every 4 minutes! The same Department of Transport report states that one person died in a car accident every 20 hours in 2017. Code 148 and 23 U. Dec 12, 2024 · If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Washington state, understanding the legal framework can help you navigate the aftermath and protect your rights. 60 RCW. 37. This rule applies to passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. Washington is considered one of the safest places to drive in the United States. These laws involve the determination of fault in a traffic collision. Jan 6, 2020 · This is a state law that provides time limits for which an accident victim has to bring a lawsuit. Washington Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police. Have a question? Free Consultation Available. Duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property — Penalties. This post outlines the key car accident laws in Washington state, providing a clear overview for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Jan 20, 2025 · Comparative fault is the law in Washington State. Specifically, these laws require you to stop after Jan 27, 2025 · The Washington State Department of Licensing may suspend your driver’s license or vehicle registration until you provide proof of insurance. If you are involved in a car accident in the state of Washington, you have certain duties that are outlined in Washington State Legislature Sections 46. No. Find out what insurance is required, and learn about the other insurance laws that may impact your car accident. This applies regardless of whether the initial personal injury claim was filed in court. Read on if you have questions about: The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) offers information about Washington state auto insurance laws and car accident laws. If you're at fault, check your policy or with your agent to see if you have rental car coverage. Regular commuters and travelers on Washington roads are often involved in traffic accidents. Whether dealing with auto accidents or more serious motor vehicle accidents, having the right legal support can make all the difference. Lost profits damages not recoverable for a period of time a commercial vehicle is out of commission for In Yakima, the experienced car accident attorneys at Kapuza Lighty have helped many clients navigate Washington State car accident laws to ensure that you have done everything required as well as protect your injury claims. If you were rear-ended, the other driver is likely completely at fault and liable for 100% of your damages. This means the consumer can recover up to three times the amount of damages (up to $10,000) in a successful court action. Feb 6, 2025 · What to do Following a Car Accident in Washington State. Under Washington state law, any driver who is involved in an accident with an unattended parked vehicle is required to take specific actions. Your lawyer will tell you whether to file sooner than the statute of limitations’ three-year deadline, but as long as you get those papers filed before the three-year mark, you're in good shape. Following a car accident in Washington, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being, even if you don’t initially feel injured. Toll bridges: Chapters 47. Code 407, safety data, reports, surveys, schedules, list complied or collected for the purpose of identifying, evaluating, or planning the safet Understanding Washington state laws: Sellers should familiarize themselves with Washington’s laws and regulations regarding vehicle disclosures to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. If an employer lends his or her car to an employee for business purposes, the employer may be liable for any accidents that the employee causes. However, despite the high frequency of car accidents that occur within the state, many Washington drivers are unaware of the specific laws that […] Motor vehicle fund income from United States securities — Exemption from reserve fund requirement: RCW 43. (3) The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of visual signals meeting the requirements of RCW 46. Comparative Negligence. S. Aug 22, 2023 · Washington State car accident laws are the blueprint to your accident claim, and knowing them may increase your chances of compensation. Understanding Washington car accident laws is vital for safeguarding your rights and interests in the event of an unfortunate collision. If you’ve been in an accident involving a rental car, here’s what to do: Check for injuries. Jul 15, 2023 · Car accident laws refer to an area of law that is a mix of traffic law and personal injury law. These traffic laws help to keep order on the road and prevent collisions. That’s why it’s so important to follow car seat laws. Martin Wren P. Sep 21, 2020 · Before filing a suit, it’s important to understand the Washington State car accident laws that apply to your situation. Many different situations can lead to car accidents. State patrol: Chapter 43. May 31, 2024 · According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), approximately 100,000 motor vehicle accidents occur each year in the state of Washington, roughly 650 of which result in at least one fatality. You must know the distinction between no-fault and fault-based systems and how they affect how you approach insurance claims and potential legal actions. Washington requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for a single person in an accident, and $50,000 per crash for multiple people injured. Rental car policies vary, but you can purchase additional rental car coverage to provide you with more options. If you have recently been injured in a car accident in Washington and need assistance securing a rental car or with any aspect of your insurance claim, contact Tamaki Law today. Jan 7, 2025 · Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to protecting the legal rights of accident victims and their families across Washington state, and we provide a level of service and client satisfaction that other personal injury law firms in Washington simply do not. Aug 23, 2024 · In 2000, Washington State adopted a strategic highway safety plan called Target Zero, which outlines strategies and key initiatives that can be implemented to achieve zero injuries and deaths on the state’s roadways by 2030. No case law information regarding whether rental vehicle must actually be rented in order to use a rental vehicle as a loss of use calculation. Basics of Washington State Car Accident Law When you’ve been in a car accident in Washington State, understanding the concept of diminished value is critical to ensuring you receive fair compensation for your losses. Fault for an auto accident may rest with one party, such as in a typical rear-end collision. There are many traffic laws in Washington state that drivers and road users – including bicyclists and pedestrians – must obey. While we strive to provide the most current information, seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney or conduct legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching. 84. 190, except that: (a) An authorized emergency vehicle operated as a police vehicle need not be equipped with or display a red light visible from in front of the vehicle; (b) authorized emergency vehicles shall use audible Feb 22, 2024 · How are Minors’ Cases Resolved in Washington State? Washington state requires that any agreement resulting from a child injury be approved by a Court. Car accidents in Washington have laws to protect drivers and passengers and hold the responsible party accountable. (8) If provided for by the terms of the applicable insurance policy, and if the insurer elects to exercise its right to repair the loss vehicle at a specific repair facility, failing to prepare or accept an estimate that will restore the loss vehicle to its condition prior to the loss at no additional cost to the first party claimant other than as stated in the applicable policy of insurance. Under the law (RCW 46. Related laws. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. 130(6): Abstract of driving record — Access — Fees — Penalty Mar 8, 2023 · According to Washington State law, drivers involved in a car accident must stop at the scene and exchange information with the other driver. They include typical traffic laws that exist in all 50 states, such as rights-of-way and speed limits. We can assess your situation, explain Fielding Law Group Car Accident Attorneys. Then, reach out to us following an auto accident. Washington car accident statistics. Under this system, the person responsible for causing your accident is the one Mar 1, 2019 · Driver Duties According to Law. Talk to your own insurance company about your collision or liability insurance. Id. Washington is a fault insurance state, which means that whoever causes the accident is liable for the injuries and damages suffered by the other vehicles involved. Washington residents spend a lot of time on the road. Of course, serious car accidents still happen more frequently than Washingtonians would like. 030: Accident reports; WAC 446-85-010: Accident reporting threshold; RCW 46. 43 RCW. Getting a rental car. This is the case in almost all motor vehicle accidents. This loss in value, known as diminished Feb 28, 2025 · If your travels in the Evergreen State did not go quite as planned, you will be thankful that Washington car accident compensation laws are generally quite victim-friendly. Should the other driver not carry auto insurance and found to be at fault for the accident, suspension of their driver’s license can occur if they do not compensate you for the resulting damages you suffer. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key laws and steps you need to know. If you need help with your car accident case, reach out to a personal injury attorney . Under the state’s fault-based system for accident cases and insurance claims, injured victims have the legal option to file a claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation from the at-fault party’s May 7, 2019 · If you have been involved in an accident, contact a Seattle personal injury attorney for more information about your legal options. 71) the following specific actions are unfair and misleading: Washington state requires all drivers who operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle in the state to carry a certain amount of liability insurance. One can find an outline of a driver’s duties following a car crash in Washington State Legislature Sections 46. Knowing the laws of your state before talking to an auto accident lawyer is key. Sep 10, 2020 · Local laws vary per state and car insurance Washington classifies as a Fault/Tort State In Washington state, and other tort states, medical coverage will only pay out after fault has been determined. This exploration aims to clarify legal obligations and protections to aid Washington residents in navigating post-accident procedures with confidence. A judge must approve any agreement or settlement involving a child injury to be valid. Posted by Greg Colburn in Car Accidents on August 19, 2019. Washington State Car Insurance Requirements. Using a bill of sale: A written bill of sale detailing the terms of the sale, including any disclosures made by the seller, can help protect both . If you were injured in a wreck on private property, a Washington car accident lawyer at Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC may be able to help. com Oct 15, 2024 · By understanding Washington State car accident law, you can take proactive steps to protect your rights and recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Oct 15, 2020 · REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO THE WASHINGTON DOT. You are required to complete and submit a Collision Report Form within 4 days of an accident, if the accident report was not filed by a police officer and any of the following apply: Jun 10, 2023 · This statistic underscores the importance of understanding car accident laws in Washington, as you or a loved one could become involved in such an accident. Important Laws Impacting Car Accident Claims in Washington State Washington is a Fault State Violations of the Law. 52. Learn about Washington State car accident laws from auto accident attorneys at Bernard Law Group. C. Aug 1, 2024 · Contact a Washington Car Accident Lawyer for FREE. Apr 7, 2021 · Under Washington state law, employers are generally liable for the actions of their employees while they are performing their job duties. This means there are more legal hurdles to jump over, and a longer waiting period before fault is decided and a driver can be reimbursed. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers has been helping injured individuals in Washington since 1994 , and we are ready to put our skills and knowledge to work Sep 2, 2024 · In Washington State, even if you’re involved in a car accident without insurance but are not at fault, you retain the right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company. 45. Knowing these laws ensures you take the proper steps to protect your rights. However, the state no longer requires emissions testing as of 2020. Health and safety should be your first priority. In 2019, there were 0. A violation of the auto repair law is also a violation of the Consumer Protection Act. Aug 26, 2024 · But if you don't call 911, you'll be responsible for filing the crash report. 1125 Washington St SE • PO Box 40100 • Olympia, WA 98504 • 360-753-6200 OFFICE HOURS: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Friday Closed Weekends & State Holidays What is the Financial Responsibility Law? Washington's financial responsibility law requires uninsured drivers and vehicle owners to be responsible for collision damages if there is a reasonable possibility that a court will make a judgment against them. If you would like a copy of the collision report you or a law enforcement officer completed, you may request a copy from Washington State Patrol. To learn more about Washington State car accident laws, call 509-866-4166 or contact our office online today to schedule a Jul 19, 2021 · Below, we review five laws that you should be aware of when driving in the state. State or publicly-owned vehicle (RCW 46. Under 23 U. Mar 6, 2025 · Washington’s Clean Car Law requires that vehicles in the state with model years 2009 or newer meet California’s emission standards. Jan 27, 2025 · Every state handles car accident laws differently. Apr 29, 2024 · Understanding Washington car accident laws regarding liability, insurance requirements, and safety measures is essential for anyone who finds themselves involved in or affected by a traffic accident. Washington state car accident laws detail how and when an accident must be reported to the state authorities. The WA State Diminished Value Law recognizes that a vehicle involved in an accident may lose value, even after repairs are made. Cases involving car accidents on private property can be complex and require the knowledge of a seasoned attorney. See full list on nolo. 020. To fulfill this duty, you must submit a written report to the local authorities within 4 days of the crash. 3. 16. May 29, 2024 · Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. The victim can recover this money by filing a claim with the liable driver’s insurance company or suing that driver in civil court. Seeking immediate medical evaluation is essential since some injuries may not manifest immediately and require professional identification and treatment. If you’re involved in and at fault for an accident while uninsured, you’ll incur financial responsibility for damages, including medical bills, property damage, and legal fees. Steps to take after a rental car accident. Are there specific laws in Washington regarding hit-and-runs involving parked cars? Yes, in Washington state, there are specific laws that address hit-and-run incidents involving parked cars. Jan 13, 2022 · of use damages in addition to the fair market value of the vehicle prior to accident. 56 , 47. Washington law dictates how fault is determined and how claims are handled. 010 and 46. From the assignment of fault to the complex rules of comparative negligence, being aware of these laws empowers you to take the necessary steps to seek fair compensation. (1) Unless a report is to be made by a law enforcement officer under subsection (3) of this section, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to the property of any one person to an apparent extent equal to or greater than the minimum amount established by rule adopted by the chief of the Washington state patrol in accordance In Washington state, you generally have three years to file your personal injury lawsuit after the date of the accident. Washington inhabitants need to stay informed on the accident laws in the state so they know how to protect their rights after an accident. Under Washington law, you must report any car accident involving injury, death, or at least $1,000 or more in damage to a single person’s property. 13. What to Do If You Are in an Accident with a Negligent Driver In Washington State, understanding car accident laws is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. As an at-fault state, Washington holds the responsible driver (or their insurer) liable for damages. Feb 4, 2025 · A car accident lawyer can help you investigate whether the rental agency bears any responsibility for the crash. Mar 4, 2024 · Washington state laws allow for you to collect compensation from the driver who is at fault or their insurance company. According to Washington law, motorists must file a car accident report to the local police, sheriff's office, or highway patrol if specific conditions exist. They also include laws that are Colburn Law. At Lehmbecker Law, we have comprehensive knowledge of Washington laws regarding car accident lawsuits, who pays, and how to get compensation, along with the tenacity to take on even the most complicated cases. Posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents on March 12, 2023. The law applies only to collisions that meet all of the following conditions: Under Washington law, the insurance company must re-open the claim file if you are unable to locate a comparable vehicle for the amount of the settlement. Experienced car accident lawyers negotiate with the other party’s insurance company and fight to get you the true value of your claim. Washington follows a traditional fault system when it comes to determining who pays for the damages after an accident. You Must Stay at the Scene of a Crash. ppszywvwxzcmtexbnfoywjspjywmkkcgyblmdpyeammvbkkwiaxrfsknjqoymgmfnhuycugpayv