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Washington Car Accidents Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I was a 17 yo driver in accident with 3 passengers. Two were 17 and one was 22. All 3 were taken away by ambulance.

The 22 year old passenger in the passenger rear seat did not want to put his belt on, and caused damage to the front passenger, and me the driver, upon collision. I am now being sent invoices from two of the passengers insurance companies that I am to pay for the ambulance fees, in the amount of... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jan 9, 2024

Hopefully you had insurance. Turn this over to your insurance. You may also want to hire your own attorney to oversee that the insurance company is protecting your interests.

If you had no insurance, hire your own attorney right away.

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I was a 17 yo driver in accident with 3 passengers. Two were 17 and one was 22. All 3 were taken away by ambulance.

The 22 year old passenger in the passenger rear seat did not want to put his belt on, and caused damage to the front passenger, and me the driver, upon collision. I am now being sent invoices from two of the passengers insurance companies that I am to pay for the ambulance fees, in the amount of... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jan 10, 2024

I agree with attorney Selik. If there was a policy of automobile insurance covering the vehicle at the time of the accident, then report it to them if you have not already do so. Additionally, provide them /forward them a copy of the invoices, etc. you are being sent. If there was no insurance... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I'm told by a WSP that I'm free to go&I'm not getting an infraction cuz it wasn't my fault, Can they change their mind?

They said they saw the whole thing (accident) & it wasn't my fault cuz I was in the roundabout first. I didn't get a ticket that day, just a "receipt of information" for insurance. Then after the weekend they said they had dashcam footage that showed it was my fault&... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Nov 8, 2023

The first thing to keep in mind is you have 33 days from the date of mailing of the ticket to you (look at the postmark on the envelope in which the ticket was mailed) to respond to the court. You will have to contact the WSP to obtain a copy of the dashcam recording so you can review it. But you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I got ran over in a crosswalk in Seattle was in harbor view for several days and need to follow up PT. How do I persue

I have several fractures in my pelvis, knew, and ribs. I am not steady mobile and had to turn down two new job employment opportunities. I am looking to have the lady how ran me over cover my medical expencies

Egan Patrick Kilbane
Egan Patrick Kilbane
answered on Oct 8, 2023

I am extremely sorry for your circumstances.

Typically, if you have health insurance, that will be your first source to pay medical bills and ensure access to the continuing care that you need. Then, as part of your claim for personal injuries, you will seek reimbursement for these...
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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Had a DUI accident a 1yr ago, did a BAC test, and got charged with DUI and Vehicular Assault but haven't been convicted

It's been a year since the accident I had in WA. Told the officer I had 2 glasses of wine, and did a BAC test but the results haven't been released yet. I had a court date a few days after the accident but it got postponed because they were still investigating. I haven't received... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Aug 28, 2023

You say that you have an attorney so ask that attorney what is happening because he/she will have access to all of the potential evidence. It sounds like there is a blood test that is being processed by the State Tox lab and that takes a long time sometimes so the State is waiting to see what the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, DUI / DWI and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Had a DUI accident a 1yr ago, did a BAC test, and got charged with DUI and Vehicular Assault but haven't been convicted

It's been a year since the accident I had in WA. Told the officer I had 2 glasses of wine, and did a BAC test but the results haven't been released yet. I had a court date a few days after the accident but it got postponed because they were still investigating. I haven't received... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Aug 25, 2023

Your lawyer should be able to investigate the case and request a copy of the police report. The lawyer should also run your name on the JIS system to see if a court case has been filed. You should have requested a DOL DUI hearing from the Washington DOL within seven days of your arrest. You should... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Car Accidents and Employment Law for Washington on
Q: Will a vehicular assault charge always disqualify you from working with children/vulnerable adults? Other jobs?

I was convicted of vehicular assault 11 years ago, since it never leaves my record will it always show on a background check? I am looking into switching jobs but I am unsure of what restrictions this charge still has.

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on May 9, 2023

Most times Vehicular Assault would be eligible to vacate after ten years. You might want to consult with an attorney to see if you are eligible.

It's not a "crime against persons" so in most contexts wouldn't be an automatic disqualification. But certainly would look...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Health Care Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Does a Proof of Representation or a Consent to Release allow an insurance adjuster access to all of my medical records?

I am in the middle of negotiating a settlement amount with the at fault drivers insurance company and they have sent me a Proof Of Representation and a Consent to Release form saying I have to fill out both in order to receive my settlement check. I am a Medicare recipient but have kept my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 27, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, as it's possible some claim forms might be state-specific. In terms of release of medical records, a HIPAA form is generally used. Such forms generally provide for selection of the scope of medical information to be released (range of dates of service,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Health Care Law for Washington on
Q: Why is someone listed as working at one law firm and can't be found on the website of a firm who I originally spoke to??

Firm A had recently contacted me about representing me for my injury case. I have done research on both firm A itself as well as the named attorneys B, C, D, & E who make up Firm A. About a week or so ago, I was suddenly contacted by a new attorney, F, who was familiar with my specific case,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 25, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. There are a couple of possibilities. Attorneys regularly join and leave law firms. Sometimes firm websites might not reflect staffing changes quickly. Also, some law firms have relationships with "of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Where can I get help with my ongoing 3rd party claim with the other drivers auto insurance company in Washington State??

3rd time DUI offender plowed into our front yard, our fence, and our car at a high rate of speed. His car finally stopped only about 10 feet from the room in which we were at that morning. Our car was deemed a total loss as this was the only thing that stopped the driver from plowing right into our... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 30, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry for your ordeal. You're correct; this could be an overwhelming matter because of the number of elements it contains. You indicate seeking an attorney. Your best option is to reach out to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith, Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: What should I do when an insurance company keeps removing my uploaded documents on their claims website???

The insurance company continues to remove my documents that I have uploaded to their website and to which I was instructed to do so by the claims team. I have asked via text and email as to why this is happening and have not received a response. This has been happening every time I upload a... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 29, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. One option is to ask them if there is a technical glitch with either the site or the formatting of the documents, and if so, will they accept hard copies by certified mail. Also ask them if they are downloading... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: I'm having trouble finding an attorney to handle a property damage claim in Tacoma WA. Where do I go?

I've checked attorney matching websites w no success No personal injury involved

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 20, 2023

Well, depending on the specifics of the claim, there might only be 2 "property damage" firms in all of Washington. I don't believe either is on any of the attorney matching sites. I'd google "property damage attorney Washington" and look at the first organic result.

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Can I say a law firm by name if that firm has given advice not representation 2 the insurance company in correspondence

I am battling a car accident settlement with insurance company alone. But was given advice from a good friend who is an atty and ceo at her law firm. I am not representited by the firm but given advice from that firm. When corresponding to the insurance company, can I mention the law firm name... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Dec 24, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. You wouldn't necessarily be doing your friend a favor with something like that. If they handle work or hope to handle work with insurance carriers, it's possible that could cause them to get flagged... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Can anyone answer my car insurance settlement question below please???

I am on SSDI & have medical insurance through the government. In July I was diagnosed w/ PTSD from an accident where a drink driver's car stopped less than 7 feet from our bedroom window (the room we were occupying that mornimg) going 60mph. Our vehicle was the only thing that stopped him... View More

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Dec 12, 2022

Yes, there's something called the collateral source rule that entitles you to the amount of the bills without regard to insurance. Link to pattern jury instruction below:... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I was hit, I called police because believed the other driver was at fault, when police arrived he said i was at fault
Antone Alfred Weber
Antone Alfred Weber
answered on Dec 7, 2022

In accident cases there are two questions, often mutually exclusive. First who is liable for damages, injury and whatnot. Your insurance company attorney will handle that side of things. The other question is if one of the rules of the road was violated during the course of the accident. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Domestic Violence for Washington on
Q: Can I get pain and suffering or a settlement from someone who vehicular assaulted my child and I.

My son and I were involved in an incident that involved vehicular assault to our bodies (not in another motor vehicle “ and the person fled the scene and is uninsured with a suspended license. I went to the hospital for the injuries I sustained and I’m in severe pain.

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Nov 8, 2023

Yes you can.

You might have uninsured motorist coverage. Also, you can sue the at-fault driver.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: No insurance claim: am I required to pay for a rental car for the other party while car being fixed?

Also, should I get the other party to sign something saying the repair bill has been paid so they can’t come back and say something else is wrong?

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Jun 21, 2023

Yes, the at fault party is responsible for the loss of use (eg rental car).

You should get a valid, signed, full release.

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: Hello, I was involved in an automobile accident and I’m a medicare recipient. My lawyer received the settlement.

1). They say they are waiting for Reductions before they can release the money, does this sound correct?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 18, 2023

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Yes, that sounds correct (without knowing the details of your case). One possibility is that your attorney is engaged with the Human Resources Administration (or their attorney, if they assigned one) to negotiate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Insurance Defense for Washington on
Q: I am a defendant in a lawsuit. I was served a package of papers today. I am on a time schedule. The papers tell me to

I am a defendant in a lawsuit. I was served a package of papers today. I am on a time schedule. The papers tell me to contact an attorney immediately. I need to find an attorney. How?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 11, 2023

There isn't enough information here to give a full answer. One critical fact would be what type of lawsuit this is. Based on the categories you've selected, I am presuming you are being sued for injuries stemming from a car accident for which you were at fault.

If that's the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I was involved in a mva I was cited for Careless Driving now after a week later they say they wanna charge me wit

Now they wanna charge me with a Duii after they already released me can they do that

Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Cristine Beckwith
answered on Sep 27, 2022

Hi, sorry to hear. Yes the State can charge you with DUI after releasing you. Washington State has two years to file charges for a gross misdemeanor such as DUI.

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