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Washington Car Accidents Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Insurance Bad Faith for Washington on
Q: My car accident claim was denied, as moving the car safely out of traffic apparently caused the engine to be damaged.

Insurance company states I should have left vehicle in downtown traffic for the 24 hours it took their tow truck to arrive. Do I have any recourse?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 1, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It could depend on how you moved the car. At the same time, to your credit, the location of the car may not have left you with the choice of waiting 24 hours to move it. This depends on a closer look at... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: If you are at a stop sign, is it legal for a car behind you to pull out into the oncoming lane to try and pass you?

If you're on a local (non-arterial) street stopped at a stop sign (on a 2-lane road w/no lane lines) waiting to turn out onto an arterial, is it legal for one of the cars waiting behind you to pull up on your left (placing them in the oncoming lane of traffic) to try and pass you without... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 19, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. From a general traffic safety standpoint, going around you and circumventing the stop sign creates a hazardous condition, however it is addressed by state-specific vehicle and traffic law. You ask about the best... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Hit and run uninsured driver hits a parked car and that car hit mine. Can i sue the person whose car hit mine?

Im in washington state. I was told i could file a claim against the person whose car caused my damage even though they werent the at fault driver. Is this correct?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 13, 2022

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you have a meaningful consult with a local attorney, from your description, it seems the car that had direct impact with yours did nothing wrong. It may have physically struck your car, but it was as a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Uninsured driver hits parked car A, slamming it into parked car B. Can car B claim damages on Car A's insurance??

My neighbor (parked car A) was parked in front of me (parked car B) along the curb. An uninsured crackhead slammed into car A, causing it to slam into car B. The driver ran and was arrested within minutes.

I was told that even though washington is an at fault state, i can file a damages... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jul 5, 2022

A Washington lawyer would be a better source to answer this question, however, if Car A did nothing below the standard of care, i.e, not negligent, then how would you be able to recover from Car A?

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: My parked car was hit by a companies delivery van. The driver left a business card they will not give me their insurance

This happened in Bellingham, WA. I keep emailing and calling requesting insurance details and they will not provide them. A Police officer from Bellingham PD also called them but says he cannot force them to provide it. Is this legal? What are my options? I do not have comprehensive coverage to use... View More

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Jun 8, 2022

Hire a lawyer.

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: My sister was in an car accident 3 days ago with my 2 month old niece in the car. The airbag did not deploy.

She fractured her back and had surgery yesterday. She has a plate in her back now next to her spine. I found out that there was a recall on her car for the airbags. Can she and should she sue. My niece is alright and was released from the hospital to my mom.

Egan Patrick Kilbane
Egan Patrick Kilbane
answered on Feb 20, 2022

I am extremely sorry for your sister's circumstances, and hope she makes the best and quickest possible recovery. She should absolutely consult with an attorney that has experience handling both motor vehicle collision, product liability, and potentially roadway defect claims as soon as she... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I have a felony vehicular assault and it’s been 10 years with nothing else on my record, can I petition to lower it?

My public defender convinced me taking a strike 1 vehicular assault was more so in my best interest than a dui charge and now 10 years later I’d really like to not be a violent felon!

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Dec 6, 2021

It probably depends on how the case was charged and plead. Vehicular Assault is a class B felony, so ten years would be the waiting period to vacate. But there are three different ways to commit the crime of Vehicular Assault, my opinion is that one of them is eligible to vacate but the other two... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Will at fault party's insurance pay for damages after claim approval, if the at fault party cancels their insurance?

Hello, My car was hit by my stepdad's car, my car was parked & he backed into it. His insurance, The General, approved the claim I filed against him, he was found at fault. Insurance did their own appraisal via pictures uploaded an app, they sent a check, etc. They stated for it to get... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Nov 27, 2021

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks and it looks like the matter has created its share of stress for you. Since insurance practices are governed by state-specific regulations and an insurance carrier's own operating procedures, I could only... View More

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI, Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Can an opposing party sue my family if I where to get into an accident because I have THC in my system?

I am 18 and have my medical marijuana card. I live in the state Washington. My parents claim that if I were to get into an accident since I would have THC in my system the opposing party could sue my family. Keep in mind I never drive under the influence. I am under there car insurance as well. Is... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 19, 2021

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. Until you are able to consult with a local attorney for the most accurate state rules, in many jurisdictions, the claimant will usually go after the vehicle operator and the owner. Those two parties are generally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I was in a traffic accident I can’t get my license DOL give me a lawyers number should I talk to that lawyer?
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Aug 30, 2021

The other driver probably got a judgement against you for the damages in the crash. If you were uninsured, then you may be responsible for the other person's damages.

If that happened, then yes you will have to work out a financial arrangement with the other side before the hold on...
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1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Criminal Law for Washington on
Q: Looking for a pro Bono/low cost lawyer to support a young black male who has been sentenced a heavy 9 years.

This individual was sentenced 9 years. He is adopted by a loving family and was charged standing up and protecting his special needs brother who was being assaulted. He is 24 now and was sentenced at 21. His father passed away while incarcerated and his adoptive mother has four kids and a grand... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 10, 2021

Only a Washington attorney should advise here, but your question remains open for a week and it looks like you are losing valuable time. Time is of the essence here - your friend could look into whether he qualifies, based on financial need, for defense through the Public Defender's Office.... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Washington on
Q: I need advice on starting negotiations for my pain and suffering settlement because of a car accident.

Arbitration determined the other party was 100% at fault. dash cam footage shows the driver turned sideways on the freeway right in front of us. My husband was driving, I was in the front passenger seat and our 13 month old daughter was in the back in her carseat. We all went to the ER, but not via... View More

Justin Mishkin
Justin Mishkin
answered on Jul 21, 2021

Good morning. My answer will be general in nature. The demand amount would typically depend on the specific facts surrounding your case. It appears you , your husband and your child may all have claims. Since the child is a minor, there may be additional consideration in making the demand.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I was in a car accident in my mother's car. I was not injured my girlfriend is a little sore and banged up.

I'm just wondering if I should obtain a legal services

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 29, 2021

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your post remains open for three weeks. If you mean in the sense of being sued as the driver, the insurance policy of the car would generally cover the driver, as a GENERAL premise nationwide, if the policy recognizes the driver as an authorized operator... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Insurance doesn’t cover auto loan in settlement of accident. No gap insurance. Can i sue the other party for remainder?

I’m not at fault, other party is at fault. Can i take other party to small claims for the remaining value of my auto loan?

I owe $29k on loan, settlement is $21k. Can i sue for remaining $8k?

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Mar 11, 2021

In terms of a total loss vehicle settlement, you are entitled up to the fair market value of your vehicle. You're not entitled to anything more than that - meaning you are hosed if you didn't buy gap insurance. It's a hard lesson. It's possible the same dealer will let you roll... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury, Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: I was in a car accident in my mother's car. I was not injured my girlfriend is a little sore and banged up.

I'm just wondering if I should obtain a legal services

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Mar 9, 2021

More information would be needed to fully answer this.

The most critical question here is: were you at fault for the accident, or was someone else?

Other critical questions include:

- does the at-fault party have insurance

- do you have liability insurance...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: My brother in law got ran over what are his options? He developed health problems that doctors can't diagnose

The responsible driver ran him over and hit multiple cars. We are not sure what types of compensation he is eligible for, and we do not know if a DUI test was performed on the responsible driver. The responsible driver only has liability insurance. What type of lawyer should he get?

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Feb 11, 2021

He should talk to a personal injury firm, but ideally one that also does some criminal / DUI work.

They will be able to pursue maximum compensation for him, and also guide him through the criminal process and obtain information for him so he understands how the case is being handled on the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability, Car Accidents and Collections for Washington on
Q: My rental car was stolen while I had the keys on me and now I'm being asked to pay for the vehicle. Is that right?

I was originally told I wouldnt be held responsible since I was in possession of the keys

Steve Dashiak
Steve Dashiak
answered on Jan 6, 2021

I'm sorry that happened to you. The process here will be dictated by the contract with the rental car company. Assuming you have insurance, the worst case scenario is you've got to pay the deductible for your own insurance company.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Can you obtain you Discovery File ?
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 8, 2020

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. You post under two categories, which could either mean (1) nothing if it was an oversight in selecting categories, or (2) it could mean the car accident you describe has a civil component and a criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Civil Litigation for Washington on
Q: Can i sue if someone stole my keys to mycar and crashes and i had no insurance

I sold car to my neighbor two days prior to him crashing it....but the title was never changed...theres a police report saying he was driving

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Aug 23, 2020

A Washington attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It could depend on who the legal owner of the car was at the time of the accident. It could hinge on proof in the form of documents for the sale of the vehicle. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Car Accidents for Washington on
Q: Are you able to have copies of your Discovery File ? When is the latest you can fire a attorney? Grounds on firing ?

Present attorney has no witnesses.

Has had 4 years to get any info on clients behalf .

Was tested and given her rights at hospital while under drugs . Client answered questions she didn’t even know she was asked . All info was taken will client was out of it in hospital after surgery.

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Aug 20, 2020

Good questions.

Can you have a copy of the discovery from your file? There is actually a law that severely limits your lawyer's ability to just give you a copy of your file. It may be possible, but may require some redactions. Ask your lawyer about your particular case. You can also...
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