Contact National Injury Help today for a free consultation and ensure you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident in Spokane!
Spokane’s position as the largest city in Eastern Washington makes it a crossroads for commuters, delivery vehicles, students, and tourists. From the rush-hour congestion on I-90 to the busy intersections along Division Street and Sprague Avenue, constant movement means constant risk. When one person drives carelessly, others can end up paying the price — in medical bills, lost income, and months of physical and emotional recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Spokane, you need more than sympathy — you need someone who knows how to fight for the maximum compensation while you focus on healing. A skilled attorney who understands Washington’s roads, laws, and insurance system can help protect your rights and make sure you’re not left covering someone else’s mistakes.
What Is a Car Accident Claim?
A car accident claim is the process of holding a negligent driver financially responsible for the harm they caused. It’s how victims recover the cost of medical care, vehicle repairs, missed work, and the emotional toll that follows a serious crash.
Under Washington law, you can file a claim when another driver’s careless or reckless behavior — speeding, distraction, intoxication, or simply not paying attention — causes an accident that results in injuries or losses.
Common causes of car accidents in Spokane include:
- Distracted driving (texting, phone use, eating): These activities divert attention from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Higher speeds diminish reaction time, making it harder to respond to sudden obstacles.
- Driving under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and coordination, significantly increasing crash likelihood.
- Running red lights or stop signs: Disregarding traffic signals can lead to dangerous collisions at intersections.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way: Not yielding can confuse other drivers and result in serious crashes.
- Unsafe lane changes: Failing to check blind spots can lead to collisions with vehicles that are not visible.
- Following too closely: Tailgating reduces the time to react in emergencies and can cause rear-end collisions.
- Drowsy or fatigued driving: Fatigue impairs focus and decision-making, similar to driving under the influence.
Washington operates under a fault-based insurance system, meaning the insurer of the at-fault driver is generally responsible for covering damages. Additionally, the state implements a comparative negligence standard, as outlined in RCW 4.22.005. This means that even if you share some degree of fault in the accident, you can still recover compensation; however, your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Who Can File a Car Accident Claim?
If you were hurt in a car crash in Spokane and someone else caused it, you probably have the right to file a claim. Here’s who’s typically eligible:
- Injured drivers: You can pursue compensation for your injuries and property damage if another driver was negligent.
- Passengers: Passengers can file against any at-fault driver, even if they were riding with them.
- Pedestrians: If a car hits you while walking, you can recover medical costs, lost wages, and more.
- Cyclists: Bicyclists struck by vehicles have the same legal rights to compensation as other motorists.
- Motorcyclists: Riders injured in collisions can claim for both physical and property damage.
- Family members: In fatal crashes, close relatives may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the deceased.
Washington gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Property damage claims also have a three-year limit. Acting quickly matters. Evidence fades, witnesses forget, and insurance companies become harder to deal with the longer you wait.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Spokane
Spokane’s mix of urban density, university traffic, and winter weather creates unique driving risks:
Heavy Commuter Traffic: The daily surge of workers heading to hospitals, offices, and schools along I-90 and Division Street often leads to congestion and short tempers. Frustration breeds risky lane changes and tailgating, which cause many local crashes.
Interstate 90 Congestion: I-90 is Spokane’s main artery and one of its most dangerous. Merging traffic near Maple Street, downtown exits, and the Valley corridor routinely leads to multi-vehicle collisions, especially during snow or freezing rain.
US-2 and US-395 Challenges: These routes connect Spokane to nearby suburbs and industrial zones. Frequent merging, high speeds, and ongoing construction make them frequent sites of serious accidents.
Downtown and Riverside Traffic: Narrow one-way streets, limited parking, and heavy pedestrian activity near Spokane Falls Boulevard and Riverside Avenue create visibility issues and fender-benders that can quickly turn serious.
Spokane Valley and Sprague Avenue: The city’s main commercial strip sees constant traffic from shoppers and delivery vehicles. Multiple driveways, lane changes, and unclear signage create constant collision points.
University District and Medical Campuses: Thousands of students and employees travel through these areas each day. Drivers rushing to classes or hospital shifts often make quick turns or fail to yield.
Complex Intersections: Busy junctions like Division & Sprague, Browne & Riverside, and Hamilton & Trent are magnets for crashes due to high traffic volumes and limited reaction time.
Weather Conditions: Spokane’s winters are notoriously harsh on drivers. Ice, snow, and low visibility cause many of the area’s worst accidents. Hills and bridges like those along Grand Boulevard become particularly treacherous.
Distracted Driving: Smartphones, GPS systems, and dashboard screens continue to be leading culprits in preventable crashes. One quick glance away from the road can change a life forever.
What Damages Can You Recover?
After a car accident, damage is about more than numbers; it’s about making you whole again. Washington law lets you recover both the financial and non-financial costs of your injuries.
Economic Damages cover direct monetary losses, including:
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and ongoing treatment needs.
- Lost income: Wages you missed while recovering and any future earning power reduced by your injuries.
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement, plus damage to phones, gear, or child seats.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Transportation to appointments, home modifications, or help with household tasks during recovery.
Non-Economic Damages address the personal and emotional impact of your injuries:
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and long-term discomfort from your accident.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of confidence behind the wheel.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When your injuries limit hobbies, relationships, or independence.
- Disfigurement or disability: Scarring, amputations, or lasting physical limitations.
- Loss of consortium: Strain or loss of companionship for spouses and families.
Wrongful Death Damages apply if a loved one was killed in a crash. Surviving family members can pursue:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills before death
- Lost financial support
- Loss of companionship and parental guidance
Washington doesn’t impose damage caps in most injury cases, which means victims can pursue full compensation for both tangible and emotional losses.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Spokane
The moments after a crash are confusing. Adrenaline hides pain, and quick decisions matter. Here’s what to do to stay safe and protect your case:
Step 1: Ensure Safety
Move your vehicle to a safe area, if possible, and switch on the hazard lights. If you’re on I-90 or a major arterial like Division or Sprague, stay away from moving traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries, but don’t move anyone seriously hurt unless there’s fire or immediate danger.
Step 2: Call 911
Always report the collision. Spokane Police handle city crashes; the Washington State Patrol handles those on highways. A police report provides critical documentation to support your insurance and legal claims later.
Step 3: Seek Prompt Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get checked. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often appear hours later. Follow every medical instruction and keep all treatment records — they’re essential for proving your damages.
Step 4: Document Everything
Use your phone to photograph the scene, vehicles, license plates, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get contact and insurance details from all parties and names of any witnesses. Note the responding officer’s name and badge number.
Step 5: Avoid Admitting Fault
Avoid apologizing or speculating. Simple phrases like “I didn’t see you” can later be used against you. Be polite and factual; let investigators determine fault. Make sure you are not giving specific details of the accidents until you have consulted a Spokane car accident lawyer.
Step 6: Report to Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurer as soon as you can, but don’t agree to a recorded statement or sign anything before speaking with an attorney.
Step 7: Contact an Experienced Spokane Car Accident Lawyer Attorney
A Spokane car accident lawyer can immediately step in to deal with insurers, preserve evidence, and protect your rights. The sooner you involve one, the better your chances of recovering everything you’re entitled to.
Common Mistakes To Avoid After a Car Accident
Even well-intentioned victims can hurt their cases without realizing it. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Delaying medical care: Waiting days to see a doctor allows insurers to claim you weren’t really hurt.
- Posting on social media: Even harmless photos can be twisted to argue you’re not injured.
- Throwing away damaged items: Keep every piece of evidence — from car parts to clothing.
- Talking too freely with insurers: Their goal is to save money, not protect you.
- Accepting the first offer: Early settlements almost always undervalue your claim.
Avoiding these pitfalls keeps your evidence strong and your compensation fair.
How Contingency Fees Work
Most Spokane car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless they win. The lawyer’s fee is a set percentage of your final settlement or verdict. Case costs (like expert witnesses or records) are usually advanced by the firm and reimbursed after recovery. You’ll always know the terms upfront in your engagement agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim in Washington?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim under the relevant legal code of RCW 4.16.080. It’s vital to act within this timeframe, as waiting too long can weaken your case due to the loss of evidence and witnesses’ memories of critical details.
What is Washington’s comparative negligence rule?
Even if you’re partly at fault, you can still recover damages; your share of responsibility just reduces them. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you can still collect 80% of your damages.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
You can file under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). A lawyer can also explore other liable parties, such as an employer or parts manufacturer.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
No. Early offers are designed to save insurers money before your full medical costs are known. Always let a lawyer review any offer first.
What if I was injured as a passenger?
Passengers almost always have strong claims since they rarely share fault. You can file against any negligent driver involved.
Can I recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
Yes. Not wearing a seatbelt may reduce your compensation slightly, but it doesn’t bar recovery. The other driver’s negligence is still the leading cause of the crash.
What if the other driver fled the scene?
Report it immediately to Spokane Police or the Washington State Patrol. You may be covered under your uninsured motorist policy even if the at-fault driver is never found.
Do I need to see a doctor even if I feel fine?
Absolutely. Many injuries are delayed. Seeing a doctor right away both protects your health and strengthens your claim.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case?
Property-damage-only cases can settle in weeks. Injury claims typically take months to a year, depending on recovery time and insurance cooperation.
What should I bring to my attorney consultation?
Bring the police report, photos, medical bills, insurance information, and proof of lost income. The more documentation you have, the faster your case can move forward.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
Car accidents are more than momentary collisions; they ripple through every part of life. Medical bills pile up, paychecks stop, and pain makes even daily tasks hard. You shouldn’t have to face that alone.
An experienced Spokane car accident attorney fights for your rights, manages the paperwork, negotiates with insurers, and makes sure your recovery isn’t shortchanged.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Spokane crash, contact National Injury Help today. Call 1 (866) 932-4817 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation. No fees unless you win. Get the compensation you deserve.