If you are involved in a collision or otherwise injured by another, a number of concerns invade your life.  Who pays for my necessary medical care?  What must I do to comply with the requirements of my insurance contract? Who will pay my lost wages?  What do I need to do immediately to avoid problems getting full and complete compensation for my injuries?

I have been addressing these concerns for our community for over thirty years.  Everyone’s situation is unique and requires answers tailored to your unique concerns.  That is why I offer free consultations.  For a free consult message or email .

There is no substitute to a professional consultation.  However, I understand schedules may delay you seeing someone qualified to help.  To help you avoid mistakes that can hurt you, I provide the following frequently experienced situations and suggestions on how to proceed.  Of course, without knowing your exact situation, I cannot advise you.  Seek professional counsel for your situation. 

Generally, you must cooperate with your insurance company.  If it asks for a statement, you are normally required to provide one.  That statement should be honest and complete. However, be careful to say only those things you know.  I understand that limit should be assumed.  Sadly, my experience suggests it is not.  Many people guess at answers or assume facts that they could not know.  If you have not experienced the injuries caused by a collision before, you may assume they are temporary or minor.  My experience with my clients suggest there is no way to know until time passes.  Some injuries do not present for weeks or even months.  Be honest with yourself about the limits of what you know.

Conversely, you are not required to or advised to talk with the insurance company for the person that chose to ignore safety rules and hurt you.  The at-fault party’s insurer goal is to make you go away cheap and quick.  It loses if you understand the extent and impact of your injuries on your life before it gets you to sign away your claims.  Be certain of your injuries before making any decisions.  Are you completely back to normal? 

Will you need any more care?  How much will that care cost?  How will the injuries affect you in future? 

What areas of your life changed due to the collision?  Can you attend social events and participate?  Are you  isolated by your injuries? Are you concerned you will never get back to your life? Does the amount offered by the insurance company fully and fairly compensate all your injuries? The law requires full and fair compensation for all your economic and non-economic damages (normally substantially larger than economic damages). Do not give up your claims unless you know your answers.

Washington law requires insurance companies provide personal injury protections (PIP) coverage in its policies.  You will have PIP unless you waived it in writing.  PIP can provide payment of your medical costs and wages lost due to the collision.  Review your insurance policy carefully to see what benefits you have. You paid for the coverage and your insurance company is legally obligated to provide the coverage you paid for.  In fact, the law requires your insurance company put your interest at the same level or above its interest (Insurance Fair Claims Act).  Know and exercise your rights.

Washington law provides tools to combat the resource imbalance between you and the insurance company.

There are many other concerns that enter your life after a collision.  Consult a professional for help.

Email us, together we can find your best options. sherri@lesterandassociates.com