As you make your way to work, you move to your favorite song. With each beat, you feel as though everything is right with the world.
All of a sudden, though, another motorist hits your automobile. Now, you’re faced with damage to your vehicle on top of pain in your neck. And suddenly, you feel as though your world has come crashing down.
You’re upset, and you wish you could hold the other driver accountable for the damage they have caused. The question is, is Washington a no fault state?
Here’s a rundown on what you need to know about no-fault laws in the state of Washington.
Let’s get started!
Is Washington a No Fault State?
The answer to this question is no. Instead of being a no-fault state, Washington follows the comparative fault principle in an accident situation.
This means that every involved person’s fault is taken into consideration when compensation for accident damages is being determined.
During your accident, fault will be assigned to either driver or to both of you depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. You both have to have car insurance, but if the other driver caused the car accident, their insurance will cover most or all of the cost of repairs to your vehicle.
For example, let’s say that the other motorist is determined to be 70% responsible for the accident. Their car insurance company will have to cover 70% of your damages.
Does This System Work Well?
In many cases, the above system does work pretty well. However, if you end up suffering serious injuries in your crash, the other driver’s insurance company will be more challenging to work with.
All Washington drivers have to carry insurance whose limits are a minimum of $10,000 for damage to property and then $25,000 for physical injuries. However, if your injuries are more costly than $25,000, you’re essentially up a creek unless you sue for the damages not covered by the other driver’s insurance policy.
The challenge here, though, is that the other driver may not have many assets. This is especially true if they’re using the minimum insurance policy that their insurance company offers.
However, suing for damages may still pay off in the end — literally — in the right situation. So, it’s often worth pursuing.
How We Can Help
If you’ve been involved in an injury-causing accident in Washington, which, again, is not a no fault state, you have the right to seek justice through the civil court system.
We can help you to seek compensation for your injuries by filing a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your accident.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you to claim the monetary damages you’re entitled to following your auto accident.