Many people recovering from a Yakima car accident wonder if they really need an attorney. It can be confusing to decide if the benefits outweigh any potential costs. Fortunately, it is not legally required to hire a lawyer for a car accident settlement in Yakima, but having one on your side can bring significant advantages.
If you have been injured, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Studies suggest that settlement amounts can average up to three times higher when an attorney advocates on behalf of the injured party. This page will answer common questions so you can make the best choice for your future.
Why Might You Need a Lawyer for Your Yakima Car Accident Claim?
You may need a lawyer to protect your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny legitimate claims, and it helps to have professional guidance when dealing with adjusters. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or pressured, working with an attorney can provide clarity and secure a fair settlement.
- Maximize Your Settlement: Insurance adjusters focus on settling quickly and cheaply. An experienced Yakima car accident attorney—like Attorney Scott Brumback or Attorney Sidney Ottem—knows how to negotiate for the true value of your injuries, ensuring you are not short-changed.
- Handle Complicated Insurance Tactics: Some insurers try to pin blame on the victim or downplay the severity of injuries. A lawyer who understands the car accident claim process will gather strong evidence and fight these unfair tactics.
- Serious Injuries or High Stakes: Major injuries, extensive medical bills, or permanent disability require careful calculation of all damages, including compensation for pain and suffering. A Yakima personal injury lawyer will make sure you seek every penny you deserve.
- Wrongful Death or Severe Trauma: If a loved one passed away or you suffered life-altering injuries, a local attorney can manage a complex wrongful death or catastrophic injury claim. This helps ensure your family’s future is protected.
- Peace of Mind During Recovery: Dealing with insurance companies on your own can be stressful. Let the Yakima car accident attorneys at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law handle legal tasks and negotiations so you can focus on healing.
When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Yakima Car Accident?
You should consider hiring an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident. Early involvement lets your lawyer secure evidence, speak to witnesses, and manage key deadlines. Insurance companies often start building a case immediately, so you want someone in your corner from the start.
Washington’s statute of limitations for most car accident claims is three years. However, waiting too long can weaken your case because evidence can fade and memories may become unreliable. Talking with a Yakima car accident lawyer soon after your crash can prevent inadvertent mistakes—like accepting a low settlement offer or making a recorded statement to insurers that might later be used against you.
Can I Settle My Car Accident Claim Without a Lawyer?
You can legally settle a car accident claim in Yakima without a lawyer. In cases involving very minor property damage and no injuries, proceeding on your own may be sufficient. However, if you have any doubts about medical expenses, lost work time, or insurance coverage, it’s wise to at least consult an attorney.
People sometimes don’t realize how much their injuries are truly worth—especially when future treatment or complications are possible. Hiring a lawyer after a car accident often increases your total compensation, even after accounting for legal fees. Many attorneys in Yakima, including Attorney Brumback and Attorney Ottem, offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in having a professional review your situation before you sign any settlement papers.
How Can a Yakima Car Accident Lawyer Help with My Insurance Claim?
A Yakima car accident attorney can handle all aspects of your claim. This allows you to focus on your health and family while professionals handle insurance matters and legal complexities. Below are some of the essential ways an attorney can help:
- Investigating the Accident: Your lawyer will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene. They can also consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to prove liability.
- Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies often try to pressure claimants into quick, low settlements. Once you have a lawyer, adjusters must communicate with them instead of you, which levels the playing field.
- Calculating Full Damages: Many injured people underestimate how much they’re owed. A Yakima personal injury attorney will include all losses—medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and intangible harms like pain and suffering.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement: If an adjuster denies your claim or offers too little, your attorney can push back. Having a legal advocate ready to go to court often prompts insurers to be more reasonable.
- Filing a Lawsuit if Needed: While most claims settle, sometimes litigation is necessary. A reputable local attorney will represent you aggressively if the insurance company won’t negotiate fairly.
- Handling Paperwork and Deadlines: Your lawyer manages all legal forms, filing procedures, and court timelines. This helps ensure your case moves forward without you missing any critical deadlines.
What if the Insurance Company Denies My Claim or Offers a Low Settlement?
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to deny liability or propose a lowball settlement offer. This tactic can discourage people from pursuing a fair recovery. Fortunately, Attorney Sidney Ottem and Attorney Scott Brumback regularly deal with these scenarios and know how to respond.
A lawyer can immediately challenge a denial or undervalued offer by compiling additional evidence, consulting with experts, and pressing insurers to review the claim again. If negotiations stall, the attorney can file a lawsuit and even explore the possibility of bad-faith claims if the insurer is acting improperly. In many cases, the mere presence of legal representation prompts insurers to be more cooperative, greatly improving your chance of a favorable outcome.
What if I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?
You may still recover compensation even if you share some responsibility. Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your damages can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you, but you won’t be automatically barred from recovery.
Insurance adjusters often try to assign more fault to you than you deserve. The Yakima car accident attorneys at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law can help gather evidence to dispute unfair blame and protect your right to compensation. Even if you suspect you were partially responsible, let an attorney review your case before assuming you have no claim. Often, the other driver bears a larger share of fault than initially believed.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Yakima?
The cost to hire a Yakima car accident lawyer is usually nothing up front. Attorney Brumback and Attorney Ottem work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless they win compensation on your behalf. If they do recover a settlement or verdict, their fee is a percentage of the recovered amount.
A contingency arrangement allows injured individuals to secure quality legal help without worrying about steep hourly rates or retainer fees. In addition, the initial consultation is typically free. This approach removes financial risk and makes hiring an attorney accessible to anyone who needs help with a car accident settlement in Yakima.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Yakima?
Taking a few critical steps immediately after a crash can protect your health and strengthen your future claim. Whether your accident happened on I-82, Nob Hill Boulevard, or a rural Yakima County road, here’s what you should do:
- Ensure Safety and Health: Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if you feel fine, consider a medical evaluation to document any injuries.
- Call the Police: A Yakima Police or Washington State Patrol report is important evidence. The officer’s observations could confirm fault or record traffic conditions.
- Gather Information at the Scene: If you can, photograph vehicle damage, road signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get driver and witness contact details.
- Don’t Admit Fault: Provide facts to the police and other drivers, but avoid apologizing or speculating about responsibility.
- Notify Your Insurance (Briefly): Report the accident promptly, but do not share more details than necessary until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
- Contact a Yakima Car Accident Lawyer: Prompt legal advice helps you avoid mistakes, such as unknowingly signing an unfavorable release. Early action by an attorney can secure witnesses, scene evidence, and medical records before they fade.
Following these steps ensures you have the best chance at a fair recovery. The Yakima personal injury attorneys at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law can guide you through every stage of this process so you can focus on healing.
Still Unsure? Get a Free Case Evaluation from a Yakima Car Accident Lawyer
You might still be wondering if you truly need an attorney. It’s okay to be cautious. Every accident scenario is unique, and the simplest way to find clarity is by discussing your situation with a knowledgeable professional.
Attorney Scott Brumback and Attorney Sidney Ottem understand that the aftermath of a Yakima car accident can be overwhelming. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation to help you assess your claim’s value, understand your legal rights, and decide if professional representation is right for you. Because they handle cases on a no-win, no-fee basis, there is zero financial risk in reaching out.
Car accidents remain a significant concern in the Yakima Valley. In recent years, a sizable percentage of Washington’s fatal collisions occurred in just a handful of counties—Yakima among them. With the local insight of the attorneys at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law, you’ll have advocates who know Yakima roads, understand local insurance practices, and care about your well-being.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision, call (509) 457-7777 or visit 1905 Rainier Pl, Union Gap, WA 98903 to schedule your free consultation. You do not have to navigate the car accident claim process alone. Get the support you need to seek fair compensation and move forward with your life.