Car Accident Compensation

Get a Vancouver attorney who will fight for the best possible outcome

Car accidents can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you’re juggling pain, mounting medical bills, and lost income while trying to piece your life back together. Getting the compensation you deserve isn’t just about covering costs – it’s about getting your life back, reclaiming your peace of mind and securing your future.

That’s where a skilled Vancouver car accident lawyer at The Scott Law Firm, PLLC comes in. With the right legal advocate on your side, you’re not just fighting for financial recovery – you’re fighting to regain control of your life. Let us help you get back on track and move forward with confidence.

What compensation can I get for a car accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. Depending on the facts in your situation, these may include economic losses such as past and future medical expenses, future care needs, past lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, loss of household services, property damage to your vehicle and other personal items that were damaged or destroyed in the accident. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for various non-economic damages, which are also referred to as “general damages” or what people commonly refer to as “pain and suffering.”

The term “pain and suffering” is grouped together in personal injury cases. Green v. Floe, 28 Wn.2d 620, 636–37, 183 P.2d 771 (1947). Non-economic damages are further defined as “subjective, nonmonetary losses, including but not limited to pain, suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, disability or disfigurement incurred by the injured party, emotional distress, loss of society and companionship, loss of consortium, injury to reputation and humiliation, and destruction of the parent-child relationship.” RCW 4.56.250(1)(b).

Clearly, not all damages apply in every case. That is why damages should be reviewed on a case-by case basis by an experienced personal injury attorney.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less with the insurance companies. Contact attorney Colin Scott today. Mr. Scott knows what evidence to look for following a car accident and how to maximize the total damages recovered by his clients.

What are common car accident injuries and how are they compensated?

Injuries from car accidents can range from minor aches to life-changing conditions. Although every personal injury case is personal, and therefore unique, below are some common injuries that are seen frequently following a motor vehicle accident.

Whiplash injuries: This is a common complaint after a rear-end collision or any type of crash that causes the occupant(s) inside the vehicle to rapidly move forward or backwards, resulting in unnatural forces to the spine. Whiplash injuries to the spine are particularly vulnerable at the neck level and lower back. Common injuries can include muscle and ligament strains. Additional injuries can include fractured vertebrae, torn muscles and ligaments, injuries to one or more facet joints, and injuries to one or more discs between vertebrae. Inflammation to the surrounding tissue may also damage nerves and cause excruciating or even debilitating nerve pain. Compensation for whiplash injuries depends on a variety of factors, some of which include the severity of the injury, medical diagnoses, length and type of treatment, resulting pain and disability, and other considerations that should be reviewed together with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Shoulder injuries: Dislocations, fractures, SLAP tears (labrum injury), or rotator cuff damage can cause pain and loss of mobility. Compensation will again depend on a number of variables that are case specific. Examples of compensable damages a personal injury attorney will look for include the overall severity of the injury, medical diagnoses, length of treatment, whether steroid injections or surgical intervention is required, physical therapy, rehabilitation costs, past medical bills, future treatment needs, and pain and suffering. There will also need to be medical causation for these injuries – meaning one or more medical providers must attribute the injury to the car accident (versus some other cause).
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Our brains control pretty much everything our bodies do. When the brain is injured, such as a concussion, the results can therefore affect the entire body. For someone who has suffered a TBI, this can be a very scary ordeal in life. Symptoms might include things like debilitating headaches, confusion, disorientation, memory loss, and other cognitive difficulties. Compensation for a TBI will again vary on the severity of the injury and how it has affected someone’s life. The hope is that most people soon recover. Sadly, some do not ever fully recover, which can result in debilitating consequences that can last a lifetime.
Broken bones: Fractures can occur in almost any part of the body during a car accident. Some types of fractures are more difficult to heal than others and may require surgery or extensive recovery time. Compensation for these losses will depend, again, on things like the severity of the fracture, whether surgery is required, how long the injured person requires medical treatment, past and future medical expenses, lost wages and in some cases the ability to do the same type of work as before the accident.

How is pain and suffering compensation determined?

Pain and suffering refers to non-economic damages that account for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you experience after a car accident. Since it doesn’t have a straightforward price tag, this type of compensation is often calculated based on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the injury, recovery time, and impact on your daily life.

For example, if you’ve experienced chronic pain that affects your ability to work or enjoy hobbies, it may increase the amount of non-economic damages to which you are entitled. No matter how much the insurance companies try to reduce or deny your settlement, attorney Colin Scott will fight to recover every dollar of it.

What compensation is available for fatal car accidents?

If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may have grounds for a wrongful death claim. In Washington State, eligible family members may seek compensation for things like funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and the emotional toll of losing someone. Attorney Colin Scott is experienced in handling these sensitive cases and works to secure financial support for his clients, the surviving family members facing tragic losses.

How much compensation can I expect after a car accident?

Every case is unique. Thus, the amount of compensation that is available will vary from one person to the next. Variables include the severity of the injuries suffered during the accident, the cost of medical treatments related to the accident, and any long-term effects. For example, a case involving minor whiplash will differ from a case with one or more spinal injuries requiring ongoing care. An experienced car accident lawyer from The Scott Law Firm will thoroughly assess your case and fight for the highest compensation possible, whether through a settlement with the insurance company, mediation, arbitration, or court judgment resulting from a motion or jury verdict.

What should I do if my car accident claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, it doesn’t mean the end of the road. There are still options for pursuing compensation. The first step is consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who can review the facts and identify why the claim was rejected – whether it’s a lack of evidence, dispute over who is at fault, or possibly other reasons.

Attorney Colin Scott can review the denial and offer advice on the best course of action. Mr. Scott is an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help maximize your recovery following a car accident in Washington.

Why choose The Scott Law Firm?

Our dedicated legal team takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and we tailor our strategy to achieve the best possible results. With us, you’re not just a number; you’re our top priority.

Attorney Colin Scott has a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for car accident victims in the greater Vancouver area. That includes:

Over $670,000 for a passenger in an auto wreck needing a cervical diskectomy and surgical fusion.
$250,000 recovery for an injured motorist with a traumatic brain injury who received minimal non-invasive medical treatment and whose vehicle sustained minimal property damage.
$233,000 judgment against an auto insurer for an injured motorist who suffered a comminuted wrist fracture requiring surgery.

If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact us and set up a free consultation to discuss your case, ask questions, and learn about your legal options. Acting quickly can improve your chances of a successful claim, so reach out today and get started!