Wenatchee Car Accident Lawyer | Calbom & Schwab Law Group

Everyone enjoys a good drive through the Cascade Mountains, seeing picturesque vistas and wide open roads. However, driving is not always so perfect. Car accidents happen. Whether you are the safest driver in the world or not, the negligence of others can cause a simple drive to be something far more complicated.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident or in the nearby communities, you need help from a personal injury lawyer in Washington State. At Calbom & Schwab, we offer free claim consultations that allow you to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in Wenatchee, WA.

Types of Car Accidents in Wenatchee, WA

Car accidents are a constant threat, whether you live rurally in the mountains or in the city. Wherever people drive, the threat of a car accident will remain. A variety of factors fuel this, such as negligent drivers with a disregard for traffic regulations, evident reckless driving, substance abuse, and fluctuating weather patterns that reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions.

Active work zones with altered, unpredictable roadways and heavy traffic congestion can also contribute, breeding driver frustration and impatience, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Some common causes of accidents our car accident lawyers see in the Wenatchee area include:

Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drug use continue to be major contributors to car accidents across Washington State.
Rural Road Dangers: The areas around Wenatchee feature rural roads with limited visibility and frequent wildlife crossings. Weather also makes these roads more prone to hazardous conditions.
Construction Zones: Washington frequently has roadwork, resulting in lower speed limits and changed traffic flow. Paying close attention to safety measures is crucial. Speeding in these zones carries significant penalties and puts workers and other drivers at risk.
Freeway and Highway Risks: High traffic volume on major roadways increases accident potential, especially when drivers speed or become distracted.
Seasonal Dangers: Winter in the region brings icy roads, blowing snow, whiteouts, and unplowed surfaces, all creating dangerous driving conditions.
Intersection Accidents: Intersections are high-risk areas for collisions, and Wenatchee is no different. Turning vehicles, pedestrians, and inattentive drivers frequently contribute to severe accidents.

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, we can help you investigate the cause of your car accident to pursue compensation for your injuries. Working with us gives you access to our experience and resources with all types of car accident claims and trials.

Crash Statistics from Chelan County, WA

In the last year of reporting data from the Washington Department of Transportation, the following crash statistics from Chelan County were collected:

1,213 total crashes
312 crashes reporting injuries
152 crashes involved distracted drivers
58 crashes involved alcohol
18 crashes involved pedestrians
7 crashes resulted in fatalities

These numbers underscore the urgent need for stronger road safety initiatives and driver awareness. If you are reflected in these statistics, know that you have legal avenues to pursue compensation for your losses. The car accident attorneys at Calbom & Schwab are here to support you in regaining your life after an accident leaves you injured.

Driver Negligence Leads to Accidents

All drivers bear the responsibility to obey traffic laws, not just for their own well-being but also as their civic duty of care towards everyone sharing the road. This duty to drive responsibly also includes avoiding actions that could put others at risk. When there is a failure to uphold this, preventable accidents and injuries can occur.

If you were injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you will need to pinpoint their specific actions that led to the collision. By partnering with one of our experienced car accident lawyers, you will receive dedicated support in investigating the accident, collecting crucial evidence, and building a strong legal case to pursue the justice you deserve.

Liability in Wenatchee Car Accidents

When a driver breaches their duty of care, they are liable for any harm they cause under Washington law. Just so, other parties may be held liable for injuries if their actions contributed to an accident occurring. In some cases, a vehicle manufacturer, mechanic, government entity, or another third party could be held responsible. To accurately determine who is at fault in your collision, consult with an experienced car accident attorney in Wenatchee.

Your lawyer will evaluate all elements that contributed to an accident, including those that might be easily overlooked, such as testing to see if faulty traffic lights may have played a part or if a car part that failed was under a recall at the time of the crash. They may also rely on accident reconstruction experts to help put together the timeline of what happened during the crash, as the incident might not be remembered correctly by those who were involved.

Navigating an Insurance Claim with Legal Support

Following a car accident in Wenatchee, WA, you should start by pursuing an insurance claim to compensate you for your injuries and losses. This right to a claim is protected under RCW 4.22.070 and states that you may file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. Most personal injury cases are settled out of court through insurance, but the process can be complex, and you may feel pressure from an insurance adjuster to settle for far less than what you deserve.

Washington State law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance that covers a minimum amount of damages caused in accidents. This requirement is $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident, and only $10,000 in property damage coverage. In accidents with severe injury or significant damage, these amounts are woefully inadequate to cover losses. While you might expect an insurance company to advocate for your well-being, their primary concern is often their own bottom line.

This is where a car accident lawyer comes in handy. With knowledge of insurance company tactics and policy coverage, your attorney acts as your advocate, communicating directly with the insurer on your behalf and negotiating a fair settlement to cover your losses. Even if the insurance company denies your claim or refuses to negotiate, your options are not exhausted. Your car accident lawyer will advise you on the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit, presenting your case in court, and getting the judge or jury to decide on

Regional Road Hazards in Chelan County

Chelan County contains many rural roads, including 108 miles of primitive roads that are not maintained by the local jurisdiction. These steep, narrow dirt and gravel roads in the mountains lead to U.S. Forest Service lands and, increasingly, to people’s homes, as more people choose to live rurally. These roads can have blind curves and are not required to be the standard road width, causing hazards, especially when experiencing adverse weather conditions.

In addition, primitive and rural roads are prone to deer and animal crossings, which can increase the risk of collisions. According to local news 560KPQ, fatal accidents on US-97 and SR-97A have occurred recently, so these areas should be approached with caution.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Wenatchee, WA?

Do not miss your opportunity to claim compensation for your injuries. To protect your rights after a car accident or other personal injury in Washington State, you need to be aware of the strict legal deadlines. Generally, under the Revised Code of Washington section 4.1.6.080, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations, and timely filing safeguards your right to a trial if negotiations for a fair settlement are unsuccessful.

When dealing with government entities, they have a different, often shorter deadline for filing claims. To ensure your rights are fully protected, file your claim as soon as possible. Consult with an experienced car accident attorney immediately following an accident to help you make sure your claim is filed accurately and within all applicable deadlines. We are committed to pursuing a just outcome for you through negotiation or assertive litigation. If you think you may have passed the deadline for filing your car accident claim, still contact us, as there are several exceptions to the law that may apply to your case.

How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

Car accident claims range in value, depending on the severity of the injuries and the damages involved. Minor accidents may fall within the range covered by the state’s mandated personal liability coverage, while more catastrophic accidents, such as traumatic brain injury, may reach into the millions of dollars. When someone else is to blame for your injuries, make sure that you get every penny you deserve by hiring a car accident lawyer who knows how to calculate the full extent of your damages.

Our Wenatchee car accident lawyers at Calbom & Schwab help you seek full restitution for all accident-related losses, not just the obvious ones. We aggressively negotiate settlements to ensure you can recover from your injuries. Your comprehensive claim calculation should include past, present, and future expenses such as:

Medical Expenses: Covering all current and future healthcare costs, including doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, therapy, prescription drugs, and mobility aids. We also account for the needs of long-term disabilities, such as home renovations to accommodate.
Lost Pay and Benefits: Reimbursing you for pay lost due to time off for medical appointments and recovery can include missed bonuses, vacation accrual, retirement contributions, and insurance benefits.
Lost Potential: Seek compensation for diminished future earning ability due to serious injuries that have hindered your career advancement, raises, bonuses, and promotions.
Property Damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other damaged personal property, such as cell phones, computers, and other belongings present in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Emotional Distress: Including mental anguish, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and isolation resulting from the accident.
Physical Pain: Compensation that acknowledges the suffering you went through due to your injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Covering your inability to pursue hobbies and activities you enjoyed before the accident.
Reduced Ability to Care for Family: Recognizing the impact on your capacity to guide and care for your children, as well as any strain this has put on your other relationships.

At Calbom & Schwab, our firm is dedicated to ensuring you receive the comprehensive compensation for all your losses, both economic (tangible monetary losses) and non-economic (intangible losses like pain and suffering). We will help you rebuild your life after a car accident and get the support you need.

Potential Injuries in Car Crashes

Depending on the type of car accident you were in, injuries can range from scrapes and sprains to life-changing in severity. Based on how the car was impacted, you may experience common car accident injuries, including:

Neck injuries and whiplash
Head trauma from concussions to traumatic brain injuries
Back and spinal cord injuries
Scrapes, cuts, and lacerations
Sprains, strains, and broken bones
Internal bleeding and organ damage

No matter how you feel after an accident, it is recommended that you get checked out by a medical professional. You may have hidden injuries that could appear later on, and getting checked out immediately after will help establish the direct connection to the accident. Write down how you feel, take pictures, and keep all the paperwork referencing your injuries and treatments as evidence. If you have further questions about your car accident claim, visit our FAQs for other clients just like you. Or, for more specific answers to your situation, contact us today to set up a free consultation.

Connect with a Car Accident Lawyer in Wenatchee, WA Today

If you are struggling with proving another driver is liable for your car accident, contact Calbom & Schwab for help. We are committed to providing compassionate and dedicated legal representation for every case we take. We manage complex cases of liability, beginning with a thorough investigation to build a strong case and get you the compensation you deserve.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations so you can be sure that our team is the right fit for you. Take the first step towards recovering your life and schedule a meeting with us today.financially from your crash. Do not wait any longer to schedule your free consultation.
Learn more about your options by contacting us today.