A Law Firm Dedicated To Motor Vehicle Accident Victims And Their Families
Auto accidents are a very common occurrence, but that doesn’t diminish how devasting and life-changing they are. Crash victims who have been seriously injured by the negligence of another driver need and deserve compensation to help them recover and live as normally as possible.
If you’ve been injured in the Tri-Cities area, the firm to contact for help is Aultman Law. Our attorney, Jeff Aultman, brings nearly 20 years of experience to each case, with much of that experience gained in the courtroom. We will advocate aggressively to hold the at-fault party responsible and to maximize your compensation.
Common Injuries In Car Accidents
Every crash is different, and there are dozens of factors that influence the type and severity of injuries. That being said, many auto accidents share common injuries, including:
- Broken bones, cuts and bruises
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Severe burns
- Disfigurement and injuries to the face
- Lost/amputated limbs
- Paralysis (quadriplegia and paraplegia)
In addition to physical injuries, motor vehicle accidents may also leave victims with post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological conditions. These are just as important to diagnose and treat, and they should be factored into your total compensation.
What Kinds Of Damages Are Available For Auto Accident Victims?
In legal speak, “damages” refers to the money that injury victims are owed for the harms they have suffered. After a motor vehicle accident in Washington, victims are allowed to seek damages for things like:
- Medical bills
- Vehicle and property damage
- Lost wages (when injuries prevent you from working)
- Reduced earning capacity (if the accident results in disability)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
It is complex work to account for all the costs and losses associated with a crash and to correctly value the losses that don’t have an objective economic value (such as pain and suffering). This is one of many reasons why it is so important to work with a skilled attorney like Jeff Aultman.
Can You Still Take Legal Action If You Were Partially At Fault?
The fault for a car accident is not always one-sided. Even if the other party was primarily to blame, you may have been behaving in a manner that contributed to the accident or your injuries in it. Thankfully, being partially at fault does not prevent you from suing for damages.
Washington is a comparative negligence state. That means a court or jury may determine that both the defendant and the plaintiff were at fault, and will assign a percentage of fault to each. If you win or settle your case, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If jurors determined that you were 15 percent to blame, for instance, you could still recover 85 percent of the damages you were seeking.
Discuss Your Case With An Attorney Who Listens And Cares
Aultman Law is based in Kennewick, Washington, and we serve clients throughout the Tri-Cities area. To discuss your rights and legal options with our experienced attorney, contact us to schedule your initial consultation. You can reach out online or call 509-816-5084.