1. Crary & Domanico, P.S.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, traumatic brain injuries, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, civil lawsuit filing
Background: Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary & Domanico, P.S. is one of the most established personal injury and criminal defense law firms in the Spokane area. The firm has been voted one of Spokane’s “Best Law Firms” since 1948. Attorneys Robert Crary, James Domanico, and Aaron Crary together offer more than 65 years of combined experience handling complex cases. The firm has recovered millions for clients including a $2,025,000 pedestrian injury case, a $1,010,000 pedestrian accident case, and a $750,000 motor vehicle collision case. Attorney Robert Crary has specific expertise in brain injury cases.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://ccdlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
2. Sweetser Law Office
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, defective product injuries, dangerous property conditions
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Sweetser Law Office has served the Spokane community for generations as a well-known personal injury law firm. The firm has helped thousands of clients across Spokane, Eastern Washington, and North Idaho. The attorneys have extensive trial experience and are prepared to force insurance companies to pay for the harm they cause. The firm focuses on protecting injured people and ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect throughout the legal process.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://www.sweetserlawoffice.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery is obtained)
3. Maurer Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, construction site accidents, public transport injuries, civil rights, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, construction injuries, premises liability, dog bites, wrongful arrest claims
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, civil rights claims
Background: Attorney Joshua Maurer has over a decade of experience litigating a variety of personal injury claims in Spokane and the surrounding areas. The firm handles motorcycle accidents, public transport injuries, construction site incidents, and civil rights matters. Attorney Maurer provides personal attention to each case and is dedicated to seeking just compensation for clients who have suffered due to negligence.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: (509) 838-9111 | https://personalinjurylawyer-spokane.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement
4. Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, traumatic brain injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Russell & Hill has extensive experience representing car accident victims throughout Washington state. The firm’s attorneys work one-on-one with clients during all phases of claims. Due to their extensive trial experience, attorneys representing insurance companies have a high regard for the firm’s lawyers. The firm is prepared to take cases to trial if satisfactory settlements cannot be reached. The Spokane office provides services to clients throughout Eastern Washington.
Location: 1212 North Washington Street, Suite 132, Spokane, WA 99201
Contact: (800) 529-0842 | https://russellandhill.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement
5. Paukert & Troppmann, PLLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured motorist claims, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Attorney Kathleen H. Paukert is recognized as one of the most knowledgeable trial attorneys in Eastern Washington in the area of personal injury law. The firm has been working with clients for over 15 years and has built a reputation as a professional and successful legal team. The attorneys are known for providing honest assessments of cases and fighting hard for clients regardless of case size. The firm operates on a contingency-fee model, covering all case expenses from start to finish.
Location: Spokane, WA
Contact: Contact via website | https://paukertlawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Washington
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Washington provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents under RCW 4.16.080. The deadline begins on the date of the accident. If the injury was not discovered until later, the three-year period may begin from the date of discovery. Missing this deadline typically results in permanent loss of the right to pursue compensation.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Property damage claims in Washington also have a three-year statute of limitations.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Washington is a fault-based (tort) state, not a no-fault state. The driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the injuries and damages. Victims may file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a lawsuit in civil court.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule under RCW 4.22.005. This means an injured party can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, but their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 40% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $60,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Washington requires the following minimum liability coverage: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage. Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory but is offered.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Washington insurers must offer uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, though drivers may reject it in writing. Given accident frequency in Washington, this coverage is recommended.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Washington requires insurance companies to offer PIP coverage of at least $10,000, which covers medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Drivers may reject PIP coverage in writing.
Damage Caps: Washington does not impose statutory caps on compensatory damages (economic or non-economic) in standard car accident cases.
Dram Shop Liability: Washington has dram shop laws under RCW 66.44.200 that may hold establishments liable for serving alcohol to obviously intoxicated individuals or minors who subsequently cause accidents.
Vicarious Liability Rules: Vehicle owners in Washington may be held liable for accidents caused by someone they permitted to drive their vehicle under certain circumstances.
Claims Against Government Entities: Claims against local government entities in Washington must be filed within 90 days of the incident, a significantly shorter deadline than the standard three-year statute of limitations.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Washington law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to law enforcement.
Wrongful Death: Wrongful death claims in Washington must be filed within three years of the death. The personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of the statutory beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Washington?
A: Washington provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits arising from car accidents under RCW 4.16.080. This means you must file your lawsuit in court within three years from the date of the accident. However, there are important exceptions. If the injured person was a minor or mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the three-year period begins once the minor turns 18 or the person is deemed mentally fit. If the injury was not discovered until later, the statute may begin from the date of discovery. Claims against government entities have a much shorter 90-day deadline. Missing applicable deadlines results in permanent loss of your right to pursue compensation.
Q: How does Washington’s comparative negligence rule affect my car accident claim?
A: Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which is more favorable to injured parties than the contributory negligence rules in some states. Under Washington’s system, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your total damages are $200,000 but you were 25% at fault, you would recover $150,000. Unlike states with “modified” comparative negligence, Washington allows recovery even if you are more than 50% at fault, though your recovery would be substantially reduced.
Q: What insurance coverage is required or recommended in Washington?
A: Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Insurance companies must also offer PIP coverage of at least $10,000, which covers your own medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, it is highly recommended because many drivers carry only minimum coverage that may be insufficient for serious accidents. Given Spokane’s accident rates and potential for serious injuries, many attorneys recommend carrying higher coverage limits than the state minimums.
Q: What types of compensation can I recover in a Washington car accident case?
A: Washington allows recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Washington does not impose statutory caps on these damages in standard car accident cases. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available, though they are rare in Washington.
Q: Should I hire a Spokane car accident attorney or handle my claim myself?
A: While you are not required to hire an attorney, having legal representation often significantly increases the compensation recovered. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you may not understand the full value of your claim, including future medical expenses and non-economic damages. An experienced Spokane car accident attorney can investigate the accident, gather evidence, calculate full damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. Given Washington’s three-year statute of limitations, consulting with an attorney early helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.