Yakima Car
Accident Lawyer

Were you injured in a car accident in Yakima, WA? If so, you may be overwhelmed with pain, bills, and questions. At Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers, our Yakima car accident lawyers are here to fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (509) 895-7373 to schedule a free consultation.

With more than 56 years of combined experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, our legal team knows what it takes to stand up to insurance companies and demand real results. You can rely on us to provide comprehensive support throughout your legal proceedings.

Why Choose Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers to Help Me After a Car Accident in Yakima?

Not all law firms are created equal. When you’re injured and your future feels uncertain, you need a team that knows the local courts, the state’s laws, and how to win tough cases. Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers is proud to be the firm for people in Yakima, Washington.

People turn to our Yakima personal injury attorneys for help after a crash because:

• We bring decades of combined experience in personal injury and car accident law.
• We’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
• We are familiar with Washington’s traffic laws inside and out, which enables us to develop robust legal strategies.
• We’re part of this community; Yakima is home for us, too.

When you work with us, you get more than legal representation; you get advocates who care about your recovery.

Reach out to our Yakima law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Yakima car accident attorney.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

After a crash, it’s easy to feel outmatched when dealing with insurance companies. That’s no accident; they’re trained to minimize payouts. Working with an experienced lawyer can make a significant difference.

Here are a few of the ways an attorney can support you:

• Level the playing field: They’ll protect your rights and challenge the insurer’s tactics. Having a lawyer sends a clear message that you won’t settle for less than you deserve.
• Give you access to experts: They will work with medical professionals and accident specialists to strengthen your claim. Their insight can help you explain exactly how the crash happened and the impact of your injuries on your life.
• Protect you from shared fault: If they try to pin the blame on you, your attorney can push back with the evidence. They will know how to uncover facts, witness statements, and data that prove who was really at fault.
• Give you peace of mind: You focus on healing. Your lawyers handle the rest. From start to finish, you’ll have a trusted legal advocate managing deadlines, paperwork, and every difficult conversation on your behalf.

Additionally, having strong legal representation could result in significantly higher compensation than trying to manage your case on your own. With us by your side, you don’t have to fight this battle alone.

How Much Money Can I Get from a Car Accident Case?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of your case depends on numerous personal factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your current and future medical care
• How much time you have missed from work
• Whether you can return to your job
• The pain, suffering, and emotional toll of the accident
• The at-fault driver’s insurance policy and available coverage

Our job is to gather the evidence, calculate your damages, and fight for every dollar you’re owed.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Yakima Car Accident Victims?

After a collision, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic and non-economic losses.

Economic Damages

These are your measurable, out-of-pocket costs, like:

• Medical bills (hospital visits, follow-ups, therapy)
• Prescription drugs and assistive equipment
• Missed paychecks or lost future earnings
• Car repair or replacement
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Typically, there are bills, receipts, invoices, and other documentation that support these losses.

Non-Economic Damages

These cover the harder-to-measure impacts on your life:

• Ongoing pain and discomfort
• Anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma
• Changes to your lifestyle or hobbies
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of companionship or support

Unlike economic damages, these losses don’t come with a price tag—but that doesn’t make them any less real. Pain, anxiety, and emotional distress can have just as much of an impact on your life as physical injuries.

That’s why it’s critical to work with an attorney who knows how to explain these damages clearly and convincingly to insurers, judges, or juries. We’ll take the time to understand how the accident has affected your daily life and ensure that those hardships are reflected in your claim.

Can I Receive Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for a Car Accident in Washington?

Yes, you can. Washington state uses a pure comparative fault system. That means you can still collect damages for your losses, even if you were partly to blame.

Here’s how it works: if you’re awarded $100,000 but found to be 30% at fault, you’ll still receive $70,000. Insurers are aware of this rule and often attempt to shift a portion of the blame to you.

This is especially common in cases where fault isn’t immediately clear or when there’s no police report. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney who can investigate the facts, gather supporting evidence, and defend you against exaggerated or unfair blame. We’ll make sure your side of the story is heard and that your rights are protected.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Washington?

In Washington, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is generally three years from the date of the crash. That might sound like a lot of time, but waiting too long can hurt your case.

The truth is, the longer you wait, the harder things can get. Important evidence might disappear, witnesses may be harder to find, and even your own memory of the crash can start to fade. Insurance companies are also quick to use delays against you, arguing that your injuries must not be that serious if you didn’t act quickly.

There are a few exceptions to the three-year rule, such as when a minor is involved or when the crash involves a government vehicle, but those deadlines are often much shorter. That’s why it’s critical to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can. We’ll help you understand exactly how much time you have and make sure you don’t miss your chance to seek the compensation you deserve.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

We understand that the last thing you want to worry about right now is money. That’s why most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly billing
• No fees unless they win your case

If we don’t recover compensation for you, you don’t owe us anything. It’s that simple. Our payment will come as a portion of your settlement or jury verdict, not your pocket.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

Trying to handle a car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured. That’s where we come in.

Here’s what we’ll do:

• Investigate your crash and determine exactly what happened
• Gather crucial evidence, including police reports and witness accounts
• Bring in expert support, like medical specialists or crash reconstruction pros
• Calculate your damages so you’re not leaving money on the table
• Handle negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf
• Go to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Whether through detailed negotiations or vigorous courtroom advocacy, we are fully committed to securing the best possible outcome for you. Your well-being is our top priority, and we will work to alleviate the legal burden so that you can focus on your recovery. You can trust us to be your unwavering advocates throughout the entire process.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Most car accident cases settle outside of court. But sometimes, insurance companies refuse to offer a fair deal.

We may recommend going to trial if:

• They deny fault or downplay your injuries.
• You’ve suffered significant or life-changing harm.
• There are multiple people or companies involved.

Sometimes, insurance companies refuse to offer a fair deal even when presented with compelling evidence. This can be due to various reasons, such as disputing the severity of your injuries, questioning the extent of your medical treatment, or attempting to shift blame for the accident.

When these situations arise, pursuing a trial becomes a necessary step to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. We build every case with the prospect of trial in mind so that if it comes to that, we’re fully prepared to fight for you in court.

Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle

At Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers, we represent crash victims in all types of traffic collisions. Every case is different, but our commitment remains the same.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe collisions are common on busy roads and highways, especially when a driver drifts into another lane without checking their mirrors or blind spots. These accidents might seem minor at first, but they can cause serious injuries. Our Yakima sideswipe accident lawyers have the resources to help you.

Head-On Accidents

Head-on crashes are among the most dangerous types of collisions, often resulting in life-altering injuries or fatalities. These accidents typically happen due to speeding, distracted driving, or crossing the center line. Our Yakima head-on accident attorneys understand how to determine liability and build a strong claim.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents often involve SUVs, trucks, or top-heavy vehicles, and they can be caused by high speeds, abrupt turns, road hazards, or vehicle defects. These crashes can result in severe trauma, especially if occupants are ejected or trapped inside. Our Yakima rollover accident lawyers are here to support you.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving three or more vehicles can be incredibly complicated. With multiple drivers, different insurance carriers, and conflicting stories, it can be tough to know who’s really responsible. Our Yakima multi-vehicle accident lawyers will investigate the sequence of events, analyze police reports, and identify all negligent parties.

Hit and Run Accidents

Getting hit by a driver who flees the scene is both frightening and frustrating. Even if the other driver can’t be found right away, you still have options. Our Yakima hit and run accident attorneys can help you file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

Regardless of the nature of your car accident, we are capable of providing you with the legal support you need.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can lead to injuries that change your life in an instant. Some heal quickly, others don’t.

We often represent clients who suffer from:

• Neck and back injuries (including whiplash)
• Broken bones or fractures
• Brain injuries (concussions or TBIs)
• Spinal cord trauma
• Cuts, bruises, or burns
• Internal bleeding
• Psychological conditions like anxiety or PTSD

In addition to physical trauma, we recognize the emotional and psychological impact car accidents can have. Anxiety or PTSD should not be underestimated, as these conditions can have long-lasting effects.

If you’re dealing with pain and disruption from a crash, we’re here to help you seek justice.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

What you do in the minutes and days after a crash can make a big difference in your case.

Here are the key steps to take:

• Call 911 and report the accident. Request medical help if needed.
• Exchange information with the other driver (and any witnesses).
• Take photos of the damage, the scene, and any injuries.
• Don’t admit fault or speculate—just stick to the facts.
• Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay.
• Contact a car accident lawyer before dealing with the insurance company.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but remember that taking decisive action can help protect your legal rights. Document everything, from injuries to vehicle damage, and keep records of all medical appointments and communications with insurance companies. This meticulous approach provides a clear timeline and robust evidence, which is crucial for your case.

We can guide you through every step of this process and make sure your rights are protected.

Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

Many crashes on Yakima roads are preventable. Most are caused by drivers making poor decisions while driving. Recognizing the common causes of collisions can help you understand how liability may be established in your case.

Some of the leading causes of car accidents in Yakima include:

• Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, eating, or using in-car tech can all divert attention from the road.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for conditions increases the risk of serious crashes.
• Failure to yield: Ignoring stop signs, yield signs, or right-of-way rules can lead to side-impact and intersection collisions.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use continue to play a major role in serious and fatal crashes across Central Washington.
• Following too closely: Tailgating reduces reaction time and often results in rear-end collisions.
• Unsafe lane changes: Failing to signal, check mirrors, or watch blind spots can lead to sideswipe accidents.
• Driver fatigue: Tired drivers have slower reflexes and poor judgment, similar to those under the influence.

If you were hurt because another driver wasn’t being careful, you may have a right to hold them accountable. We’ll investigate what happened and fight to prove it.

Yakima Car Accident Statistics

Accidents in Yakima County happen more often than many realize. According to WSDOT data:

• There were over 1,700 crashes in Yakima in 2023.
• Of these accidents, there were 119 suspected minor injuries and 27 suspected serious injuries.
• Five of the crashes were fatal.

Many of these crashes were caused by preventable factors like speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield. When another driver’s poor choices harm you, you deserve accountability.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Yakima

Some intersections in Yakima are more prone to accidents due to heavy traffic, poor visibility, or driver confusion. The following intersections have higher-than-average accident rates:

• 16th Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard
• 3rd Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard
• 40th Avenue and Nob Hill Boulevard
• 16th Avenue and Fruitvale Boulevard
• 16th Avenue and Tieton Drive

These areas see a high volume of traffic, especially during commuting hours. Intersections with multiple turn lanes, unclear signage, or limited visibility can increase the risk of collisions—especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

If your crash occurred at one of Yakima’s more dangerous intersections, our team will work to build a strong case.

Call Our Yakima Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

You don’t have to handle this on your own. If you’ve been hurt in a crash in or near Yakima, reach out to Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers today. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you chart a path forward. With over 56 years of combined experience and tens of millions of dollars recovered, we have a proven track record of success.

There’s no pressure and no cost for your initial consultation. Let our Yakima car accident attorneys fight for the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life.