- September 09, 2026
- Car Accident
A car accident can leave you with injuries, medical bills, and car repairs. All of these things can lead to questions about what to do next. If another person caused the crash, you may be able to seek money for your losses.
A car accident lawyer helps injured people understand their rights. The lawyer can investigate the crash and deal with insurance companies. They can also calculate economic and non-economic damages and seek payment on behalf of the injured person. If the insurance company will not agree to a fair settlement, the lawyer may take the case to court.
Investigating the Car Accident
One of a lawyer’s first steps is to find out what happened. Evidence can help show who caused the crash. It can also show who may be responsible for paying for your losses.
A car accident lawyer may gather:
- Police accident reports
- Photos and videos of the crash
- Medical records and bills
- Witness statements
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Traffic or security camera footage
- Records that show lost wages
The lawyer may also work with experts when a case is more complex.
A careful investigation can help build a strong claim. It may also make it harder for an insurance company to argue about what happened.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance claims can be confusing after a car accident. An insurance adjuster may ask you for a statement or medical records. The insurance company may also question the validity of your injuries, claim that the crash did not cause them, or argue that your claim is worth less than you believe.
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s guidance on filing an auto insurance claim provides useful information about the claims process.
A car accident lawyer can speak with insurance companies for you. The lawyer can provide evidence, review settlement offers, and negotiate for a fair payment. This gives you more time to focus on your medical care and recovery.
Calculating the Value of a Car Accident Claim
A lawyer can also determine which losses should be part of your claim. Every car accident case is different. The value may depend on the extent of your injuries, the amount of your financial losses, and available insurance coverage.
Compensation may include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. A serious injury may also result in additional future costs.
A lawyer can review your medical bills, insurance policies, and wage records. They can use this information to estimate your losses. This helps the lawyer seek an amount that covers both your current and future needs.
It is important to understand the full value of a claim before accepting a settlement.
Negotiating a Car Accident Settlement
Many car accident cases end with a settlement instead of a trial. A lawyer may send the insurance company a demand for payment. It can explain how the accident happened and describe the injuries. It may also include records that show the victim’s losses.
The insurance company may make a lower offer. The lawyer can respond and negotiate for a higher amount when the facts support it.
A lawyer cannot promise a specific result. However, they can explain whether an offer appears fair based on the facts of the case.
Before accepting a settlement, you should understand its terms. If you sign a release resolving your claim, you generally cannot seek additional compensation for the claims covered by that release.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit When Necessary
Sometimes an insurance company denies a claim or refuses to offer a fair settlement. A lawyer may then recommend filing a lawsuit.
A lawsuit can include written questions, witness statements, expert opinions, and court hearings. Some cases may proceed to trial. A lawyer handles these legal steps and represents the injured person throughout the process.
There are also deadlines for filing lawsuits. Under Washington Law, lawsuits for personal injuries and property damage caused by a car accident generally must be filed within three years. Different deadlines or rules may apply in some cases.
Speaking with a lawyer soon after a crash can help preserve evidence and reduce the risk of missing an important deadline.
Contact the Yakima Car Accident Lawyers at Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You do not have to handle a car accident claim alone. A lawyer can explain your rights and help you understand what to do next. They can investigate the crash, deal with insurance companies, and pursue compensation for your losses.
The Yakima injury lawyers at Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers can review your accident and explain your legal options. Depending on your case, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If another driver caused your injuries, contact us for help navigating the claims process and protecting your rights.
For more information, please contact Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers at (509) 895-7373 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Yakima or across Washington.
We proudly serve Yakima County and its surrounding areas.
Montoya Hinckley Injury Lawyers Yakima
4301 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98908
(509) 895-7373
Hours: M-F 8 AM–12 PM AND 1–5 PM
Attorney Kevan Montoya
For over thirty years, Mr. Montoya has successfully represented clients in litigation involving multi-million dollar cases involving wrongful death, employment and business and commercial disputes. He regularly counsels businesses in Yakima and Central Washington on employment policies and helps businesses train employees regarding employment law compliance. He regularly speaks on employment issues. [ Attorney Bio ]
Attorney Tyler Hinckley
Tyler Hinckley represents individuals and businesses in state and federal court in litigation involving personal injury, property damage, employment claims, and business and commercial disputes. He represents individuals and businesses in a variety of employment cases, including wrongful termination, wage and hour, employment discrimination, and retaliation. Additionally, he represents individuals in residential construction defect and construction contract disputes, easement and boundary line disputes, and in cases involving damage to real property. Tyler also represents clients in administrative proceedings before state administrative agencies. [ Attorney Bio ]
