Olympia Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
A car accident can change your life in an instant. When the at fault driver does not have insurance or carries only minimal coverage, the stress multiplies. Accident victims in Olympia are often left wondering how they will cover medical bills, replace lost wages, or repair their vehicles. On top of physical pain, serious injuries can bring emotional distress and financial uncertainty.
At Brumley Law Firm, our Olympia personal injury attorneys understand the overwhelming challenges victims face after being harmed by someone else’s negligence. We are committed to helping Thurston County residents navigate the complex legal process, protect their legal rights, and pursue compensation available under Washington law.
Why Hire Brumley Law Firm for Your Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Case in Olympia?
When dealing with uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents, having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
- Proven track record: Our Olympia car accident lawyers have handled a variety of personal injury matters, including cases involving uninsured and underinsured motorists, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and more. Past case outcomes depend on many factors and do not guarantee future results.
- Insurance insight: Founding attorney Joshua Brumley is a former insurance attorney, giving our team unique knowledge of how most insurance companies operate and attempt to minimize payouts.
- Comprehensive support: From day one, we focus on clear communication, strong legal representation, and develop strategies aimed at seeking fair compensation based on the facts of each case.
- Commitment to results: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Client Testimonials
Our clients often share how Brumley Law Firm stood beside them in some of their most difficult times. They often note our compassion, communication, and support during difficult times. We value the trust they place in us. We are proud to be trusted Olympia personal injury lawyers who put the community first.
How an Olympia Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney Can Help
Uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents require careful navigation of policy limits, medical records, and legal options. An Olympia personal injury lawyer from our firm can:
- Evaluate your case: Review your insurance policy, car accident case details, and medical care records to identify all sources of recovery.
- Explain your coverage: Break down uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), liability insurance, and collision coverage.
- Handle insurance companies: Negotiate directly with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Prepare for litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a personal injury lawsuit and advocate in court.
- Gather evidence: Collect police reports, witness statements, medical documentation, and expert testimony to strengthen your injury claim.
With our injury attorneys handling the legal burdens, you can focus on your recovery and medical attention.
Common Types of Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Cases
Brumley Law Firm represents Olympia residents in a wide range of motorist accidents, including:
- Car wrecks caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers
- Pedestrian accidents where the at fault party lacked insurance
- Bicycle accidents resulting in broken bones or serious injuries
- Motorcycle accidents with at fault drivers carrying only minimal coverage
- Distracted driving and drunk driving accidents involving uninsured motorists
- Hit and run collisions where the other driver is never identified
Compensation You Can Obtain in an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Case
Accident victims in Olympia may be entitled to recover damages such as:
- Medical bills and medical costs for emergency care, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages and future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to work
- Property damage for vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages including funeral expenses and loss of companionship in fatal cases
Understanding the full scope of compensation is crucial to achieving fair compensation and financial recovery. Our Olympia personal injury lawyers help evaluate and present all relevant categories of damages supported by evidence.
What is the Process for Filing an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim?
Filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident claim in Olympia involves several steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately and document all injuries.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident and your intent to file a UM/UIM claim.
- Gather evidence, including police reports, photos, medical records, and witness statements.
- Work with your attorney to evaluate coverage, negotiate with insurers, and file a personal injury claim if necessary.
- Recover damages through settlement or, if needed, litigation in court.
At Brumley Law Firm, we guide clients through each stage, ensuring deadlines are met and legal rights are protected.
Statute of Limitations in an Olympia Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim
Under Washington law, most personal injury cases must be filed within three years of the accident date. Failing to act within this statute of limitations can prevent accident victims from pursuing compensation. Exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as hit and run motorist accidents or delayed discovery of bodily injury. Promptly consulting an Olympia personal injury lawyer ensures your claim is preserved.
Elements of Negligence in an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim
To recover compensation, most personal injury claims must prove:
- The at fault party owed a duty of care.
- The duty was breached through negligence such as distracted driving or drunk driving.
- The breach caused bodily injury or property damage.
- The victim suffered measurable damages, including medical expenses or lost wages.
Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington State follows a comparative fault system. This means that if an accident victim is partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for a car accident, your financial recovery may be reduced by that amount. An experienced Olympia car accident attorney works to limit unfair liability and pursue the strongest recovery possible under the circumstances.
Local and Washington State Car & Uninsured Motorist Statistics
- According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 17% of Washington drivers are uninsured, one of the higher rates in the nation.
- Washington’s minimum insurance coverage limits ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage) are often inadequate to cover the medical expenses and property damage that result from serious injuries.
- The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has reported that uninsured and underinsured issues remain a concern in both urban and rural counties, including Thurston County.
- The Washington Traffic Safety Commission notes that serious injury and fatal crashes have been increasing statewide in recent years, highlighting the importance of adequate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for Olympia residents.
Contact an Olympia Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today
Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver after an accident in Olympia can feel overwhelming. The good news is you do not have to go through it alone. Brumley Law Firm has the experience, insight, and dedication needed to pursue compensation and provide legal representation for accident victims across Thurston County, helping them seek accountability and compensation.
Call our Olympia personal injury attorneys today for a free case evaluation. We are here to explain your options and help you navigate your legal rights under Washington law.