Spokane Rear End Accident Lawyer

A rear end crash can change life in a moment. Pain, time away from work, and growing medical bills can leave you and your family unsure of the next step. Even so called minor fender benders often cause real car accident injuries like whiplash, concussions, and back pain that require ongoing medical treatment.

Brumley Law Firm helps Spokane residents understand their rights under Washington State law, build a clear plan, and seek compensation through the legal process. Our Spokane personal injury lawyers combine practical litigation experience with an empathetic approach so you can focus on recovery while we manage the claim.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Rear End Accident Case in Spokane

Focused experience in rear end collisions. Our personal injury law firm regularly handles rear end claims from low speed impacts to complex chain reaction crashes. We know how these cases are evaluated and where disputes usually arise.

Former insurance perspective. Founding attorney Joshua Brumley previously worked for the insurance industry. That experience helps us anticipate how insurance companies analyze liability, causation, and damages, and it guides our approach to insurance negotiations.

Track record and recent results. Our legal team has experience handling a range of personal injury cases, including those involving serious injuries and complex liability issues. Each case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and applicable law.

Local knowledge. Rear end collisions frequently occur on I-90, Division Street, Hamilton Street, Francis Avenue, Sprague Avenue, and around busy intersections in downtown Spokane. We understand local traffic patterns, common visibility concerns in winter, and how road design can factor into establishing fault.

Client first communication. We keep you updated, explain options in plain language, and make sure decisions are driven by your goals.

Client Testimonials

“They took the stress off my plate.”
After a car crash on Division Street, Brumley Law Firm handled the insurance claims, coordinated with my medical providers, and kept me informed from start to finish.

“Professional and caring.”
My wife was rear ended near Gonzaga. The team explained every step, dealt with insurance adjusters, and helped us document both medical expenses and lost wages.

“Clear plan and steady guidance.”
From the police report to the final paperwork, they were organized and responsive. We always knew what came next.

These testimonials reflect individual client experiences. Results vary depending on the facts of each case.

How a Spokane Rear End Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case

Thorough investigation. We secure the official police report, request traffic camera or dashcam footage, gather witness statements, photograph the accident scene and vehicle damage, download event data recorder information when available, and consult accident reconstruction experts if needed.

Medical documentation and care coordination. We help you organize records for medical treatment, including ER visits, primary care, specialists, imaging, physical therapy, and pain management. If personal injury protection coverage applies, we help coordinate benefits. We also track out of pocket expenses.

Liability analysis. Even in rear end collisions, liability is not always automatic. We evaluate braking distances, road conditions, visibility, defective brake lights, sudden stops, unsafe merges, and potential third party factors. When appropriate, we involve experts to clarify how the crash occurred under Washington State traffic laws.

Insurance claims and negotiations. We handle communications with the other party’s insurance, your own carrier for PIP or MedPay, and any health insurance liens. Our goal is to recover compensation supported by the evidence and your medical course.

Litigation when appropriate. Most personal injury cases resolve through settlement. If a fair resolution is not offered, a skilled attorney from our team can file suit, conduct discovery, and present the case at mediation or trial.

Common Types of Rear End Accident Cases We Handle in Spokane

• Stop and go congestion on I-90 near the Division Street and Lincoln Street exits
• Sudden stops at downtown lights along Riverside Avenue, Browne Street, and Monroe Street
• Chain reaction crashes on the Sunset Hill grade during weather changes
• Rear end impacts in school zones and near campus areas around Gonzaga University and Spokane Falls Community College
• Parking lot impacts that cause neck and back injuries despite low speeds
• Single vehicle accidents that begin with a cut off and result in a secondary rear end crash
• Commercial vehicle and delivery van impacts during rush hour
• Snow and ice conditions leading to sliding impacts where speed and following distance are in dispute

Statistics – Spokane & Washington State Traffic Collisions

Rear end and other vehicle collisions remain a serious safety concern across Spokane County and Washington State. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were 810 traffic fatalities in 2023, up 9 % from 743 in 2022. The same report found 3,413 serious injuries statewide, representing a 10 % increase from the prior year.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) reported that traffic deaths rose 20 % between 2021 and 2023, with alcohol impairment, speeding, and distracted driving among the top contributing factors.

The WSDOT Crash Data Portal tracks collision types, confirming that “strikes rear end of another vehicle” remains one of the most common crash classifications recorded in Washington crash reports.

In addition, the WSDOT Highway Safety Annual Report shows Washington’s fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased from 1.27 in 2022 to 1.35 in 2023, a 70 % rise since 2014.

Together, these data show that Spokane County remains part of a statewide trend of increasing collision frequency and severity, underscoring the importance of awareness, safe driving practices, and appropriate legal support for accident victims.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Rear End Accident Case

Every personal injury claim is fact specific. Depending on the evidence, available insurance coverage, and injuries sustained, a Spokane rear end accident lawyer may seek:

• Medical expenses and medical bills for ambulance, ER, imaging, specialist visits, medications, injections, and therapy
• Future medical care for ongoing medical treatment, surgeries, or rehabilitation
• Lost wages and lost income for time missed from work, plus diminished earning capacity in serious cases
• Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle and damaged personal items
• Non economic damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and inconvenience
• Wrongful death damages when a fatal accident occurs, including benefits available to a qualifying family member under Washington State law
• Out of pocket expenses such as travel to appointments, home modifications, or medical devices

We evaluate all potential categories of damages to help you pursue fair compensation.

What Is the Process for Filing a Rear End Accident Claim

1. Seek medical attention. Your health comes first. Follow provider instructions and keep all appointments.
2. Report and document. Call 911 when required. Obtain the police officer information and the incident number for the official police report. Photograph the accident scene, vehicles, and visible injuries.
3. Notify insurance. Report the car accident to your insurer and avoid recorded statements to other insurers until you have legal advice.
4. Free consultation. Speak with a Spokane car accident attorney to review the facts, insurance coverage, and next steps.
5. Investigation and evidence gathering. Your accident lawyer conducts a thorough investigation, preserves electronic evidence, and identifies witnesses.
6. Medical course and damages proof. Continue medical care. We compile records, bills, and proof of lost wages.
7. Claim submission and insurance negotiations. We present a demand package to the applicable insurance companies for settlement discussions.
8. Filing suit if needed. If negotiations do not lead to a fair settlement, we may file a lawsuit and continue through discovery, mediation, and trial if appropriate.
9. Resolution and distribution. Upon settlement or judgment, medical liens are resolved and net funds are provided to you according to the closing statement.

Liability and Elements of Negligence in a Rear End Accident Claim

To recover compensation, Washington State law generally requires proof of negligence:

• Duty. Drivers must follow traffic laws and operate with reasonable care.
• Breach. Examples can include following too closely, distracted driving, unsafe speed for conditions, or failing to maintain brake lights.
• Causation. The breach must be a factual and legal cause of the car crash and resulting harm.
• Damages. You must show injuries and losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and other harms.

Although the following driver is often considered responsible in rear end collisions, fault can be shared. The lead driver might have stopped abruptly without a clear reason, reversed unexpectedly, or had non functioning brake lights. Third party actions, like a sudden cut in, can also contribute. Our Spokane car accident lawyer analyzes all factors to help with establishing fault based on the evidence.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Washington State follows pure comparative fault. If both drivers share responsibility, a recovery can be adjusted by percentage of fault. For example, a driver who is found 20 % at fault could still recover 80 % of proven damages. Insurance adjusters sometimes raise comparative arguments early in auto accident claims. An experienced attorney can help evaluate the facts and respond with evidence.

Insurance Coverage Basics After a Spokane Car Accident

• Personal injury protection. If you carry PIP, it can pay medical bills and some lost wages regardless of fault, up to the policy limit.
• Liability insurance. The other driver may have liability coverage that applies to your injury claim.
• Uninsured or underinsured motorist. UM or UIM may apply if the at fault driver lacks adequate coverage.
• Health insurance. Health insurance can help with treatment, but the insurer may claim reimbursement from a settlement under certain rules.
• Property damage coverage. Collision coverage can help repair your car, subject to deductibles.

We review all available policies to help you seek compensation from every viable source.

Common Car Accident Injuries From Rear End Impacts

• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries of the neck and shoulders
• Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries
• Back injuries, including herniated discs and facet joint injuries
• Knee, wrist, and shoulder injuries from bracing at impact
• Aggravation of pre existing conditions
• Psychological harm such as anxiety related to driving

Prompt evaluation helps connect symptoms to the crash and supports the car accident claim.

Evidence That Strengthens a Rear End Case

• Photos and video of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Witness statements with contact information
• Event data recorder downloads when available
• Business or traffic camera footage along I-90, Division, or Sprague corridors
• Timely medical records that document injuries sustained and medical care
• Expert opinions from accident reconstruction experts or treating physicians

Statute of Limitations in a Spokane Rear End Accident Claim

In many cases, the Washington State statute of limitations for personal injury is three years from the date of the auto accident. Some claims have shorter notice requirements, and claims involving government entities or minors can involve special rules. Because deadlines affect rights, it is wise to speak with a Spokane rear end accident lawyer promptly to protect your options.

Specific Tips After a Car Accident in Spokane

• If it is safe, move vehicles out of live lanes on I-90 and use hazard lights.
• Call 911 for any suspected injury. Ask the police officer how to obtain the official police report.
• Exchange information and note the license plate and insurer for the other driver.
• Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking to a police officer or insurers.
• Keep all receipts for towing, rental cars, medications, and other out of pocket expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already accepted liability?
Even when liability is accepted, disputes often arise over medical treatment, causation, and the value of non economic damages. Representation helps you present the complete picture and pursue fair compensation.

What if I was partially at fault?
You can still bring a claim under comparative fault principles. Your recovery may be adjusted by your percentage of responsibility.

What if this was a company vehicle or a delivery driver?
There may be additional insurance coverage or employer liability. A thorough investigation helps identify all responsible parties.

Can I recover if I had prior neck or back problems?
Yes, if the crash worsened a condition. Medical opinions and imaging can help separate pre existing issues from new harm.

The Brumley Law Firm Approach

• Careful intake to identify goals and concerns
• Early evidence preservation and a thorough investigation
• Clear explanations of each step in the legal process
• Strategic claim presentation to insurance companies with supporting documentation
• Honest guidance about risk, value ranges, and next steps
• Readiness to file suit when negotiations do not lead to a reasonable offer

Contact a Spokane Rear End Accident Lawyer Today

If you suffered injuries in a rear end crash or any car accident in Spokane, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Speak with a Spokane car accident attorney at Brumley Law Firm to understand your options and how to move forward.

Call (833) 740-2275 or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney. We offer a free consultation to review your situation and discuss possible options under Washington State law. Whether and how we can assist depends on the facts of your case.