Legal Question in Personal Injury in Washington

Pedestrian accident - procedures?

I was hit last Friday in a crosswalk (car/pedestrian). The girl that hit me filed an accident report with the Olympia police. I was immediately taken to the doctor by a friend. My left knee was hit pretty hard,and I am only just now able to sit up without significant pain. I will see an Orthopedic doctor tomorrow. I have been advised not to seek help of an attorney. I have been in so much pain that I have not contacted the girl or her insurance company. Until I can decide or convince myself to use an attorney, I need to be sure my ducks are all in a row. I am making a diary. What do I tell the doctors? When or should I contact her insurance company? Are there some timing issues here that I need to know about?


Asked on 10/10/99, 10:46 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: Pedestrian accident - procedures?

Good idea to keep a diary. It should include things that show the effect and extent of your injuries. The purpose is to refresh your recollection should you ever have to testify. By extent I would include degree of pain, limitations on actions or activities (eg: couldn't walk with childre, couldn't go bowling with friends).

I'd contact her insurance company as soon as possible, but you would likely not obtain as favorable a settlement without an attorney. You may also feel the insurance company is jerking you around, and I have had clients come to me when the get fed up with how they are being treated by the company.

As to the doctors, tell them what hurts, and make sure they understand. Don't eggagerate but don't understate either. What you say will have an effect on any settlement because the insurance company will review your records (after a lawsuit, at least).

As to time limits, you have 3 years to sue.

Feel free to call us. We'd be happy to take your case.

Gary Preble

Olympia

943-6960

Read more
Answered on 10/16/99, 2:23 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Washington