Vancouver WA Car Accident Attorney With 40+ Years of Proven Experience

Millions of Americans are injured in auto accidents every year in the United States. Chances are that you or someone you love has been in a serious auto accident at some point. Unfortunately, injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents are all too common in major metropolitan areas. A number of issues arise from auto accidents, including the determination of who is at fault, the repair or replacement of the vehicle, obtaining and paying for proper medical care, dealing with various insurance companies, and obtaining compensation for injuries and wage loss.

It is important to know your legal rights arising from a car accident. There are time limits for the payment of medical bills under an automobile policy and the initiation of a lawsuit for recovery. At the Law Office of Gregory E. Price, P.S., we have over 40 years of experience in handling automobile injury cases in Oregon and Washington. We understand the emotional and financial strain experienced by accident victims, and we know the legal issues arising from an auto accident and the fastest way to obtain the applicable insurance benefits. We have the resources to quickly and thoroughly investigate an accident and guide you through all aspects of your recovery to help you return—as much as possible—to the life you were living prior to your accident.

Washington and Vancouver Traffic Accident Trends: What the Data Shows

Car accidents remain a significant concern in Washington. The state has seen a concerning rise in traffic fatalities in recent years. The number of deaths on our roads has reached levels not seen since the 1990s. In 2023, Washington reached a 33-year high with 810 traffic fatalities. However, preliminary data for 2024 shows a hopeful shift, with fatalities decreasing by approximately 10% to 731 deaths. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, several factors contribute to these accidents, including impaired driving, speeding and distracted driving. These numbers are a sobering reminder of the importance of staying vigilant on the road and seeking help if you are involved in an auto accident. While these statistics are alarming, they represent real families facing insurance hurdles. At the Law Office of Gregory E. Price, we turn these ‘statistics’ back into people, ensuring those affected by this rise in accidents receive the full compensation they are owed.

In Vancouver and across Clark County, the rise in distracted and impaired driving has left many families searching for answers. If you’ve become part of these statistics, you shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. With 40+ years of experience, our firm knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Proving Fault And Building Winning Cases for All Types of Vancouver Car Collisions

Car accidents take many forms. Each type presents unique challenges from both a physical recovery and a legal perspective. Here are some common types of accidents we see:

• Passenger vehicle and multi-car accidents: Whether it’s a high-speed highway crash or a “fender bender” in downtown Vancouver, we have extensive experience in uncovering hidden injuries like TBI that insurance companies often try to dismiss.
• Commercial truck and 18-wheeler crashes: These high-stakes accidents involving federal safety violations often result in significant damage and catastrophic injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle wrecks can be particularly dangerous since riders have less protection than car occupants. We protect vulnerable riders against “biker bias” from insurance adjusters.
• Distracted driving accidents (E-DUI – driving under the influence of electronics): We go beyond police reports to secure cell phone records, proving the other driver was illegally distracted by electronics at the moment of impact.
• Rollover accidents: These high-fatality crashes often seen on SR-500 or I-205, require a deep investigation into vehicle instability or equipment failure. We investigate every angle, including potential manufacturer defects, to maximize your recovery.
• Drunk driving accidents: We hold reckless drivers—and the commercial establishments that overserve them—accountable for the gross negligence that devastated your family.
• Rear-end collisions: Often caused by distracted driving on I-5, we focus on proving the full value whiplash and soft-tissue injuries.
• Left-turn and intersection disputes: We provide focused advocacy for these right-of-way accidents at dangerous Vancouver intersections.
• Pedestrians and bicyclist accidents: These accidents often involve severe injuries as individuals have no protection against a vehicle’s impact. Our firm provides aggressive representation for those hit by a car while walking/biking or while crossing in a crosswalk.

Every collision has a unique trail of evidence, from electronic logs to intersection camera footage. We don’t just ‘handle’ these cases. We build them from the ground up to prove liability and secure the maximum compensation your family deserves.

Our track record speaks for itself. We encourage you to view our past case results to see how our 40+ years of aggressive advocacy has secured life-changing settlements and jury verdicts for accident victims in Vancouver and Portland.

Washington Car Accidents: Questions And Answers

The aftermath of a vehicle collision in Washington feels overwhelming to most. This can be especially so if you are unsure about your rights. The following answers are correct for Washington law, empowering you to feel confident about your injury and accident claim.

What Should I Do After A Washington Car Accident?

A car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do. Still, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for a successful claim. If you can, here is a list of steps to follow:

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
2. Move to a safe location.
3. Exchange information with the other driver.
4. Take photos of the scene and damage.
5. Gather contact details from witnesses.
6. File a police report.
7. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries.
8. Do not contact insurance companies right away. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, often not in your favor.

Whether you have followed each of these steps or not, having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side can make a substantial difference. An attorney understands the steps necessary for you to take and will ensure no one takes advantage of you.

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident in Vancouver, Washington?

Washington follows a fault-based system, but the first layer of coverage for medical bills often comes from your own Personal Injury Protection insurance, known as PIP. Although optional in Washington, insurers must offer it, and it typically covers medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. If you do not have PIP, your health insurance may step in, although you could still be responsible for deductibles or copays. 

Ultimately, the at-fault driver is legally responsible for your medical costs, and you may pursue a liability claim to recover those expenses once fault is established. Medical providers may also use liens in some situations, which can allow them to delay payment of medical costs until a settlement is reached.

Can I sue if the auto accident was partially my fault in Washington?

Yes. Washington uses a pure comparative fault system, which means you may pursue damages even if you were partly responsible for the collision. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from filing a claim unless you were entirely responsible. This system allows the injured to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income and other losses as long as another party shares some portion of blame. 

Since fault percentages directly affect compensation, evidence like photos, witness statements and police reports can play a role in the outcome.

Can I still recover damages if the at-fault driver was uninsured?

You may still have options for compensation even when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Many Washington drivers carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, known as UM or UIM. This coverage helps pay for medical bills, lost wages and other damages when the other driver cannot.

If you do not have UM or UIM, you may file a claim against the uninsured driver, but recovery may be limited. In uninsured motorist cases, state law allows the use of multiple layers of coverage in a specific order. UM or UIM coverage typically applies first, followed by health insurance, which helps reduce out‑of‑pocket costs while the claim is processed.

Take The First Step Toward Justice With a Free Consultation

Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Whether your accident happened in Vancouver, WA, or the greater Portland area, the Law Office of Gregory E. Price provides the aggressive, insider advocacy you need to pursue a full recovery. We understand the unique legal landscape of both Washington and Oregon and are ready to help you navigate the path forward. For a free consultation, call us at 360-989-9900 or fill out our contact form. We will be happy to talk to you about the specific details of your case, answer any questions you may have and ensure your rights are protected. No fee unless we win.