Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Washington?
Every rule below is quoted from Washington law or a state agency, with a link. Checked September 17, 2026.
The short answer
We can't tell you whether you need a lawyer. We can show you the Washington rules that usually decide it: how fault is split, how long you have, and how injury lawyers are allowed to charge. Many people with only car damage settle directly with the insurer. People with injuries, disputed fault or a claim near a deadline often talk to a lawyer first.
How fault changes your claim
If you were partly at fault
Washington uses pure comparative negligence. Your own share of fault reduces your damages by that percentage, but it never blocks your right to recover, even if you were mostly at fault.
“any contributory fault chargeable to the claimant diminishes proportionately the amount awarded as compensatory damages for an injury attributable to the claimant's contributory fault, but does not bar recovery”
How long you have
- 3 years
- to sue for injuriesRCW 4.16.080(2)
- 3 years
- to sue for car or property damageRCW 4.16.080(2)
- 3 years
- for a family to sue after a deathRCW 4.16.080(2)
- 60 days
- to notify the government if a public vehicle or road was involvedRCW 4.96.020
Deadline to sue for injuries
You have three years from the crash to sue for your injuries.
“An action for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property, including an action for the specific recovery thereof, or for any other injury to the person or rights of another”
If a government vehicle or road was involved
Before suing the state or a Washington city or county over a crash, you must first present a written claim to the government, then wait 60 days before filing suit. The claim must be presented within the normal injury lawsuit deadline, and that deadline pauses during the 60 day wait.
“No action subject to the claim filing requirements of this section shall be commenced against any local governmental entity...for damages arising out of tortious conduct until sixty calendar days have elapsed after the claim has first been presented to the agent”
How injury lawyers charge in Washington
Contingency fee rules
Washington has no cap on personal injury contingency fee percentages, but the fee must be reasonable, and the agreement must be in writing, signed by the client, and state how the fee is calculated and what expenses the client pays.
“A contingent fee agreement shall be in a writing signed by the client... A contingent fee agreement shall state the method by which the fee is to be determined, including the percentage or percentages that shall accrue to the lawyer in the event of settlement, trial or appeal”
Questions to ask any lawyer before you sign
- What percentage do you charge, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
- Who pays case costs like records and expert fees if we lose?
- Will you handle my case yourself, or pass it to someone else?
- How long do cases like mine usually take here?
- What is the deadline for my claim, and when will you file?
If the insurer is the problem
File a complaint with the state
You can file a complaint against your insurance agent or insurance company with Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner online, or call their consumer line for help.
“You can file a complaint against your insurance agent or insurance company, or check the status of an existing complaint.”
Sources on this page
Each one was opened and checked on September 17, 2026.
Know My Claim is not a law firm or a government agency, and this page is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the linked source before you rely on a deadline.