There are a handful of states with no-fault insurance laws requiring an accident victim to file a claim against their own personal injury protection (PIP) policy to recover compensation for car accident damages. In Washington, however, it matters who caused the accident. Recovering damages requires the injury victim to file a claim against the responsible party’s insurance. Understanding the minimum requirements for auto insurance in Washington clarifies the impact of policy limits on your car accident claim.
Mandatory Insurance Requirement for Washington Drivers
To drive legally in Washington, the vehicle owner must carry at least the minimum mandatory insurance coverage. The Washington State Department of Licensing requires at least the following liability coverage:
- $25,000 in bodily injury or death liability coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury or death liability coverage per accident
- $10,000 in property damage coverage per accident
Drivers in Washington must be prepared to show proof of their insurance coverage. Policies typically come with an insurance card that includes the policyholder’s name, the policy number, and the effective dates of the policy. Failure to carry proof of insurance is a traffic infraction under Washington RCW 46.30.020.
As an acceptable alternative to car insurance coverage in Washington, a driver may file a surety bond with a $60,000 deposit to the Washington Department of Transportation. This provides funds to be used instead of insurance in the event of an accident in which the driver is at fault.
Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Required In Washington?
Nearly half of U.S. states require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; however, Washington does not require this valuable coverage. The state does require insurance providers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but a policyholder may decline the coverage by signing a waiver.
Declining uninsured/underinsured coverage saves a small amount on a policyholder’s premiums, but choosing to keep this coverage provides a substantial benefit in the event of an accident with an uninsured motorist or with a motorist whose insurance policy does not provide enough coverage for extensive damages, like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain, suffering, and catastrophic injury.
What If Car Accident Damages Far Exceed the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Coverage?
Car accident expenses add up quickly when injuries require medical treatment at the same time that they prevent a return to work, either temporarily or permanently. Common damages in car accident claims include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Out-of-pocket injury costs
- Past and future income loss or reduced earning ability
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Catastrophic injury compensation for permanent harm, such as loss of limb, disability, disfigurement, loss of one of the senses, or organ loss
In the worst cases, car accident claims become a wrongful death claim filed by the representative of the decedent’s estate.
The state’s minimum car insurance requirements do not go far in an accident claim with substantial injury damages or wrongful death. In these cases, the injury victim or their surviving family may file a claim against their uninsured/underinsured motorist policy if they retained this valuable coverage.
Depending on the circumstances, other options for recovering damages beyond the limits of the at-fault party’s insurance coverage may be available, for instance, by filing a claim against a negligent third party, such as a road maintenance agency or the manufacturer of a defective car part or airbag.
How Does a Washington Car Accident Lawyer Help?
An experienced Lake Stevens personal injury lawyer prioritizes the injury victim’s best interests throughout the car accident claim process by pursuing all available options to maximize your financial recovery while you focus on your physical and emotional healing. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact Wells Trumbull today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.