If you were injured in a Washington car crash, you’re likely facing more than just medical bills — there’s time off work, lingering pain, insurance adjusters calling, and uncertainty about what comes next. Many accident victims want to know: How do I build a strong bodily injury claim and protect my rights?
At Ron Meyers and Associates, we represent clients in Olympia and across Washington who are coping with serious and catastrophic injuries. Whether your injuries are temporary or life-altering, what you do in the first few days and weeks after the crash can make a big difference in the outcome of your claim.
Here’s how to give your personal injury claim the best chance of success — and how our team can help you do it.
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately and Follow Through
The foundation of any injury claim is proof of the injury itself. If you delay medical treatment, insurance companies may argue that you weren’t seriously hurt — or that something else caused the problem.
To protect your claim:
- Visit the ER or urgent care right away
- Follow up with your primary doctor
- Complete all recommended treatment
- Keep all medical records and bills
If you skip appointments or stop treatment early, insurers may try to use that against you. Ongoing care also creates a timeline that documents how the injury is affecting your daily life.
2. Document Everything from the Start
A strong bodily injury claim is built on evidence. Start collecting and organizing the following right away:
- Crash report from law enforcement
- Photos of the vehicles and scene
- Photos of your injuries
- Medical documents and prescriptions
- Work records showing missed days
- A personal journal tracking your symptoms and limitations
This kind of documentation helps paint a complete picture of the impact the crash had on your life — physically, emotionally, and financially.
3. Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters
Soon after the car crash, you’ll likely hear from one or more insurance companies. Their job is to protect their bottom line — not yours. They may sound friendly, but their goal is often to settle fast and cheap.
Don’t:
- Give a recorded statement without legal guidance
- Minimize your injuries or say you’re “doing fine”
- Sign a release of claims or medical records too soon
Instead, refer them to your attorney and let us handle the communication.
4. Don’t Rush to Settle — Especially for Serious Injuries
You only get one shot at a personal injury settlement. If you accept an early offer and later discover you need surgery, long-term rehab, or time off work, you can’t go back and ask for more.
This is especially important if:
- You’re still receiving treatment
- You haven’t reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Your future medical needs are unclear
We help clients calculate the full value of their injury claim, including future care, pain and suffering, lost income, and reduced earning capacity.
5. Get Legal Help Early in the Process
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better protected you are. At Ron Meyers and Associates, we handle the insurance negotiations, gather evidence, work with your doctors, and fight for fair compensation — so you can focus on healing.
You don’t need to wait until things get complicated. Even if you’re just exploring your options, we can help you avoid mistakes that could cost you later.
Contact Ron Meyers and Associates for a free consultation.
FAQ: Bodily Injury Claims After a Washington Car Accident
What is considered a bodily injury after a car crash?
Any physical harm caused by the accident — such as broken bones, head trauma, whiplash, back injuries, or internal damage — qualifies. Even “invisible” injuries like soft tissue damage or chronic pain can support a claim.
How long do I have to file a bodily injury claim in Washington?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is three years from the date of the crash. But don’t wait — acting early helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
Do I have to go to court to recover compensation?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle without a lawsuit. However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, filing a lawsuit may be the best way to protect your rights.
How much is my injury claim worth?
That depends on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, and whether you’ll need future care. We can help you assess the full value and negotiate for what you deserve.
