As winter approaches with shorter days, wet roads, and freezing nights, Seattle personal injury firm Colburn Law is offering Washington drivers practical guidance on what to do after a car accident. The firm emphasizes that quick, informed actions can significantly affect both recovery and insurance claims.
Washington recorded 659 traffic deaths in 2025, per preliminary data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. That figure represents a 10.5% decrease from 2024 and marks the second consecutive year of decline, yet crashes remain a daily reality on state roads.
"Most of the time, these things aren't random," said Greg Colburn, the firm's founding attorney. "They happen because someone cut corners, didn't care enough, or thought the rules didn't apply to them."
Colburn Law recommends several key steps after a crash. First, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as injuries like whiplash and concussions may not appear immediately. Second, take photos of vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries before the scene is cleared. Third, exchange names, numbers, and insurance information with all drivers and collect witness contacts. Fourth, if police do not investigate, file a collision report within four days as required by Washington Department of Licensing rules. Fifth, be cautious with the other driver's insurance company; adjusters may request recorded statements early, and consulting a lawyer first is advised. Finally, act promptly, as Washington generally allows three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, with shorter deadlines for claims involving government agencies.
The firm also notes that Washington is not a no-fault state, so the at-fault driver's liability insurance typically covers an injured person's losses. The state follows pure comparative fault, meaning a driver partly at fault can still recover damages reduced by their share of fault. Personal injury protection coverage helps pay medical bills regardless of fault, and underinsured motorist coverage can assist when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Washington's minimum liability limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Colburn's own experience informs his work. As a University of Washington student-athlete working as a carpenter, he fell more than 20 feet from a roof after a subcontractor's negligence, enduring multiple surgeries and two years in a wheelchair. Nearly 80 attorneys declined his case before one settled it for $1 million. "I will listen. I will believe you," Colburn said.
For drivers in the Seattle area and beyond, these tips serve as a timely reminder to prepare for winter hazards and protect legal rights after a collision.
