If you’ve been injured in an accident, you probably have a lot of questions. You’re not alone – at Church, Page & Gailan, we hear many of the same concerns from clients across Washington. In this article, we’ll address five of the most commonly heard questions regarding personal injury claims, providing straightforward answers to help put your mind at ease.

1. “How long will my personal injury case take?”

The timeline of a personal injury case can vary widely. Some cases settle within a few months, while others take a year or more, especially if a lawsuit and trial are involved. Generally:

Minor Injury, Clear Liability: If your injuries are relatively minor and the fault is obvious (say, a clear rear-end car accident), a settlement could be reached in a matter of months after you finish medical treatment.

Severe Injury or Disputed Case: Cases with significant injuries often take longer because you shouldn’t settle until you know the full extent of your medical recovery and future needs. If there’s a dispute over who was at fault or over how much treatment was necessary, negotiations can drag on. If a lawsuit is filed, the discovery process and court schedules mean it could take 1-2 years to reach trial (though many cases settle before trial).

 Bottom line: Patience is important. Your attorney’s priority is to resolve the case efficiently but also fairly. Rushing can leave money on the table. We keep clients informed about expected timelines and any developments that could change the course of the case.

2. “Do I really need a lawyer for this? Can’t I handle it myself?”

You have the right to handle your claim on your own, but there are good reasons most people choose to hire a personal injury lawyer:

• Experience and Knowledge: Attorneys know the legal process, the tricks insurance companies play (recall the “iceberg” of insurance tactics above), and the fair value of claims. A DIY approach might seem to save on attorney fees, but individuals often end up with much lower settlements. Our experience is that, even after attorney fees, injured people often net more when represented by counsel.

• Contingency Fee Basis: Most personal injury attorneys (including us) work on a contingency fee – meaning no upfront cost and we only get paid if you do. This allows you to get representation without financial risk.

• Reducing Stress: Handling a claim means dealing with adjuster calls, paperwork, medical record requests, etc. It can be a lot, especially when you should be focusing on healing. A lawyer takes that burden off you.

 In Washington, while you can manage small claims (like minor car damage) yourself, for anything involving injuries, consulting a lawyer is wise. We offer free consultations, so you can at least get advice before deciding.

3. “What if I was partially at fault for the accident?”

This is a common concern. The good news: In Washington’s pure comparative fault system, you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 30% at fault and the damages are $10,000, you would receive $7,000 (which is $10,000 minus 30%). There is no fault threshold that bars recovery (unlike some states that cut off claims if you’re 50%+ at fault). So, don’t be discouraged if you think you were a bit to blame – you should still pursue a claim for the portion that wasn’t your fault. Let an attorney sort out the details; sometimes people assume they are partially at fault when legally they might not be.

4. “How much does it cost to hire Church, Page & Gailan?”

Our firm, like many personal injury firms, works on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• No upfront fees. You don’t pay retainer fees or hourly bills.

• We only get paid if we win compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment.  Regardless of the amount of work the claim requires, our fee remains fixed at one-third of the final recovery.

  
  

Free Consultation: Your initial case review with us is free. If we accept your case, all case expenses (like paying for police reports, medical records, expert opinions) are typically advanced by our firm. Those expenses are then reimbursed from the settlement at the end (separate from the attorney fee).

 In short, there’s no financial risk in hiring us – you won’t owe attorney fees if we don’t recover money for you. This arrangement also aligns our interests: we’re motivated to get you the best result possible.

5. “Will I have to go to court, or will my case settle?”

   
   
   
   

   

   
   

Most personal injury cases settle out of court. In fact, well over 90% are resolved through negotiations or mediation without a trial. Going to court can be time-consuming, costly, and unpredictable for both sides, so there’s incentive to reach an agreement. We prepare every case as if it may go to trial – this thorough preparation often pushes the insurance company to offer a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and take the case to court. If that happens:

• You might have to give a deposition (answer questions under oath in a conference room) as part of the process.

• If it goes all the way to trial, you would likely testify in court to tell your story to the jury. We guide you through this so you feel comfortable. Rest assured, we strive to settle when it’s in your best interest, but we’re fully prepared to go to court if that’s what it takes to get justice. We keep you informed and involved in the decision-making at every step.

  
  

Church, Page & Gailan – Answering Your Questions and Advocating for You

At Church, Page & Gailan PLLC, no question is “silly” or unimportant. We know this is probably your first time dealing with a serious injury claim, and it’s normal to have many questions. Our team is here not only to fight for your compensation but also to educate and inform you throughout the process. We believe that a well-informed client is an empowered client. From timeline to fees, fault issues to court expectations – we’ve got you covered with honest answers and sound legal guidance.

Got more questions? We have answers. Reach out to Church, Page & Gailan for a free consultation and ask us anything about your personal injury claim.

We’re here to help you understand the process and make the best decisions for your recovery. Call (509) 638-1414 today and let us put our experience to work for you.