Walked away from a crash without a scratch? That doesn’t mean you walked away without problems.
Dented fenders. Missed work. Unexpected stress. Injuries aren’t always physical. The impact of an accident often extends far beyond the emergency room.
You might feel fortunate to have avoided a hospital visit. But once the dust settles, the hidden costs can start to add up. Repair bills, confusing insurance claims, disrupted routines, and time you’ll never get back can quickly become overwhelming. It is no surprise that many people in your position begin to ask what rights they have.
One of the most common questions we hear is: Can I sue after a car accident if you are not hurt? In Washington, the answer is yes. Here’s why.
Washington Is a Fault-Based State. Here’s What That Means
If someone else caused the accident, they are legally accountable for the damage. That responsibility includes repairing your car, covering time missed from work, and compensating for how the crash disrupted your daily life.
Washington follows a fault-based system. This means the driver who caused the accident and their insurance company may be financially responsible for your losses, even if those losses are not from a physical injury.
You have a legal right to be made whole. That includes more than just medical expenses. Their insurer may be required to cover:
- Damage to your vehicle,
- Lost wages due to missed work, and
- Mental anguish, stress, or emotional strain.
You may have a valid claim as long as the other driver was at fault and you experienced any financial or emotional hardship. But what exactly can you recover without a physical injury? Let’s explore the types of compensation available in these cases.
What Can You Recover After a No-Injury Crash?
You can still pursue compensation, even if you never received medical treatment. A collision can disrupt your finances and routine in ways that deserve legal recognition.
Some of the most common damages claimed in a no-injury car accident include:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement,
- Diminished resale value of your car,
- Rental car fees or alternate transportation costs,
- Lost wages from missed work, and
- Emotional distress or anxiety related to the crash.
Although these damages may not be life-threatening, they can take a serious toll on your time, wallet, and peace of mind—and you may be entitled to seek compensation.
So, how do you go about it when no one was physically hurt? It starts by understanding the path most claims follow and when it might be time to escalate your case.
File a Claim or Sue—What’s the Difference?
You might wonder: can I sue after a car accident if you are not hurt?
This is a valid question; the answer depends on how the claims process plays out.
Step 1: File an Insurance Claim
Most no-injury cases begin with an insurance claim. You would file a third-party claim with the insurance company representing the at-fault driver. This claim could compensate you for losses such as repairs, rental costs, missed wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
For many people, this step resolves the matter. But not in every case.
Step 2: Consider Legal Action if the Claim Falls Short
You may need to sue if the insurance company:
- Offers less than what your damages are worth,
- Denies your claim altogether, or
- Tries to shift the blame onto you.
Filing a lawsuit does not mean you are looking for a fight. It means you are protecting your right not to pay for an accident that was not your fault.
You Have Three Years to Take Legal Action
In Washington, you have three years from the crash date to sue. This time frame allows room to negotiate with the insurance company first. Still, acting sooner is often better since details fade and evidence is easier to preserve in the weeks after the accident.
Even a strong legal case needs documentation. To support your claim, let’s look at what you should do right after the crash.
What to Do After a No-Injury Crash
Even if you feel fine, what you do right after the crash can impact your claim. Here is what you should do:
- Call the police and request an official report;
- Take photos of both vehicles, license plates, damage, and the scene;
- Exchange insurance and driver’s license information;
- Save all receipts, emails, and repair-related paperwork; and
- Write down your memory of the crash while it is still fresh.
Even with solid documentation, some claims can become complicated. This is where legal support can make a significant difference.
When Can a Non Injury Car Accident Lawyer Help?
Even in no-injury cases, some claims become more complicated than expected. A non injury car accident lawyer may be able to help if:
- The repair estimate is much higher than what the insurance company offers;
- You are being blamed for the accident despite clear evidence;
- Communication from the insurer includes delays, vague responses, or conflicting information;
- You have missed work and are unsure how to place a value on that time; or
- You are feeling emotional stress and need help documenting its impact.
An Everett car accident lawyer’s job is to handle the back-and-forth and negotiation, so you don’t have to. They can gather the necessary evidence and push for the full value of your claim, not just what is easiest for the insurance company to pay. Many people end up settling for far less than they deserve without legal guidance.
Know Your Rights, Even Without Injuries
Think you need a physical injury to bring a case? Not true. If someone else caused the accident and left you with bills, lost income, or out-of-pocket expenses, you have every right to take legal action.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, we have represented Washington drivers since 1977, including many who were injured financially rather than physically. Time and again, we have helped clients who came to us after the insurance adjuster simply said, “There’s nothing we can do.”
If a crash has cost you time, money, or peace of mind, do not wait. Call a non injury car accident lawyer today for a free consultation. We are here to help you move forward and recover what you have lost.
