Experienced, Full-Service Personal Injury Attorney in Everett, WA
Everett, WA is home to good and hard-working people. We know because our Everett personal injury lawyers have been representing their legal interests for more than 40 years.
Unfortunately, accidents are a part of life, and they happen every day in Everett. This doesn’t mean that you have to simply sit down and take it, though. After all, most accidents involve some sort of hardship for their victims, and those hardships have real costs – medical bills, lost income, changes in lifestyle, pain, emotional distress, and more. Someone has to pay for those costs. Shouldn’t it be the party responsible for causing the accident? State law says yes, and so do we.
The problem, though, is that in most personal injury lawsuits, the at-fault party has an insurance policy. Insurance is a good thing, but too often, the insurance company will refuse to pay you a fair amount for your damages – even if the law requires them to. That’s how insurance companies make their money. They charge high policy premiums, and then attempt to avoid paying out on those policies when someone gets hurt.
We don’t stand for that at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC. Our Everett personal injury attorney has a long, strong track record of holding negligent defendants and their insurance companies accountable to the law. Our personal injury lawyers in Everett are here to fight for your rights, maximize your compensation, and create a clear path toward financial recovery.
While no one can ever guarantee a specific outcome, we want you to know that we’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured people in Everett. If you’ve been unfairly injured – or if someone you love has been killed as a result of someone else’s negligence – we believe that we can make a big difference in your case, too.
After an Accident, Insurance Claims Are Inevitable
No one wants to deal with an insurance company. It’s the second biggest complaint in any accident (after the pain itself). Insurers are notorious for making life difficult, and victims are sometimes tempted to sign a quick settlement just to skip the headache.
Keep this in mind, though: If insurance companies are making you an offer, it probably isn’t fair. They exclusively represent their own best interests – never yours.
Don’t let the insurance company claim your money or your peace of mind. Hire an experienced and aggressive Everett personal injury firm to represent you, instead.
What We Do
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law requires a seasoned advocate who understands the nuances of the legal landscape. At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC., we are committed to providing steadfast support and expert guidance to individuals in Everett, WA, who have suffered injuries due to the negligence of others.
Compassionate Representation, Fierce Advocacy
At the heart of every personal injury case is a person whose life has been profoundly impacted. Medical bills pile up, work becomes difficult or impossible, and the physical and emotional toll can feel overwhelming. That’s why our personal injury lawyers combine compassion with unwavering determination, ensuring that every client feels seen, heard, and supported throughout the legal process.
We know that a strong recovery isn’t just about financial compensation. It’s about restoring stability, dignity, and peace of mind. Our legal team takes the time to understand your story, listen to your concerns, and explain every step of the process in clear, straightforward language. We believe that effective communication fosters trust, and trust, in turn, leads to stronger cases.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We See
Our personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases, offering comprehensive representation to individuals and families across Everett and the greater Snohomish County area. Every client’s story is unique, and we approach each case with the same level of compassion, diligence, and commitment to results. We specialize in:
Car Accidents: When the unexpected happens on the road, we’re here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. From reckless driving to distracted motorists, we’ll investigate every detail to build a strong case.
Premises Liability: Whether it’s a slip and fall, inadequate security, or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, we handle premises liability cases with diligence and determination.
Wrongful Death: Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is a devastating experience. We provide compassionate support while seeking justice and compensation for the emotional and financial losses you’ve endured.
Understanding Comparative Fault in Washington
When an accident occurs, determining who is at fault isn’t always straightforward. Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that even if an injured person is partially responsible for the incident, they can still recover compensation for their damages. However, their award is reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds that a pedestrian was 20% responsible for a crash because they were distracted, but the driver was 80% at fault, the pedestrian can still receive 80% of their total damages. Experienced personal injury lawyers know how to build strong evidence and challenge unfair fault assignments from insurance adjusters who often try to shift more blame onto victims. Working with skilled legal advocates ensures you aren’t shortchanged due to misapplied fault percentages.
In Everett, where high-traffic corridors like Broadway Avenue and Evergreen Way often see multi-vehicle collisions, understanding this rule is crucial to protecting your recovery.
Resources for Everett Accident Victims
If you’re in grief or pain after an unexpected accident, you aren’t alone. Snohomish County and The City of Everett make a number of resources available to victims, beginning at the very moment of injury. We’d like to highlight a few of those resources for you here.
Medical Attention
It is imperative that you seek immediate medical attention after an accident, whether it’s an auto vehicle crash, workplace injury, or any other mishap. Even if you don’t think that you’re injured, it’s a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries aren’t apparent right away.
When in doubt, seek emergency medical treatment at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett or the nearest emergency room. Also, schedule follow-up care with your primary health provider.
Safety Information for Everett Bicyclists
Bicycle and pedestrian injuries are a big problem in Washington. As Everett personal injury attorneys, we are constantly advocating for improved pedestrian safety in our communities. We hope to see real improvements made in our roadways, sidewalks, and safety laws. In the meantime, there are steps that you can take to protect yourself. Visit Washington Bikes for helpful guidelines.
Consider the State Motorcycle Safety Program
Motorbike accidents are a common problem, too. Believe it or not, motorists – not bikers – cause most of them. Still, it behooves drivers and bikers alike to brush up on their safety. Washington offers a Motorcycle Safety Program with a lot of great information. Visit their website to learn more.
What If I’m Bitten by a Dog?
If you are bitten by a dog, you may have a claim against the dog owner under Washington State law. In Washington, every dog owner has a responsibility to keep control of their dog. This means that when out in public, their pet should be on a leash. When at home, their dog should be kept on their property with adequate fencing to keep them in. A dog owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten someone before. We all know that dogs can be great pets. But sometimes even nice, well-mannered dogs can bite someone. The only time a dog owner isn’t responsible for a dog bite is if the dog was provoked somehow or if the victim was illegally trespassing on private property.
Dog attacks happen all the time in Washington State and throughout the country. The Insurance Information Institute has indicated that homeowners’ insurance claims in 2020 for dog bites and dog attacks amounted to $854 million in liability claims. Unfortunately, young children make up a large percentage of dog attack-related fatalities at 26 percent.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, here are some things that you should immediately do:
- Call 911;
- Make sure a police report is filed and the Everett animal control officer is informed;
- Notify the owner of the dog;
- Seek immediate medical treatment; and
- Retain all evidence of the dog bite injuries, including photographs.
The next thing you should do is contact the Everett dog bite lawyers to help you through this difficult time and fight for your rights to be compensated for your injuries.
Traffic and Weather Updates
Adverse traffic and weather conditions are major contributors to everyday auto accidents in Everett. Know what the roads look like before you leave home. We recommend the following resources:
- Washington State Department of Transportation’s traffic website
- Washington State Department of Transportation’s official highway weather updates
- The Washington 511 phone system
The Statute of Limitations and the Importance of Acting Quickly
One of the most critical aspects of any personal injury case is timing. In Washington State, most personal injury claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations, meaning that injured individuals generally have three years from the date of the accident or from when the injury was discovered to file a lawsuit in court.
While three years might seem like plenty of time, waiting too long can seriously harm your case. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may forget key details, and insurance companies often use delays to their advantage. Acting quickly allows your personal injury lawyers to preserve critical evidence, interview witnesses while their memories are fresh, and build a strong, well-documented claim on your behalf.
In some situations, the timeline may be even shorter. For example, claims involving government entities (such as city-owned vehicles or public property) require special notice procedures that must be completed within just a few months. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Beyond the legal deadlines, acting quickly helps protect your health and financial stability. Prompt medical attention not only supports your recovery but also creates documentation that links your injuries directly to the accident—something insurance companies closely scrutinize.
Our personal injury lawyers in Everett act immediately to protect your rights, gather time-sensitive evidence, and keep your case on track. When you reach out early, you give your legal team the best possible chance to maximize your recovery and deliver justice for what you’ve endured.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I sue the city or state government for malfunctioning traffic lights or defective guardrails?
You probably can. The state bars certain kinds of personal injury claims but allows most of them. You will have to file a claim with the state government using an online tort claim form and wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit. Claims against local governments follow similar procedures.
Can I sue the traffic light manufacturer if a traffic light malfunction caused the accident?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit under the Washington product liability act. If you can prove that the product itself was defective and unreasonably dangerous, you don’t even have to prove fault on the part of the manufacturer to win. You can sue a distributor of the traffic light, as well, although additional limitations apply.
Will I win a car accident case automatically if the other driver was breaking the law at the time of the accident?
Not necessarily. The other driver’s violation of the law must have actually caused the accident. Proving that the driver was driving without brake lights, for example, might not help you if he or she rear-ended you in a two-car collision.
What is a “no contact” motorcycle accident?
A “no contact” motorcycle accident doesn’t involve any contact between the motorcycle and the defendant’s vehicle – perhaps the driver cut in front of you, for example, causing you to swerve into a tree. You can still win such a case, as long as the other driver caused your injuries.
My hospital is asking me to sign a document that would guarantee it payment of my medical bills out of any settlement I receive. Should I sign it?
Not without consulting your attorney first. That doesn’t mean you absolutely shouldn’t sign it – in many cases, such an arrangement can greatly ease financial pressure on you. You just need your Everett personal injury attorney to look at the wording to check for unforeseen consequences.
What If I Can’t Afford to Pay for a Lawyer Right Now?
Most people are relieved to learn that our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis. This arrangement allows you to pay nothing up front and owe no legal fees unless your attorney successfully recovers compensation for you. Your attorney’s payment is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so your interests are aligned from day one. We believe financial stress shouldn’t stand in the way of quality legal representation.
How Long Will My Personal Injury Case Take?
Every case is different, but most personal injury claims take several months to a year to resolve. Factors such as the complexity of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate can all influence the timing. Although it can be tempting to settle quickly, your personal injury attorneys will often recommend waiting until you’ve completed medical treatment to ensure all damages are accounted for.
Can I Still File a Claim If the Accident Happened Months Ago?
Yes, but time is limited. Most Washington personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of injury. However, certain exceptions may shorten this timeframe, especially for claims against government entities. If you believe you may have a case, contact an injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to compensation.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Not necessarily. Most personal injury cases settle before trial through careful negotiation and strong evidence. However, if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our personal injury lawyers are fully prepared to take your case to court. We approach every claim as if it could go to trial, a strategy that often yields better settlement results.
What Should I Bring to My First Consultation?
Bring as much documentation as possible, including accident reports, photos, medical bills, pay stubs, and insurance correspondence. These materials enable our personal injury law firm to quickly assess your case and begin protecting your rights. Even if you don’t have every record yet, meeting with a lawyer early helps ensure crucial deadlines and evidence aren’t missed.
How Are Emotional or Psychological Injuries Compensated?
Physical injuries are only part of what accident victims endure. Washington law allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Our personal injury lawyers understand the lasting impact these invisible injuries can have on daily life. We work closely with medical experts and therapists to document your emotional recovery and ensure it’s reflected in your compensation.
Talk to the Top-Rated Everett Personal Injury Lawyers
Struggling in the aftermath of an accident? Have bills to pay? Reach out to Paula, Dave, Matt, and Dean of Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC. We’re here for you, and we know how to maximize the value of a victim’s claim.
Contact our office by calling 800-925-1875 for a free consultation to learn more about your rights, your options, and how to handle insurance companies in our state.
Our office in Everett, WA
- Address: 2722 Colby Ave #105, Everett, WA 98201
- Open hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Phone number: 425-374-1491
- Map Directions
