Vancouver, WA Personal Injury Attorneys

A serious crash on I-5, a fall in a Cascade Park parking lot, or a dog attack on the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail can turn an ordinary day in Vancouver into an emergency in seconds. One moment you are running errands or heading over the bridge to Portland, and the next you are facing pain, medical bills, and missed work. On top of all that, you’re getting pressure from insurance adjusters who want you to settle fast. 

If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering whether a Vancouver personal injury lawyer can help protect your future. Our team at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner can provide you with clear guidance, so you know the steps to take and how we can support you.

Skilled Personal Injury Lawyers in Vancouver, WA

After you’ve experienced a serious car accident in Vancouver, WA, it can be difficult to know where to go from here. You have injuries, financial burdens, and many questions. Our Vancouver personal injury attorneys, Paula, Dave, Matt, Scott, and Dean, have worked with many clients in our community, and we’re here to help you, too.

You should not have to figure out complex insurance rules, deadlines, and court procedures while you are in pain. A trusted Vancouver personal injury attorney can help you understand your options in plain language and protect you from common insurance tricks. They can also build a claim that reflects what this injury has truly cost you and your family.

First, we want to provide some information that can assist you with your initial questions. Then, we want you to contact us for further help while navigating your recovery process.

What Kinds of Cases Does a Vancouver Personal Injury Lawyer Handle?

Personal injury covers more than just car crashes. If someone’s carelessness or reckless behavior hurts you, you may have a claim. Cases that Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner Vancouver personal injury attorneys handle include:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes—when a distracted, speeding, or impaired driver causes a collision;
• Pedestrian and bicycle injuries—when a driver fails to yield or watch for people walking or riding;
• Slip, trip, and fall incidents—when unsafe property conditions, like poor lighting or hidden hazards, cause a serious fall;
• Dog bites and animal attacks—when an owner does not control a dangerous dog;
• Drunk or drugged driving accidents—when an impaired driver gets behind the wheel and causes harm; and
• Wrongful death claims—when a family loses a loved one because of another person’s negligence.

These situations all fall under personal injury law, but every story is different. A Vancouver personal injury lawyer from our team can listen to what happened to you, explain how Washington law applies, and create a plan tailored to your needs.

What Should You Do Right After an Accident in Vancouver?

Right after a crash, fall, or attack, you may feel overwhelmed, but a few simple steps can protect your health and your future claim. Try to focus on these actions if you can:

• Get medical care as soon as possible. See a doctor even if you feel “mostly fine,” since some serious injuries do not show up right away.
• Call law enforcement or report the incident. Ask for a police report or incident report number so you have an official record.
• Gather basic information.  Get names, contact details, insurance details, and license plate numbers for everyone involved.
• Take photos or video. Capture your injuries, vehicle damage, hazards on the property, and anything else that seems important.
• Reach out to a lawyer early. Before you give a recorded statement or accept any offer from an insurance company.

If you went home without doing all these steps at the scene, you still have options. Talk with a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. They can help you figure out what information you still need to collect.

Common Errors Made by Personal Injury Victims in Vancouver

As a personal injury victim, there are a thousand ways that you can inadvertently damage or even destroy your claim, especially if you are not represented by a Vancouver injury lawyer. The following are only a few of them:

Talking About Your Case with an Insurance Company Representative

Insurance company adjusters work toward only one goal: to save as much money for their employer as possible. Remember, the insurance company will be trying to prove that your claim is invalid, or that it is not worth as much as you say it is. Don’t ever forget this, and direct any insurance company representative to your legal practitioner without answering any of their questions.

Posting About Your Ccase on Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, and the like have been the doom of many personal injury claims. If your account is open to the public, you can bet that the insurance company will be monitoring it.

Even if it is set to private, there may be a way for an insurance company to access information about you. Suppose, for example, that you are tagged in a photo that appears on a friend’s website with you smiling for the camera. If the photo was taken recently, it could be used as evidence that your injuries are not serious.

Failing to Properly Document Your Injuries

Take photographs of your injuries (or have someone else do it), and keep a journal where you record the extent to which your injuries are causing you physical pain and suffering.

You might consider taking a video to demonstrate the extent of your physical impairment. You will also need to document any damage to your vehicle if your injuries were caused by a vehicle accident.

Signing Away Your Rights

One thing you never want to do is sign any document giving the insurance company an unlimited right to inspect your medical history.

In fact, you should never sign anything related to your case unless your lawyer authorizes it first. It is best to treat the insurance company like the adversary that it is.

Ignoring Your Doctor’s Advice

Washington allows the damages of a personal injury victim to be reduced to the extent that the victim’s condition was his own fault. If you ignore your doctor’s advice, that could be used against you to justify lowering your damages. Go to all appointments and save all pill bottles, prescriptions, and any medical equipment such as braces.

Renewing Your Hunting/Fishing/Commercial Driving License while your case is pending

The status of these licenses is all public information, accessible to the insurance company. If you renew such a license while claiming to be too injured to participate in that activity, the insurance company could use it against you regardless of your actual motivations.

How Local Vancouver Services Support You After an Accident

When an accident happens in Vancouver, several local agencies step in right away to protect your safety, document what occurred, and help you begin the recovery process. Understanding who responds and what role each service plays can make it easier to gather vital records and get the support you need.

Vancouver’s First Responders Are Responsible for Minimizing Damage

If you’ve been an unfortunate party to an accident, the Vancouver Police Department probably appeared at the scene first – if the incident occurred within city limits. Their job is essential in reducing confusion and documenting a traffic collision report.

To request a copy of your collision report, click here. If your accident took place outside city limits but within our county, the Clark County Sheriff’s Department is usually the first to respond with aid.

If you were involved in an accident on the interstates running through Vancouver, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) probably handled the first reports. The WSP also holds all police traffic collision reports in our state.

Emergency Services Handle Immediate Care

If you’ve been injured in an accident, the Vancouver Fire Department and Vancouver Emergency Medical Services are generally the first to aid injured victims. These are the first services to provide victims with immediate, and often life-saving, care.

Healthcare Providers in Vancouver Assist with Post-Accident Injuries

Victims with injuries that follow from car accidents in the Vancouver area are likely to be treated at either Vancouver PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center or Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. As you recuperate, it’s important to remember that you have rights and may even be entitled to compensation from the accident damages and your physical suffering.

Vancouver’s Emotional Support Services

When a loved one passes away in a car accident or you suffer injuries of any kind, it’s often necessary to seek out emotional support from professionals. While there’s no going back in time, with support, you can face the future with more resilience when surrounded by guidance. For grieving families, working with a grief support organization or therapist can make all the difference. Start here to learn more about grief support available in Vancouver.

The Court Systems in Vancouver Assist Victims with Legal Aspects

Minor legal matters, such as traffic citations or civil suits with small monetary amounts, are commonly handled by the Clark County District Court. For larger cases, usually involving felonies or civil cases with more money on the table, the Clark County Superior Court will likely get involved. Our highly skilled and established Vancouver personal injury attorneys are very familiar with these court systems.

For Vancouver Residents on Less Than Four Wheels…

In Vancouver and virtually everywhere, bicyclists and motorcyclists experience a higher risk of injury when on the roadways. Even so, it’s always important to stay safe and smart while traveling Washington’s roads. If you bike or motorcycle in our region, have a look at both WA Bikes and the Washington State Department of Licensing Motorcycle Safety Program.

Washington State Department of Transportation: Your Best Road Resource

When traveling in and around Vancouver, the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) is considered the gold standard for providing traffic and weather information that can help our state’s drivers. For a second source of fast and reliable driver information, consult the Washington State 511 phone system regarding weather, travel conditions, road construction, and more.

Additional Vancouver Resources That May Help After an Injury

Recovering from an accident often takes more than medical care and legal help. Many people also need support with transportation, crisis counseling, financial assistance, or day-to-day challenges. These Vancouver-area resources can make the process easier while you heal:

• C-TRAN transportation services. C-TRAN offers fixed-route buses and C-VAN paratransit rides for people who cannot drive due to injury.
• Clark County Public Health. The county provides community health programs, behavioral health referrals, and injury prevention information.
• Crisis and trauma counseling. Clark County offers 24/7 crisis support through its crisis line and behavioral health partners.
• Washington Crime Victims Compensation Program. The program may help cover medical bills, counseling, and lost wages if a crime caused injuries. Information and eligibility guidelines are available through the Washington Department of Labor & Industries Crime Victims Compensation Program.
• Free and low-cost clinics. Vancouver and Clark County offer medical and mental health care to residents facing financial hardship. A list of community clinics is available from Sea Mar Community Health Centers.
• Community support organizations. Faith-based groups, nonprofits, and volunteer networks often help with meals, transportation, and childcare. You can find countywide listings through the Clark County Community Resources Directory.

These programs can help ease pressure during recovery, and your legal team can help in connecting you with the right resources when needed.

How Do Personal Injury Attorneys (Vancouver) Guide You Through the Process?

Working with Vancouver personal injury attorneys should simplify your recovery, not add stress. Our role is to take the heavy lifting off your plate so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal details. To support you, we:

• Listen to your story,
• Explain your options,
• Handle paperwork and deadlines,
• Deal with the insurance company, and
• Prepare for trial when needed.

We help you understand your choices, protect your rights, and push for a fair outcome while you remain in control of the big decisions.

The Insurance Claims Process

While each accident case is different, usually everyone involved has to deal with an insurance claim at some point. Luckily, the Washington State Insurance Commissioner works to protect insurance consumers in Vancouver. Depending on the severity of your accident, you may be able to work directly with an insurance adjuster if the accident was minor. Still, you will want to seek out professional legal help when dealing with insurance companies in this capacity.

How Does Washington Law Handle Fault and Deadlines?

Washington follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. Even if you share some responsibility, you can still recover money as long as the other party also contributed to the accident. For example, if a jury decides your damages are $100,000 but finds you 20% at fault, your final award may be $80,000.

Washington also has strict time limits for filing lawsuits. In most personal injury cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death and many other injury claims follow this same three-year deadline. If you miss it, a court may dismiss your case, no matter how strong your injuries or evidence are. Calculating your exact deadline can be tricky. Consult with a Vancouver personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your rights by waiting too long.

Drunk-Driving Accidents: an Unfortunate Reality

In Vancouver, drunk driving is a serious problem, as it is in all parts of the state and country. Every day, we hear about heartbreaking drunk driving and drugged driving cases. For this reason, we respect the work that organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are doing to prevent these needless accidents. If you’d also like to support their efforts, check out their website here.

What Steps to Take After a Dog Attack

A dog attack holds the potential to lead to severe injuries, such as painful puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, broken bones, and permanent disfigurement. Although you may feel overwhelmed in the moments following a dog attack, there are a few steps to focus on to protect your safety and legal rights.

First, make every effort to identify the dog owner. If a dog runs loose through the neighborhood, the dog’s owner has failed to fulfill their duty to control the dog. If possible, obtain the dog owner’s name and contact information. Additionally, it would help if you asked for vaccination records for the animal.

Second, contact Animal Control to report the incident. All dog bites should be reported to the local animal control office for Clark County.

Next, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Although a dog bite may appear minor, dog bite injuries carry a high risk of infection. Therefore, seek medical attention and retain all paperwork related to the dog attack. Vancouver dog bite attorneys use this documentation to help you obtain the compensation you need.

Next, gather the available evidence. If possible, document facts surrounding the dog attack. For example, take photographs of the dog and the scene of the attack. If anyone witnessed the attack, get their name and contact information. Be sure to save any records from medical treatment that you received.

And then contact a Vancouver dog bite legal team. Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit for injuries after a dog attack may become complex quickly. Many who have experienced a dog attack understand that injuries may not always be physical but emotional. It’s crucial to recover just compensation for all the injuries suffered. Skilled Vancouver dog bite attorneys diligently advocate for you to focus on your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Your Vancouver Personal Injury Claim

Not Sure If You Can Handle Your Case on Your Own?

After an accident, it is normal to feel unsure about whether you should call a lawyer or try to manage things yourself. Insurance claims, medical bills, and paperwork can pile up quickly, and many people are surprised by how stressful the process can be. A quick conversation with a Vancouver personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and what steps to take next.

Why Work with Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner After an Injury?

Choosing a law firm is an important decision, especially when your health, job, and financial future are on the line. Our team brings real-world experience, deep legal knowledge, and a long history of helping Washington families rebuild after serious injuries. When you work with us, you get more than legal representation. You get a team that truly understands what you’re going through and fights for you every step of the way.

Here are a few reasons clients throughout Vancouver and Clark County trust us with their cases:

• We understand working families. Several of our attorneys come from blue-collar backgrounds and know what it means to live paycheck to paycheck. We understand how fast an accident can disrupt your life, and we take that impact seriously.
• We take time to explain your options. Many clients tell us they finally understand their rights for the first time after speaking with us. You should be in control of your case, and clear communication helps you make confident decisions.
• We have a long record of results. Our firm has secured multimillion-dollar recoveries in wrongful death, catastrophic injury, drunk-driving crashes, unsafe property conditions, and other serious cases across Washington. While past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, they show our commitment to building strong, well-supported claims.
• We bring a diverse set of strengths to your case. Our lawyers include former judges, military veterans, economists, advocates for vulnerable communities, and long-standing leaders in the Washington State Association for Justice. That broad experience helps us analyze cases from every angle.
• We care about the people behind each case. Whether you are struggling with pain, financial stress, or the loss of a loved one, we take the time to understand how this injury changed your life. Your story matters, and we work hard to honor it.

When you hire our team, you gain advocates who will stand with you, guide you through every step, and fight for the outcome you deserve. Let us support you through this challenging time.

Contact Our Vancouver Personal Injury Attorneys Today

After a car accident, you don’t want to be stuck carrying the burden of handling paperwork, financial issues, and insurance intimidation tactics while you physically and emotionally recover. Our proven Vancouver personal injury lawyers at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner PLLC know exactly what you are experiencing right now, and we want to help in any way we can. Contact us today and tell us about your case, so you don’t have to deal with this process alone.

Our office in Vancouver, WA

• Address: 4400 NE 77th Ave #275, Vancouver, WA 98662
• Open hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Phone number: 360-671-1000
• Map Directions