Car Accident Compensation in Washington | Guide 2026
By Sarah Chen, Legal Content EditorReviewed by James Patterson, JD
Published: May 8, 2026
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Start Free EvaluationWashington is an at-fault state with pure comparative negligence — like California and Arizona. You can recover even if you were mostly at fault. 3-year statute of limitations (RCW 4.16.080).
Pure Comparative Negligence
You always recover something. 70% your fault = 30% of your damages (RCW 4.22.005).
Statute of Limitations
- Personal injury: 3 years
- Property damage: 3 years
- Wrongful death: 3 years
- Government claims: 3 years with 60-day prior notice
Average Settlements
| Injury Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Soft tissue | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Moderate | $50,000 – $175,000 |
| Serious | $175,000 – $450,000 |
| Catastrophic | $450,000 – $5,000,000+ |
Insurance: 25/50/10
- $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury
- $10,000 property damage
Updated May 2026. Sources: RCW 4.22.005; RCW 4.16.080; Washington State Bar Association.
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