Yakima Personal Injury Attorneys
Yakima Car
Accident Lawyers
When insurance companies offer pennies on the dollar, we step in. We turned a $410,000 offer into a $4.4 million recovery. That’s the Valero difference.
“Valero Law has the most knowledgeable and supportive staff that helped me through my accident journey. I cannot say enough about Attorney Kyle Valero and Eric Sapir! Would give a 10/10 if I could!”
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The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
After a crash on I-82, Nob Hill Boulevard, or Yakima Avenue, the at-fault driver’s insurer has one goal: pay you as little as possible. They may seem friendly on the phone — but every question is designed to shrink your settlement.
A Yakima car accident lawyer levels the playing field. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and the pain this crash has caused. Call our injury attorneys today — your first consultation is free.
$410,000 Offer. $4.4 Million Recovery.
A client came to us after the insurance company offered $410,000. Most people would have taken it. We didn’t. We took the case all the way — and recovered $4.4 million. That’s the difference an experienced Yakima car accident lawyer makes.
$4.4M
Car crash — neck injury
The insurer’s prior best offer was just $410,000. We did not settle. We recovered $4.4 million.
$5M
Auto accident
Brachial plexus injury in a motor-vehicle collision.
$3M
Auto accident
Back and neck injury settlement.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
What to Do After a Car Accident
What you do in the hours and days after a crash can make or break your claim. Here’s how to protect your health — and your case.
Call 911 and get checked out
Report the crash and see a doctor even if you feel okay — whiplash and soft-tissue injuries often surface days later.
Document the scene
Photos of the vehicles, the road, and your injuries, plus witness names and the police report number.
Don’t talk to the other insurer
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is not on your side. Anything you say can be used to cut your payout.
Call Valero
We handle the investigation, the paperwork, and the negotiations — and we can come to your home or hospital.
Common Car Accident Injuries We Handle
Car accidents are one of Washington’s leading causes of death and disability. In Yakima, the most serious collisions tend to happen on high-speed corridors like I-82, US-12, and US-97 — but even a low-speed crash in a parking lot can cause lasting harm.
Head & Brain Trauma
Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries can occur even in moderate crashes — and often lead to long-term cognitive challenges.
Neck & Back Injuries
Whiplash, herniated discs, and soft-tissue strains are common in rear-end collisions and can require months of ongoing treatment.
Broken Bones
Almost any bone can fracture on impact. Serious breaks may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Damage to internal organs is not always obvious right away, but it can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Spinal Cord Damage
High-impact crashes can injure the spinal cord, sometimes causing partial or permanent loss of mobility.
Lacerations & Scarring
Cuts and muscle tears from shattered glass and debris range widely in severity and can leave permanent scars.
No matter how minor your injuries seem at first, see a doctor and document everything. Some of the most serious conditions — like internal bleeding or a brain injury — don’t show symptoms until days later.
Who Pays — and How Much
Washington is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the crash (and their insurer) is responsible for your damages. Under RCW 46.29.090, drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in injury liability and $10,000 in property damage — but serious injuries routinely cost far more than those minimums.
Washington also follows pure comparative fault under RCW 4.22.005: your own share of the blame reduces your award proportionately, but it does not bar recovery. There is no percentage cutoff that shuts you out. We still make sure the insurer doesn’t pin more of the blame on you than you deserve.
Crashes involving an Uber or Lyft work differently — how much rideshare coverage applies depends on whether the driver was logged in, en route to a rider, or carrying a passenger. If a rideshare vehicle was involved, see our Yakima Uber & Lyft accident page.
Were you hit from behind? Fault in those crashes has its own rules — and its own defenses. See our dedicated Yakima rear-end car accident page.
Uninsured / Underinsured?
A significant share of drivers on Washington roads carry no insurance at all, and many more carry only the state minimum. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own UM/UIM coverage — and any personal injury protection (PIP) your insurer was required to offer you under RCW 48.22.085 — may pay for your injuries. We review every policy that could apply to your crash so no coverage is left on the table.
How Fault Is Determined in a Washington Crash
Washington uses a fault-based system: the driver who caused the crash must pay for the injured party’s losses. Fault comes down to negligence — when a driver fails to use the reasonable care every motorist owes others on the road.
If police cited the at-fault driver, that ticket can establish negligence per se — meaning the violation itself is evidence of careless driving. We dig into the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence to prove exactly who was responsible.
Common Ways Drivers Cause Crashes
- Distracted driving — texting, phone calls, or eating behind the wheel
- Speeding or driving too fast for road and weather conditions
- Running red lights, stop signs, or other traffic violations
- Failing to watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists
- Reckless or aggressive driving
- Neglected vehicle maintenance — worn brakes or bald tires
More than one party can share the blame — another driver, an employer (if the driver was working), or a vehicle owner who negligently handed the keys to someone they knew was unlicensed, impaired, or otherwise unfit to drive. Each at-fault party is responsible for its share, and we pursue every one of them.
Compensation After a Car Accident
A serious crash brings bills that don’t stop just because you can’t work. Washington law lets injured drivers and passengers recover two kinds of damages.
Economic Damages
Calculable, out-of-pocket losses you can prove with bills and records.
- Emergency care, surgery, and hospital bills
- Ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
The human cost of your injuries — subjective, but very real.
- Pain and physical suffering
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Lost future enjoyment of life
Why Injured Drivers Choose Valero Law Group
We Turn Lowball Offers Around
A $410K offer became a $4.4M recovery. We don’t let insurers undervalue your claim.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing up front. We only get paid when we recover money for you.
We Speak Spanish
Hablamos Español. You’ll always understand your case and your options.
Available 24/7
Day or night, a real person is here when you or your family need help.
We Come to You
Injured and can’t travel? We’ll meet you at home or in the hospital.
$500M+ Recovered
Over 20 years fighting for the injured, including one of the largest PI settlements in the firm’s history.
See What Our Clients Are Saying...
“The first time I came into the office they welcomed me like I was family, and made sure to go over the whole process slowly and with great detail. My experience with this law firm was truly incredible and I can guarantee any client who decides to hire them will see exactly what I experienced.”
Jacob D.
Auto Accident
“Valero injury law firm made me feel comfortable like family and answered my questions no matter how small. They are completely committed to making sure you are taken care of. They are honest, they communicate with you, and they treat you like family.”
Elizabeth M.
Auto Accident
“After searching for an attorney, they truly were the only ones that looked at me as a person not just an easy case. Any question, no matter how small was answered. Any missed call was quickly returned. Even though they have many clients I never felt like I was not a priority.”
Nathan J.
Personal Injury
Serving Drivers Across Yakima & Yakima Valley
From I-82 and US-12 to Yakima Avenue, Nob Hill Boulevard, Summitview Avenue, and Fruitvale Boulevard, we know Yakima’s busiest — and most dangerous — roads. We help injured drivers and passengers across Yakima County, including Union Gap, Selah, Terrace Heights, Moxee, Wapato, Toppenish, Sunnyside, Zillah, and Naches.
24/7 Line
(800) 985-9565Car Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Washington?
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Can I still recover if the accident was partly my fault?
How much is my Yakima car accident case worth?
What is the minimum car insurance required in Washington?
What does a car accident lawyer cost?
Sources: RCW 4.16.080(2) (3-year personal-injury deadline) · RCW 46.29.090 (minimum insurance) · RCW 4.22.005 (pure comparative fault).
Injured in a Crash? Let’s Talk Today.
A skilled Yakima car accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company — and go to court if that’s what it takes to get you full value. Your first consultation is free. Call now: there are legal deadlines.
This page provides general information about Washington car accident law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. For advice about your specific situation, speak with a licensed attorney.