Brumback & Ottem Injury Law has guided Yakima Valley families through insurance minefields for decades. Union Gap car accident attorney Scott Brumback and veteran litigator Sidney Ottem know that a clear insurance statement often sets the tone for the entire claim. We have seen frightened crash victims regain confidence the moment they understand what to say and just as importantly, what to leave out.

Call (509) 457-7258 for a free, no-pressure consultation with Union Gap car accident attorneys Scott Brumback and Sidney Ottem, or send us a quick message and we’ll respond within the hour so you can focus on healing while we handle the insurance details.

Why an Accurate Accident Description Matters to Your Claim

A precise description protects the value of your case and speeds payment. Insurance adjusters compare every word you say with police reports, photos, and vehicle damage to assign fault percentages under Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule. Even a minor misstatement can cut compensation because any percentage of fault you shoulder reduces what the insurer must pay.

What Details Should You Include When Reporting the Crash?

Being methodical keeps your account consistent. Below is the core checklist we ask every client to follow before speaking to an adjuster.

Time and Location – State the exact date, time, and spot: “Monday, 7:45 a.m., northbound I-82 near milepost 36.”
Weather and Road Conditions – Note lighting, precipitation, surface, and visibility.
Direction and Speed of Vehicles – Mention travel direction and estimated speed only if you are sure; silence is wiser than a guess.
Vehicle Identification and Damage Points – Identify makes, models, license plates, and where each vehicle was struck.
People Involved – List drivers, passengers, and any witnesses with their contact information.
Observed Injuries – State what you felt or saw without speculating on severity. “I felt immediate neck stiffness.”

These facts form the backbone of an insurance narrative and reduce room for adjuster interpretation.

How to Explain What Happened – Stick to Straight Chronology

Plain chronology keeps the focus on facts. Begin just before impact, describe the collision, and finish with your immediate actions.

Example Statement

“I was driving west on Yakima Valley Highway at about 40 mph. A blue sedan facing east attempted a sudden left turn across my lane. I braked and sounded my horn but could not avoid a collision. My car came to rest on the shoulder, and I called 911.”

We coach clients to use “I saw,” “I heard,” or “I felt” so every sentence is anchored in personal observation. If you did not see something, simply say, “I don’t know.”

What You Should NOT Say to the Insurance Adjuster

Guarded language preserves your rights.

Do not admit fault or apologize. Washington adjusters may assign fault percentages based on casual remarks.
Do not speculate. Phrases like “Maybe I was distracted” invite blame.
Do not downplay injuries. Saying “I’m fine” before a full medical exam can undermine later treatment bills.
Do not agree to a recorded statement on the spot. You may politely ask to schedule it after consulting Union Gap auto collision lawyer Sidney Ottem.

These rules keep negotiations focused on evidence rather than off-hand comments.

Can Photos and Evidence Strengthen Your Description?

Pictures complement words. If it is safe, photograph vehicle positions, damage zones, skid marks, traffic signals, and weather conditions. A photo of the I-82 guardrail you struck is harder to dispute than a verbal account alone. Pair these images with the checklist above, and provide the file names to the adjuster so nothing is overlooked. Police reports, medical records, and witness notes round out a bullet-proof claim package.

Washington Laws and Local Insights – What Union Gap Drivers Need to Know

Washington requires drivers to file a Collision Report within four days if police do not attend and property damage exceeds $1,000 or anyone is injured. Meeting this deadline ensures the Department of Transportation records match your insurance account. Because our state follows pure comparative negligence (RCW 4.22.005), even one careless word implying fault can shrink recovery. Busy corridors like I-82 and US-97 see frequent collisions, so adjusters already know the traffic patterns. Identify the nearest exit or landmark to prevent the insurer from re-creating the scene inaccurately.

When Should You Bring a Lawyer Into the Conversation?

Timing affects leverage. Call Yakima County car accident lawyer Scott Brumback if:

Liability is disputed or multiple vehicles are involved.
You suffered significant injury or days of missed work.
An adjuster pressures you for a quick recorded statement or low settlement.

Our attorneys handle insurer communications daily with carriers such as State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive. We shield clients from leading questions and negotiate settlements backed by real evidence, not conjecture.

Free Consultation & Next Steps – We’re Ready to Help

Getting answers today costs nothing. The car accident attorneys at Brumback & Ottem Injury Law offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. No fees unless we secure compensation.

Call (509) 457-7258 or visit our Union Gap office anytime, 24/7. Focus on healing while we gather evidence, craft a precise accident narrative, and fight for every dollar you deserve.