On Wednesday morning, a serious multi‑car crash on State Route 20 (SR 20) in downtown Burlington, Washingtonleft four people injured and closed the highway for several hours. If you or a loved one were affected by this collision, you may be dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost income, or uncertainty about your legal rights under Washington’s personal injury laws — including how to pursue compensation.
In this article, we explain what happened, how Washington law applies to crashes like this, and when it may make sense to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your options.
What Happened in the SR 20 Crash
According to emergency responders, the collision occurred around 1 a.m. on Wednesday near E. Fairhaven Avenue in Burlington. The road remained closed until just after 6 a.m. while crews from multiple agencies — including Burlington Fire, Mount Vernon Fire, Sedro‑Woolley Fire, and Skagit County Fire District 6 — worked to clear the scene and assist the injured.
At least two vehicles were visibly damaged at the scene, including a white SUV and a black car that appeared to crash through a fence on the opposite side of the roadway. Skagit County EMS confirmed that all four people involved were hospitalized: two were flown by LifeFlight to a trauma center, and two were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Understanding Your Rights After SR 20 Crash Injuries
Washington Is a Fault‑Based State for Car Accidents
Washington follows a fault‑based car insurance system, which means the driver who is legally responsible for causing the crash — and their insurance company — may be liable to compensate others who were injured. Under RCW 46.29and related statutes, injured parties can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future care costs
However, Washington also uses a comparative negligence rule. If you are found partly at fault for the crash, your total compensation may be reduced proportionally. For example, if you are 20 % at fault, your recovery could be reduced by 20 %.
What You Should Do After Being Injured in a Crash
If you were involved in the SR 20 crash or a similar collision, consider these steps:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if you feel “okay,” some injuries — especially soft tissue damage or internal trauma — may not show symptoms right away. Documenting your injuries promptly is important for both your health and your legal claim.
2. Preserve Evidence
Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, visible injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the crash. Collect insurance information from all drivers involved and contact information for witnesses.
3. Report the Collision
Washington law requires you to report accidents with injury or significant property damage to law enforcement. A police report can be crucial in establishing fault later.
4. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Report the crash to your insurance company, but be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Insurance adjusters often move quickly to minimize payouts. An experienced lawyer can analyze your case, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and help build a strong claim for compensation.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
At Blanford Law, we specialize in car accidents and serious injury claims in Washington. If you were hurt in the SR 20 crash or a similar collision, we can help you:
- Understand how Washington’s fault and comparative negligence laws affect your case
- Determine all available sources of compensation
- Gather and preserve critical evidence
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Take your case to court if needed
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253‑720‑9304 for guidance on your legal matter.
Additional Resources
- ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas… (Lawyer Edition)⚖️ – A holiday‑themed legal blog post illustrating the challenges of handling bail and criminal matters during the Christmas season.
https://blanfordlaw.com/christmas-bail-bonds-attorney/ Blanford Law - Before the Ball Drops: Legal Mistakes to Avoid on New Year’s Eve in Kittitas County – Practical advice on common legal pitfalls, especially DUI issues, to avoid while celebrating New Year’s Eve in Kittitas County.
https://blanfordlaw.com/new-years-eve-dui-kittitas-county/ Blanford Law - Injured in Yakima DUI Crash? Know Your Legal Rights – A breakdown of victims’ rights and legal options after a serious DUI crash in Yakima.
https://blanfordlaw.com/yakima-dui-crash-north-2nd-street/ Blanford Law - State v. Keele: Excluding Evidence and Sentencing Error in a Washington Unpublished Opinion – Analysis of an unpublished Court of Appeals decision addressing evidentiary exclusion and sentencing error.
https://blanfordlaw.com/washington-unpublished-opinion-keele/ Blanford Law - Understanding Alcohol Monitoring Requirements in Kittitas County Pretrial Release – Explains how alcohol monitoring conditions work in DUI and alcohol‑related pretrial release orders in Kittitas County.
https://blanfordlaw.com/alcohol-monitoring-requirement-kittitas/
