Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know before, during, and after your claim.
Answers to Common Legal Questions
At Galileo Law, PLLC, we understand that facing the aftermath of an accident or dealing with insurance disputes can be overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating a serious injury claim, a diminished value dispute, or questions about how insurance companies handle your case, you likely have many concerns and uncertainties. Our goal with this FAQ section is to provide clear, straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often — so you feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
We represent real people facing real challenges and believe that knowledge is a key part of your recovery and decision-making process. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for here, our team is always ready to talk with you one-on-one and provide personalized guidance.
You’re already in shock from the crash. You’re already reeling from feeling invisible. And now you’re confronted with someone who isn’t just inconsiderate — they’re unpredictable. Your heart might start hammering, your hands might start shaking, and your mind races: “How bad is this going to get? Am I in danger?”
You don’t have to fix that situation yourself. And you shouldn’t.
Stay safe and don’t push it. Drivers who refuse to share insurance are often uninsured, uninsured-and-angry, impaired, panicked, or hiding something. None of those situations call for confrontation. Don’t follow them, don’t argue, and don’t step into traffic trying to force the issue.
Call the police immediately. Washington law requires drivers to exchange information after a collision. When someone refuses, the police can document the crash, collect their info, and create an official report. That protects you and keeps the record clean.
If they drive away, try to get the license plate safely and note the car’s make, model, and color. Then wait somewhere visible and well-lit until police arrive.
And this is exactly why Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage matters. When the other driver disappears, refuses to cooperate, or turns out to be uninsured, UM/UIM steps in to protect you — your medical bills, your car, and your future.
You don’t have to chase anyone down or put yourself in danger.
Your job is to stay safe. My job is to handle everything that comes next.
Most people expect a lawyer to give them a long checklist here. But the truth is simple: I don’t need you to be perfect at the scene of a crash. Real people react in real ways. Some take photos. Some forget. Some shake. Some sit on the curb and cry. All of those responses are human. All of them are okay.
I’m a trial lawyer; I tell your story to the jury. I don’t need you to perform at the scene — I just need you to be honest about what happened. If you tell me the truth, I can make sure it lands where it matters: on the hearts of the twelve people in the box.
There’s really only one useful tip I can give you for the moment itself:
If the police don’t come, get the same information they ask every driver for — license, registration, and proof of insurance.
If you forget, if you only get part of it, or if you were too shaken to function, we can still work with that later.
What actually matters is that you get through the moment safely. A crash throws your body into shock. Your brain goes foggy. You’re not supposed to perform like a claims adjuster at the scene of your own trauma. You don’t ruin your case by being human.
So what should you do?
Take care of yourself.
Catch your breath.
Go home and rest.
We can handle whatever comes next.