FastCounsel

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Detailed Answer

In a Washington personal injury case, you can recover reasonable travel expenses for medical appointments as part of your special damages. The key steps are:

1. Identify Eligible Expenses
   Include mileage, parking fees, tolls, public transit fares and other out-of-pocket costs necessary to attend doctor visits related to your injury.
2. Track Mileage and Maintain Records
   Keep a contemporaneous mileage log showing dates, starting point, destination, purpose of each trip and round-trip miles. Washington courts generally allow recovery at the IRS standard mileage rate.
3. Collect Receipts
   Save all receipts for parking, tolls, public transit and other travel costs. Make legible copies and organize them by date.
4. Calculate Your Total
   Multiply total miles by the IRS rate, then add any tolls, parking or transit fares. Present a clear summary sheet alongside your log.
5. Include in Your Demand Package
   When you submit a demand letter or settlement statement to the insurer, attach: your mileage log, receipts, summary sheet and relevant medical bills. Label this as part of your special damages under RCW 4.56.110.
6. Negotiate with the Insurer
   Insurers often review travel expenses closely. Be prepared to explain any unusual trips or distances and provide supporting documentation.
7. File in Court, if Necessary
   If negotiations fail, include your travel expenses in the complaint as part of your damages claim. At trial, present your log, receipts and summary. After judgment, you may also submit a bill of costs under Washington Court Rule 54(d) for any unrecovered fees.

Helpful Hints

• Start your mileage log immediately after the accident to ensure accuracy.
• Use a dedicated notebook or a mobile app to track trips in real time.
• Photograph parking receipts and toll tickets in case originals get lost.
• Show only trips directly related to medical care—routine travel unrelated to treatment may be disallowed.
• Review your insurer’s guidelines; some carriers cap reimbursement rates.
• If you face disputes, ask your attorney to file a motion to compel production of insurer guidelines or to tax costs.
• Keep backups of all records for at least six years, matching Washington’s statute of limitations for contract claims (RCW 4.16.040).