Tacoma Car Accident Attorneys
You Can Recover Compensation If You’re Injured In A Tacoma Auto Accident
No driver wants to have a car accident, yet these costly and stressful experiences make up the majority of personal injury claims in the United States. Since 1959, the personal injury attorneys of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC have fought for the rights of motorists and passengers injured in motor vehicle accidents throughout Washington.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, there are several issues that may prove essential to your claim for compensation. Our legal team has vast experience litigating auto accidents and managing related issues, such as:
- Liability
- Driver negligence
- Driver impairment (DUI)
- Defective cars or parts
- Dangerous road conditions
- Compensable damages
How Is Liability Established In A Car Accident?
Liability refers to the blame for an accident and the responsibility to pay the injured party an amount that compensates for the harm. Police, insurance adjusters, and accident reconstruction experts examine the scene of the accident, the wreckage, the injuries, and other physical and testimonial evidence to determine the party or parties who are responsible.
In a car accident case, Washington law recognizes comparative fault, so if the injured party was in any way to blame for the accident, any compensation is reduced in proportion to that degree of fault. If the court decides that an injured driver sustained $100,000 in damages, but was 20 percent at fault, the injured driver can only collect $80,000 from the defendant.
Driver Negligence and Impairment Are Prime Causes of Car Accidents in Tacoma
Drivers must use reasonable care to avoid collisions; failure to do so means the driver acted negligently. Drivers who operate their cars in an unsafe manner, with a willful and wanton disregard for safety, are said to be reckless. Whether a driver is negligent or reckless, they are liable if they cause a traffic accident.
Driver impairment affects judgment and performance. The most common impairment is driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, which is a criminal offense. DUI may involve prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs or illegal drugs. Drunk driving accidents also result in criminal charges, especially when there has been property damage, injury or loss of life.
How Defective Auto Parts and Unsafe Roads Cause Accidents
Sometimes a defective car part triggers a car crash. A person who is injured because of defective steering, brakes, tires or other equipment can sue the manufacturer or supplier under the theory of strict liability.
Improperly designed or maintained roads and traffic control signals can also lead to accidents. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, are Tacoma car accident lawyers with years of experience handling cases against governmental entities for improper highway design and maintenance. If you need legal advice or would like us to help you get fair compensation, start your car accident claim by getting a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
Fueled by Getting You the Compensation You Deserve
There are many types of damages that may be awarded, including compensation for the following:
- Current and future lost income
- Current and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Spine Injuries
- Brain Injuries
- Disfigurement and other serious injuries
- Emotional distress
- Loss of opportunity to enjoy life
- Wrongful death
Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand your rights and explain the losses that are compensable, then help you fight for a favorable outcome. The right legal representation can help you navigate the complex legal system, insurance claims, medical expenses, and set your personal injury lawsuit up for success.
60 Years of Being a Different Kind of Law Firm
For more than six decades, RHHK has been guided by one singular focus: pursuing justice. And we’re not only justice-minded—we’re compassionate. Car accident victims come to us having suffered a profound loss. It’s our privilege and our duty to seek justice—and compensation—for them.
Contact an established, resourceful Tacoma lawyer for your auto accident case. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has vast experience managing wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from car accidents in Washington State. For a free consultation, call us at 253-364-4966 or contact our Tacoma office online. You pay nothing unless you obtain compensation for your losses.
Get Started
Do you have a case?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.
Do I need a lawyer to file a personal injury lawsuit?
It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.
What is the statute of limitations in Washington for personal injury?
A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?
The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.
How do I file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington state?
At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.
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