Vehicle Accidents /

Car Accidents

Tacoma Car Accident Attorneys

HOW 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 automobile 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

 

LIABILITY: ESTABLISHING WHO IS AT FAULT FOR YOUR 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 investigators 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.

Washington law recognizes contributory 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: 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 and are liable if they cause traffic accidents.

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.

 

STRICT LIABILITY: HOW DEFECTIVE AUTO PARTS AND UNSAFE ROADS CAUSE ACCIDENTS

Sometimes a defective car part triggers an accident. 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, located in Tacoma, has experience handling cases against governmental entities for improper highway design and maintenance.

 

DAMAGES: MEASURING HOW MUCH A VICTIM CAN RECOVER

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
  • Disfigurement
  • 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.

 

Contact an established, resourceful Tacoma lawyer for your auto accident case

Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has vast experience managing personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from car accidents in Washington State. For a free consultation, call us at 253-383-5388 or contact our Tacoma office online. You pay nothing unless you obtain compensation for your losses.

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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.

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Results
Our Results

The Proof

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Winning is when clients get the closure and compensation they deserve. We haven’t settled for less in the last sixty plus years. And we won’t for the next sixty.

$972,807
Client was involved in a rear end car accident and a herniated neck injury that required multiple surgeries. After settling with the insurance company for the responsible driver she recovered her $500,000 UIM benefit from her own insurance company.
$748,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway resulting in multiple injuries to client’s shoulder, neck, and wrist requiring multiple surgeries.
$600,000
As the result of a head on car accident, client suffered neck injury and underwent surgery.
$525,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway. He sustained a traumatic brain injury that significantly interfered with his ability to be employed.
$437,952
Client was involved in a car accident on the freeway which forced her vehicle off the road and into the shoulder. She suffered a closed head injury.
$300,000
Client was involved in a car accident where she was struck from the rear by a large van. Client suffered a neck injury which required surgery.
$275,000
Client involved in a car accident where another driver failed to yield the right of way and pulled in front of him at an intersection. Client suffered injuries to his neck and back.
$150,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident resulting in a shoulder injury. Obtained insurance policy limits from all insurance carriers.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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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3,000+
Success Stories

The change you want to see happens when your story goes beyond the courtroom and makes an impact after the case is closed.

  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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