Vehicle Accidents /

Causes of Accidents

Tacoma Attorneys Offer Advice on How to Stay Safe

Establishing the cause of an accident is essential if a victim wants to obtain compensation. But what’s even more important is for drivers to be mindful of conditions or behaviors that lead to accidents, and to take prudent steps to avoid them.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, our personal injury lawyers dedicate our efforts to recovering damages for our injured clients. We’d like you to put your best efforts toward avoiding traffic accidents whenever possible.

What Are the Leading Causes of Vehicle Accidents in the Tacoma Area?

Safe driving requires concentration, forethought, patience and skills honed over time. Here are some of the top reasons that accidents occur:

Aggressive Driving

A driver’s attitude toward safety is an important factor when it comes to avoiding accidents. Anger and stubborn resentment can lead to unsafe practices, including speeding, failure to yield and tailgating.

Alcohol or Drug Impairment

Driving under the influence is illegal, and impaired driving can cause serious crashes and injuries. If you have been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, our drunk driving accident attorneys can help you understand your legal options.

Animals

When animals cross or get loose on the road, chaos can ensue. Drivers may have little time to react when an animal suddenly enters the roadway, creating a risk of a collision.

Defective Auto Parts

Faulty brakes, stuck accelerator pedals and blown-out tires can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle. When a defective vehicle component contributes to an accident, the circumstances may also raise questions about potential product liability claims.

Distraction

Taking your eyes off the road for any reason can increase the risk of a crash. Cell phone use is one common source of driver distraction.

If you have been injured because another driver was distracted, learn more about distracted driving accidents.

Fatigue

Fatigue can significantly impair a driver’s ability to remain alert and respond to changing conditions on the road. This can be particularly important in accidents involving commercial drivers, who may be subject to federal hours of service requirements.

Inattentiveness

Distracted driving means focusing on something other than driving, but inattentiveness is the failure to concentrate on the basic tasks associated with driving, such as checking one’s mirrors and blind spot and signaling before making a lane change.

Road Conditions

Ruts, potholes and broken surfaces are a few of the hazards drivers can experience when roads are not properly maintained. Poor drainage, insufficient lighting, improper grading and sharp turns may also contribute to dangerous roadway conditions.

When an accident may have been caused by the condition or design of a roadway, the circumstances may require investigation into whether another party could be responsible.

Speeding

Traveling above the posted speed limit can increase the risk and severity of an accident. Speeding reduces the amount of time a driver has to react to something unexpected on the road ahead and can make it more difficult to stop or perform an evasive maneuver.

Weather

Rain, snow and fog can hamper visibility, while ice or standing water can make a vehicle more difficult to stop or control. Drivers should adjust their speed and driving behavior to changing weather and road conditions.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Even when you take reasonable precautions, you cannot control the actions of every driver on the road. If you are involved in a crash, taking appropriate steps afterward can help protect your health and preserve important evidence.

Seek medical attention if you are injured, report the accident when appropriate, document the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and keep records related to your injuries and expenses.

For a more detailed checklist, see our guide on what to do after a car accident.

You can also learn more about Washington State car accident laws and the legal issues that may affect your claim.

See an Experienced Tacoma Auto Accident Attorney About Your Personal Injury Claim

Understanding what causes traffic accidents is the first step toward preventing them. But if you’ve been injured in an accident, speak to a skilled car accident lawyer at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC.

To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation, call us at 253-383-5388 or contact our office online.

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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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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.

$7.0 M
Client was involved in a worksite accident where he was exposed to ammonia gas by a trucking company that wrongfully released the gas. Client suffered injuries to both eyes, reactive airway disease, significant PTSD and severe depression preventing client from returning to his previous employment.
$1.9 M
Client was the victim of medical malpractice when the emergency room failed to diagnose a bowel obstruction, resulting in severe intestine injury and a colostomy.
$1.3 M
Client was bitten by a dog and suffered C-Diff infection and multiple hospitalizations.
$1.2 M
Client was the victim of a defective product when the coupler unit between his tractor and trailer failed, causing his arm to be crushed.
$1.2 M
Client was involved in a traumatic motorcycle accident. Client underwent multiple surgeries for comminuted fractures of his tibia and fibula resulting in limitations to his ability to work.
$1.05 M
Client was involved in a high speed collision on Interstate 5 when a driver of a Box Truck fell asleep and crossed over several lanes pushing her vehicle over an embankment. Client sustained traumatic brain bleed, fractured shoulder, hip and knees requiring over three months of intensive care and hospital admission
$920,000
Client was involved in a truck accident that caused his wrongful death. He was crushed when the truck hit him from behind as he was unloading items from his vehicle.
$875,000
Client was a pedestrian and was struck by a distracted driver while crossing in a crosswalk. Client was transported to the hospital but unfortunately died as a result of the injuries.
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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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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