Vehicle Accidents /

Road Design Maintenance

Millions of people drive the streets and highways of Washington State every year trusting that the government has properly designed and maintained those roadways for safe use. However, not all roadways are in good condition, and preventable personal injury can occur when drivers encounter unexpected hazards. Safe design requires that road users must have sufficient time to be able to see, process and react to roadway conditions. Highway design and maintenance problems that can cause serious automobile accidents include:

Lack of proper signage regarding safe speed, approaching curves or approaching hazards
Defective or inadequate traffic controls, such as stoplights, stop signs, or lane or road edge striping
Lack of proper guardrails
Visual impediments along the roadway such as bushes or trees that were not adequately cleared during construction or trimmed as they grew
Road shoulder drop-off that prevents drivers who have left the roadway from safely re-entering
Excessive oil or gravel due to resurfacing or road maintenance procedures
Failure to alert drivers of road damage or other dangers caused by potholes, water pooling or ongoing construction

If you are involved in a car accident that may be caused by poor highway design or maintenance, obtaining adequate compensation can involve complex litigation. In most circumstances, expert witnesses with backgrounds in highway design and safety must be hired to analyze your claim. You most likely will have to bring a claim against the State, a county or a city for its negligence. While the general rule of law is that roadways must be maintained in a safe condition for the users of the roadway, there is room for interpretation as to what this requires. In all likelihood, the government will deny liability for your damages and require that you prove the reasons supporting legal fault.

When you are trying to prove a claim against any government entity, having experienced legal counsel will make a tremendous difference in the outcome of your case. The attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, understand how to prepare claims involving highway design and maintenance. Our lawyers are familiar with the depth of investigation and research necessary to prove negligence, and we work closely with respected expert witnesses who can provide relevant technical testimony where appropriate.

When an accident occurs as a result of poor highway design or maintenance, contacting a knowledgeable attorney quickly is important. The government will act quickly in order to protect its interest, and so should you. There are claim filing requirements and statutes of limitation that can impact your ability to file claims at a later date, so legal action must be taken promptly in order to receive any financial compensation.

If you suffered serious injuries after an accident resulting from poor highway conditions, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC now at (253) 383-5388 or click here to submit a FREE case review. Let our experience work for you.

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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.

$250,000

Client was a pedestrian who crossed at an unmarked crosswalk and was hit by a motorist. We pursued a claim against the City of Tacoma for negligent roadway design. Client sustained traumatic brain injury.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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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