Vehicle Accidents /

Uninsured / Underinsured Accidents

PACIFIC NORTHWEST UNINSURED MOTORIST ACCIDENT LAWYER

Car accidents are stressful enough without the added worry of an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you’ve been in a hit-and-run car crash or the driver didn’t have proper insurance, you’re not alone and you may be entitled to compensation.

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC (RHHK), our experienced uninsured motorist accident attorneys are here to support you through this challenging time. We are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of uninsured motorist claims and securing the compensation you deserve in the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, and beyond.

 

Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) are essential components of your auto insurance policy. These coverages protect you when the at-fault driver either doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient insurance to cover your damages.

Uninsured motorist coverage: This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance at all.

Underinsured motorist coverage: This coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver’s insurance limits are not enough to cover your losses.

It’s important to note that while UM and UIM coverage is required in some states, it may be optional in others. Consult your insurance policy to determine your level of coverage.

Being involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver can have severe financial consequences. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering can quickly pile up. The absence of adequate insurance coverage can create significant challenges in recovering from the accident.

 

Steps to Take After an Uninsured Motorist Accident

Report the Accident: Contact the police immediately and file a report. This creates an official record of the incident.

Seek Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Get medical attention
promptly, and keep detailed records of your medical expenses and treatments.

Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your auto insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Be cautious with the information you provide and avoid admitting fault.

Gather Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photos, witness statements, and a copy of the police report. You will want to bring this information with you to your consultation with your car accident lawyer.

 

Building Your Case in Washington State

Understanding the complexities of Washington state law is crucial when pursuing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the legal landscape and will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf.

Here’s a snapshot of what that looks like.

Investigation: Establishing fault is the first step in uninsured motorist claims. Our personal injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation, including examining the auto accident scene, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses.

Proving Liability: Proving the at-fault driver’s liability is essential. We will work diligently to demonstrate that the other driver was responsible for the accident, despite their lack of insurance.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our seasoned attorneys have vast experience negotiating with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

 

Common Issues in Uninsured Motorist Claims

Disputes Over Coverage: Insurance companies may dispute whether the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. We have the expertise to handle these disputes effectively.

Coverage Limits: The at-fault driver’s lack of insurance can lead to insufficient coverage for your damages. We will ensure your insurance policy’s UM/UIM benefits are maximized.

Medical Bills and Property Damage: Uninsured motorist accidents often result in significant
medical expenses and property damage. We will fight to get you compensated for these losses.

 

Seeking Compensation for Uninsured Motorist Accidents in Seattle & Portland

In most cases, if the at-fault driver is uninsured, you will rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage to seek compensation for your damages. If you do not have this coverage, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver might be necessary. However, if the driver lacks significant assets, securing fair compensation may require creative legal strategies such as setting up a payment plan or placing a lien on the driver’s assets.

 

Types of Compensation Available

You may have been treated in the hospital for serious injuries like broken bones, head, back, or neck injuries, and you may now be facing months of physical therapy or chiropractic care. Your injuries might have left you unable to work, making it difficult for your family to cover basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries.

The sudden financial burden, coupled with physical pain and emotional strain, can feel overwhelming. Filing a personal injury claim can help relieve some of the financial burden. You may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for medical bills related to the accident.

Lost Income: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work.

Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress.

Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

Future Expenses: Anticipated medical and rehabilitation costs.

 

Why Choose a Personal Injury Attorney at RHHK?

Experience and Expertise: With decades of experience handling personal injury and uninsured motorist claims, our attorneys have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these complex cases.

Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your needs and well-being, offering personalized attention and support throughout the legal process.

No Fees Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything until we secure compensation for you.

 

Contact RHHK’s Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in an uninsured motorist accident in the Pacific Northwest, don’t navigate this complex process alone. Contact the experienced team at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC for a free consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and guide you every step of the way.

Our law firm has over 60 years of experience managing wrongful death and personal injury cases arising from motor vehicle accidents caused by uninsured drivers across Washington State.

We are committed to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. With our proven track record and client-focused approach, you can trust us to handle your uninsured motorist claim with dedication and expertise.

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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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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.

$7.0 M
Client 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 car 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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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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