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 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:
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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.
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.
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, located in Tacoma, has experience handling cases against governmental entities for improper highway design and maintenance.
There are many types of damages that may be awarded, including compensation for the following:
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Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you understand your rights and explain the losses that are compensable, then help you fight for a favorable outcome.
Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler 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.