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4701 S 19th Street, Suite 300 | Tacoma, WA 98405
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Home / Practice Areas / Car 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.

Are You a Victim of the MultiCare-Good Samaritan Hospital Hepatitis C Exposure?
Our firm is actively taking on representation of clients who were patients at MultieCare-Good Samaritan Hospital and were exposed to Hepatitis C and perhaps other diseases. We are investigating the actions of MultiCare and its employees as well as the MultiCare system itself that led to this crisis occurring.

If you have information about this incident, or previous incidences of MultiCare employees misusing narcotic medications intended for patients, or if you have legal questions about this matter and your rights, our lawyers are available to assist you at 253-383-5388.
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Case Results

  • "Client was disabled from working in prior profession after sustaining a severe closed head injury and brain trauma in an automobile accident on Interstate 5. $7,845,000. "

  • "Pedestrian client was struck by semi-truck, and the trailer wheels rolled over client’s body causing severe injury. $1,145,000. "

  • "Client was involved in a head-on collision when a bus crossed the center line. Client suffered a severe closed head injury preventing him from returning to his previous employment. $884,998. "

  • "Client was involved in serious head-on collision with uninsured motorist while on-the-job, resulting in physical injury and posttraumatic stress disorder. Client can no longer work as a commercial truck driver. $708,000. "

  • "Client was a rear seat passenger in a vehicle that was involved in an automobile accident. Client was severely injured as the result of a defective seatbelt, while the other three occupants of the vehicle sustained only minor injuries. $650,000. "

  • "Client was killed in automobile accident caused by defendant’s failure to yield the right-of-way. $650,000. "

  • "Minor client was on his way to school and was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Defendant driver had pulled into oncoming lane to pass another vehicle and struck client, causing serious injuries. $500,000. "

  • "Client was killed as a result of an in-cab fuel tank, which caught fire after an automobile accident. $350,000. "

  • "Client riding a bicycle was struck by a motorist who failed to yield the right-of-way. Client sustained numerous injuries, including a closed head injury. $120,000. "

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Testimonials

  • "I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels. Thanks."

  • "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."

  • "Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case. "

  • "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. "

  • "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. "

  • "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. "

  • "The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal. "

  • "Molly Crowley is a very professional and knowledgeable lawyer. I felt I was very well represented!! "

  • "Molly Crowley was knowledgeable, kept me informed every step of the way and just did a great job! "

  • "We got a fair settlement and were treated with respect and dignity throughout the whole process. -Blake W. "

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