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Home / Practice Areas / Uninsured / Underinsured Accidents
Uninsured / Underinsured Accidents

Tacoma Attorneys Manage Uninsured and Underinsured Accident Claims

Decisive strategies to combat the rise in uninsured drivers

Anyone who owns or operates a motor vehicle is required to carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, a large percentage of motorists in Washington and nationwide forego this responsibility. If you wind up in a car accident caused by an uninsured motorist, you may face significant hurdles in obtaining the compensation to which you’re entitled. Since 1959, attorneys at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler have helped injured parties collect on claims involving uninsured motorists. Our devoted legal team has the resources to implement effective strategies for recovering full compensation when the negligent party is uninsured or underinsured.

Why have uninsured motorists been on the rise in Washington?

Recent estimates place the share of uninsured motorists in Washington at 16 percent. This means that if you get into an accident in Washington, your chances are one in six that the other driver will not have insurance. There are many factors that contribute to uninsured driving in Washington and throughout the country, most notably:

  • Insufficient income — The economy has forced many Washingtonians to make choices among essential expenditures. Many drivers are simply choosing to roll the dice and hope they don’t have an accident.
  • Sky-high premiums — Drivers with spotty driving records, especially those that include recent DUIs, face very high premiums.
  • Suspended or revoked licenses — Insurance companies will not issue policies to unlicensed drivers.

These realities make it even more important for you to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your auto policy.

What is the statutory minimum of insurance coverage in Washington?

Drivers in Washington must have an auto insurance policy with limits of at least:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury or death coverage for one person in any one accident
  • $50,000 of bodily injury or death coverage for two people in any one accident
  • $10,000 of injury or destruction coverage for others’ property in any one accident

Yet, these limits would not compensate the victim of a catastrophic car accident. Imagine the medical bills for a traumatic brain injury or severe spinal injury. If a negligent motorist is only carrying the mandatory minimum, the victim will have to seek sources other than that insurance policy to realize full compensation.

Ask an experienced Tacoma car accident attorney about claims against uninsured drivers

If you’ve been injured by an uninsured driver, you can still recover damages. Our skilled personal injury lawyers at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler take the necessary steps to secure full compensation for your losses. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation, call us at 253-383-5388 or contact our office online.

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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