Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re facing unexpected challenges, you need a strong advocate on your side. That's where Lehmbecker Law comes in. Our dedicated team of Tacoma personal injury lawyers is committed to fighting for the rights of accident victims and helping them secure fair compensation.

Lehmbecker Law: Your Trusted Partner After a Tacoma Car Crash

We're not just another law firm; we're part of the fabric of Washington State. For over 36 years, we've been serving our community, building a reputation for integrity, compassion, and results.

At Lehmbecker Law, we are dedicated to helping our neighbors achieve justice. When our seasoned car accident attorneys take on your case, you’ll benefit from our deep knowledge of Washington laws and our unique insights into the tactics insurance companies often use to minimize payouts. With our team fighting for you, you can rest assured that your car accident case is in capable hands.

Car Accident Statistics in Washington State and Tacoma: A Frightening Reality

The roads of Washington have become increasingly dangerous in recent years. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports a disturbing trend: Traffic fatalities in the state have nearly doubled, climbing from 462 in 2014 to a staggering 810 in 2023.

Tacoma has not been spared from this troubling surge. Despite focused efforts by city officials to enhance traffic safety, the situation has worsened. In 2023, Tacoma witnessed 35 fatal crashes resulting in 44 deaths — the highest toll since 2015. These stark statistics highlight the profound suffering of car accident victims and their loved ones.

Main Causes of Car Accidents in Washington State

Many collisions in Washington are caused when drivers choose to engage in unsafe practices.

Distracted Driving

Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road can have devastating consequences. With the rise of smartphones, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in Tacoma and nationwide.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major risk factor for accidents. Drunk driving remains a serious problem, and Lehmbecker Law is committed to holding impaired drivers accountable for their actions.

Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards. Speeding drivers can cause devastating pedestrian collisions, bicycle crashes, and motorcycle accidents.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers other road users. Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and other aggressive behaviors increase the likelihood of collisions.

Common Types of Car Accidents in Washington State

Washington streets and highways are the scenes of many types of accidents, each with its own set of challenges and potential for devastating consequences:

• Rear-end collisions
• Head-on collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Sideswipe accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents

Some accidents aren’t caused by anyone behind the wheel. For example, brake failures and tire blowouts may be the result of faulty manufacturing processes.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Tacoma, WA

The moments after a car accident can be chaotic and confusing. You can be prepared by knowing what steps to take to protect your future legal rights.

Check for Injuries

Your safety and the well-being of others involved in the accident are paramount. Seek medical attention immediately if anyone is injured, even if the injuries don’t seem serious. Sometimes, medical issues may not be immediately apparent.

Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, it's crucial to file a police report. This report will serve as an official record of the accident and can be valuable evidence in your case.

Exchange Information

Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. Witness statements can be helpful for determining fault and proving your case.

Take Photos

If it's safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, any visible injuries, and nearby traffic signs or signals. These photographs can be valuable evidence, especially if the other driver disputes your version of events.

Don't Admit Fault

Even if you think you might be partially responsible for the accident, don't admit fault to anyone at the scene. Let the investigators determine who was at fault. Anything you say can be used against you later in the legal process.

Contact a Washington State Car Accident Attorney

Don't try to handle an auto accident case on your own. As soon as possible after the accident, reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can look out for your rights, handle legal documents, and work toward the compensation you deserve.

How to Get Compensation After a Car Accident in Tacoma, WA

There are two main paths to compensation for car accident injuries: insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.

Insurance Claims

Most car accident victims in Washington start by filing a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company.

Unfortunately, insurance companies are notorious for trying to minimize payouts. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom lines, not your best interests. Insurance adjusters may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement. When that happens, it helps to have the support of a car accident attorney.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

While insurance claims are often the most practical route to compensation, your car accident lawyer might also recommend filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This option allows you to seek fair compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted your life. A successful personal injury lawsuit could lead to higher awards for damages.

Our Tacoma car accident attorneys can explain the benefits and drawbacks of insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits, helping you make an informed decision. We have a proven track record of negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, litigating in court to secure full compensation for our clients.

In Washington State, Can I Get Compensation If I'm Partially at Fault for a Car Accident?

Yes, even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means that your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, suppose that your car accident lawyer estimates your total losses to equal $100,000. However, you made a minor mistake that contributed to the accident, and your share of fault is determined to be 20%. In this case, $80,000 would be fair compensation.

How Can I Get Compensation If the Other Driver Doesn't Have Insurance?

If the other driver doesn't have insurance, your most reliable route to compensation is through your own insurance policy.

In Washington State, you can purchase optional collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It’s a good idea to include both of these in your policy. Collision coverage pays for your vehicle repairs, but it won’t extend to other losses like medical bills. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will offer more extensive benefits after a collision with an uninsured driver.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Car Crash in Tacoma?

Liability in a Tacoma car accident can fall on various parties:

• Drivers: The most common scenario is that a driver who acted negligently or violated traffic laws is held responsible.
• Vehicle manufacturers: If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
• Government entities: In some cases, such as if poorly maintained roads or faulty traffic signals played a role, government entities could be held responsible.

Some cases involve multiple parties who share liability. At Lehmbecker Law, we’re ready to take on even these complex cases, relentlessly pursuing every individual or organization who contributed to your injuries.

A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Recover Your Full Losses After a Car Crash in Tacoma

A skilled Tacoma car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for a wide range of losses:

• Medical expenses: The other driver should cover your past and future medical bills, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments.
• Lost wages: We’ll pursue the income you lost due to the accident, including both past and future lost wages.
• Pain and suffering: Car accident victims often suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, and we'll make sure these intangible losses are considered in your claim.
• Property damage: You should be made whole, including the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Other losses: Some victims may be eligible to recover compensation for other losses, such as loss of consortium, disfigurement, and disability.

The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, the impact the accident has had on your life, and the insurance coverage available. Our experienced car accident lawyers will carefully assess your case and work tirelessly to secure the proper compensation you deserve.

What Happens When You Start a Personal Injury Claim in Tacoma, WA?

When you begin your personal injury claim, it’s normal to feel intimidated by what’s to come. Fortunately, you can leave the complicated legal work in the hands of your attorney. Here's what you can expect from the legal team at Lehmbecker Law.

Investigation

Your attorney will gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions, to build a strong case on your behalf. They may enlist accident reconstruction experts to recreate the scene and determine the cause of the car accident.

Negotiation

Using the evidence they’ve gathered during the investigation, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company or the at-fault party. Reaching a fair settlement may require thorough documentation of your losses and several rounds of back-and-forth communication.

Litigation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may discuss with you the option to file a personal injury lawsuit. Sometimes, just filing a lawsuit will cause an insurance company to back down and agree to a fair settlement. Once the settlement is signed and your compensation is secured, your attorney will drop the lawsuit.

Trial

If the case goes to trial, your attorney will present your story to a judge or jury, who will then decide whether to award you compensation and in what amount. Although having to go to trial to settle a case is very rare, at Lehmbecker Law, our seasoned courtroom litigators are prepared to take your case as far as necessary to pursue justice.

What Type of Evidence Will Help My Car Accident Lawyer?

Strong evidence will improve your chances of success in your car accident case. This evidence may include:

• Police reports: These reports contain important details about the accident, including the location, date, time, and statements from witnesses.
• Medical records: Your medical records document your injuries and treatment, providing proof of the extent of your losses.
• Photos and videos of the accident scene: Visual evidence can help experts reconstruct the accident and demonstrate the fault of the other driver.
• Witness statements: Statements from witnesses can corroborate your version of events and provide valuable support for your claim.
• Expert opinions: Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals, can provide specialized knowledge and supporting testimony.

You can help your attorney build a strong case by keeping any relevant documents organized and by following your doctor’s instructions for follow-up medical treatments.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Washington?

The state of Washington’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. However, we recommend consulting with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident, as there may be other deadlines that apply. In wrongful death cases, it’s especially important to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.

Why Choose Lehmbecker Law for Your Tacoma Car Accident Case?

Here's why our team of experienced attorneys stands out:

At Lehmbecker Law, we treat each client with the personalized attention they deserve. Choose Lehmbecker Law, and let us take on your fight for justice!