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Browse our 1 legal article about Accidents & Injuries in United States written by expert lawyers.
Accidents and injuries law covers situations where someone is hurt because of another person or entity's actions or failures to act. In Tacoma, Washington, these matters are handled under state tort law, workers compensation rules, traffic laws, and local ordinances. Common matters include motor vehicle collisions, pedestrian and bicycle accidents, slip and fall and premises liability cases, workplace injuries, dog bites, and wrongful death claims. Legal issues arise around determining fault, establishing damages, dealing with insurance companies, and meeting filing deadlines for claims or lawsuits.
Many people can benefit from an attorney after an accident. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, document your injuries and losses, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue a fair settlement or court award if necessary. Typical situations in which you may need a lawyer include:
- Serious or catastrophic injuries that cause long-term disability or large medical bills.
- Disputed fault where another party or their insurer denies responsibility.
- Insufficient insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist issues.
- Complex liability involving multiple parties, such as commercial drivers, employers, property owners, or product manufacturers.
- Workplace injuries where you need to navigate Washington State Department of Labor and Industries procedures or sue a third party.
- Wrongful death cases brought by family members after a fatal accident.
- Cases where the insurance company offers a low initial settlement and you are unsure what your claim is worth.
Key legal points relevant to accidents and injuries in Tacoma include the following:
- Comparative Fault - Washington follows a comparative fault system. If you are partially at fault for your injuries, your recoverable damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovery.
- Statute of Limitations - There are time limits for filing lawsuits. For most personal injury claims in Washington the typical time limit is three years from the date of injury. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death, or claims involving government entities. Claims against government agencies often require a pre-filing notice within a much shorter period, so prompt action is important.
- Motor Vehicle Insurance - Washington is a fault-based system for auto accidents. Drivers must carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. Insurance adjusters handle most claims, and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can be critical if the at-fault party lacks adequate insurance.
- Workers Compensation - If you are injured at work in Tacoma you will generally file a workers compensation claim with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Workers compensation provides no-fault benefits for medical care and partial wage replacement. In most cases you cannot sue your employer in court for on-the-job injuries, but you may be able to sue third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury.
- Premises Liability - Property owners and occupiers have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. Liability can depend on the owner-occupier relationship with the injured person, whether dangerous conditions were known or should have been discovered, and whether adequate warnings were provided.
- Evidence and Discovery - To prevail in a civil personal injury case you must prove fault and damages. This typically requires medical records, witness statements, accident reports, photos, surveillance, and expert testimony for complex claims. Discovery rules under Washington court procedure will govern how evidence is exchanged when a lawsuit is filed.
Seek medical attention first. Call 911 if anyone is seriously injured. If it is safe, move to a secure location, exchange contact and insurance information with other parties, collect witness names and statements, take photos of the scene and injuries, and report the incident to police if applicable. Preserve any physical evidence and keep records of medical visits and expenses.
No. You should be cautious about giving recorded statements to the other party's insurer. They may use your words to minimize or deny your claim. It is usually a good idea to consult an attorney before giving recorded statements, especially for serious injuries.
Deadlines vary. For many personal injury claims in Washington the general statute of limitations is three years from the date of injury. Some claims have different deadlines or pre-filing notice requirements, such as claims against government agencies, so you should act quickly to protect your rights.
Yes. Washington uses comparative fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, you may be prevented from recovering damages.
You may be able to recover economic damages such as past and future medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In limited cases, punitive damages may be available when the defendant acted with malice or reckless indifference, but those are rare and require a higher proof standard.
File a workers compensation claim with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries if you were injured in the course of employment. Workers compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement. You generally cannot sue your employer for workplace injuries unless there are exceptional circumstances, but you may have a third-party claim against someone other than your employer.
Keep thorough records and request copies of bills and medical records. Your health insurance or medical providers may place liens on any future recovery. In many cases your attorney can work with providers and lenders to manage outstanding bills while your claim is being negotiated or litigated.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may cover some or all of your damages. An attorney can help confirm your coverage limits and explore other potential sources of recovery, such as umbrella policies or third parties.
No. Most personal injury claims resolve through settlement negotiations before trial. If negotiations fail, your case may proceed to litigation, which can include discovery, motions, mediation, and possibly trial. An attorney will advise you on settlement offers versus trial risks and costs.
Look for an attorney experienced in personal injury law with a track record in cases similar to yours. Consider experience with local courts, communication style, fee structure, and client reviews. Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid a percentage of any recovery and typically no fee if there is no recovery.
Below are local and state resources that can be helpful when dealing with accidents and injuries in Tacoma:
- Pierce County Superior Court and Tacoma Municipal Court - for civil filings and local court procedures.
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries - for workers compensation claims and workplace safety rules.
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner - for information about insurance requirements and consumer protections.
- Washington State Patrol and Tacoma Police Department - for reporting motor vehicle accidents and obtaining police reports.
- Washington State Courts - for procedural rules and access to court forms.
- Washington State Bar Association - for lawyer referral services and lawyer discipline information.
- Northwest Justice Project and local legal aid organizations - for low-cost or free legal help if you qualify.
- Local hospitals and medical providers - for urgent and follow-up medical care after injuries.
If you need legal assistance after an accident in Tacoma, use the following practical steps to protect your rights and preserve your claim:
- Get prompt medical care and follow your provider's treatment plan. Medical documentation is crucial.
- Preserve evidence - photos, videos, damaged property, medical records, witness contact information, and police reports.
- Report the accident to the appropriate authorities and to your insurance company, and keep written records of all communications.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without consulting a lawyer, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
- Note important deadlines - statutes of limitations and any notice requirements for claims against government entities.
- Consult an experienced Tacoma personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation when possible. An attorney can assess liability, estimate the value of your claim, advise on dealing with insurers, and represent you in settlement talks or litigation.
- If you cannot afford a lawyer upfront, inquire about contingency fee arrangements or seek qualified low-cost legal help through local legal aid organizations.
Acting quickly and documenting everything will give you the best chance of achieving a fair outcome after an accident or injury in Tacoma.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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