Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer

Attorneys Fighting For Injured Clients For 100+ Years

Most accidents are preventable, and they are usually caused because someone was not paying attention. If this results in you or a loved one being seriously injured, you need to ensure the responsible party pays the medical bills.

With more than 130 combined years of experience dealing with insurance companies, count on Hester Law Group to fight for you as your auto accident lawyer in Tacoma.

Recovering from automobile collision injuries can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Your priority needs to be focusing on healing and getting back to normal life as much as possible. Our Tacoma car accident attorneys understand what it takes to fight insurance companies for the compensation you need.

Learn more about fighting for the compensation you need. Dial (253) 300-3034 now or contact Hester Law Group online for a free consultation.

Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Tacoma

Understanding how crashes most often happen in and around Tacoma can help you make sense of your own collision and why another driver may be legally responsible. Many wrecks on routes such as Interstate 5, State Route 16, and city streets like Pacific Avenue occur because drivers are rushing through traffic, looking at their phones, or trying to beat changing weather. 

When we review a new case, we look closely at the circumstances leading up to the impact so we can connect your injuries to specific choices another person made on the road.

Some of the most frequent causes of collisions in the Tacoma area include:

• Distracted driving: Looking at text messages, navigation apps, or passengers instead of the road.
• Speeding and aggressive maneuvers: Tailgating, weaving through lanes, or braking suddenly in heavy traffic.
• Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle after drinking alcohol or using drugs, including certain prescription medications.
• Failure to adjust to weather: Driving too fast for rain, fog, or reduced visibility common near Commencement Bay.
• Ignoring traffic controls: Running red lights, rolling through stop signs, or unsafe left turns at busy intersections.

By drawing on our decades of experience handling collisions in Pierce County, we know what to look for in police reports, witness accounts, and vehicle damage to show how another driver’s conduct led directly to the harm you are now dealing with.

How We Build Your Tacoma Car Accident Claim

After a serious wreck, many people are unsure what a lawyer will do beyond the initial consultation. At Hester Law Group, we follow a clear process designed to uncover the full truth of what happened and translate it into a strong, well-supported claim. Our approach ensures that every detail of the accident and its effects is carefully reviewed.

We begin by examining medical records, police collision reports, and any available photos or video. When necessary, we consult local medical providers or accident reconstruction experts to explain the impact and its effect on your health. We also document lost income, out-of-pocket expenses, and changes to daily life to create a comprehensive picture of your losses for the insurance company.

Once all documentation is gathered, we prepare a demand package detailing the facts, applicable Washington law, and the compensation we believe is fair. Negotiations with insurers can take weeks or months, and we keep you informed throughout. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are ready to file suit in Pierce County court and continue advocating for you, weighing risks and benefits at every step.

Key Elements of a Successful Car Accident Claim

To win your case in Pierce County Superior Court, we must prove four legal elements:

• Duty: The other driver had a legal obligation to follow the rules of the road and drive safely.
• Breach: The driver failed that duty (e.g., speeding through a light on Pacific Ave, distracted driving, or driving under the influence).
• Causation: The driver’s specific actions directly resulted in the collision and your subsequent injuries.
• Damages: You suffered actual losses, such as physical injury, emotional distress, or financial strain.

The Statute of Limitations

In Washington, your time to file a lawsuit is strictly limited. Under RCW 4.16.080, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident.

Note: If the accident involved a government entity (like a Pierce Transit bus or a city vehicle), there are much shorter deadlines for filing a formal "tort claim" notice before you can sue.

Damages that Can Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim

Economic Damages

These are your tangible, out-of-pocket financial losses. They are typically calculated by totaling receipts, bills, and employment records.

• Medical Expenses: Covers everything from the initial ER visit and ambulance ride to future surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you missed at work. This includes not just your base salary, but also lost bonuses, commissions, and used PTO.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous career or working full-time in the future, we calculate the lifetime value of that lost income.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair your vehicle or the "Fair Market Value" if it was totaled, as well as replacement costs for car seats, laptops, or cell phones damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages

These represent the "human cost" of the accident. They are subjective and do not come with a receipt, making them the most contested part of an insurance claim.

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain caused by your injuries and the ongoing discomfort during recovery.
• Emotional Distress: Coverage for the psychological impact of the crash, such as anxiety, insomnia, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you can no longer hike at Mt. Rainier, coach your child's soccer team, or enjoy your hobbies, you are entitled to compensation for that loss of fulfillment.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Damages for the permanent physical changes to your appearance and the resulting mental anguish.

Local Laws & Regulations Governing Auto Accidents in Tacoma

Washington State follows a fault-based system when determining liability, meaning that the person responsible for causing the accident is liable for compensating the damages. Hence, gathering proper evidence and eyewitness testimonies becomes pivotal in establishing fault in Tacoma.

Washington also follows a comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially responsible for the crash. Insurance carriers often rely on this rule to argue that an injured person should shoulder more blame than is fair. 

As a car accident attorney in Tacoma, we carefully review police reports, photos, and witness statements to push back against unfair fault assessments and to present a clear picture of how the collision truly occurred.

In addition, Washington drivers frequently have coverage options such as personal injury protection and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that can provide important benefits after a wreck. Many people are unsure how these coverages work with health insurance or a liability claim, so we walk clients through which policies apply.

What Should I Do If I Got in a Car Accident in Tacoma

If you have been in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take in order to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our Tacoma car accident lawyers at Hester Law Group can help guide you through this process and advocate for your rights.

Below are 5 steps to take if you got in a car accident:

• Get medical attention: Even if you do not think you are injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still cause serious problems down the road.
• Call the police: A police report can be extremely helpful in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It will document the facts of the accident and can be used as evidence in court.
• Gather evidence: If you are able, take photos of the accident scene and get the contact information for any witnesses. This will be helpful in proving how the accident happened and who was at fault.
• Contact your insurance company: You will need to report the accident to your insurance company, but be careful not to give them too much information. Stick to the facts and do not make any statements that could be used against you later.
• Hire a Tacoma car accident lawyer: An experienced lawyer will know how to navigate the complex legal process and fight for your rights. They will also be familiar with the insurance companies and their tactics and can help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve.

If you have been in a car accident, do not try to navigate the repercussions alone. Contact our car accident lawyers in Tacoma today for a free consultation. Our team will review your situation and help you decide the best course of action.

Benefits of Hiring a Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer

While you may have been in an accident with another driver, it will be their insurer you have to contend with. It is important to have seasoned, aggressive litigators on your side who can hold the responsible parties accountable for what they owe. Our team at Hester Law Group comprises award-winning attorneys who have secured multimillion-dollar settlements for many of our clients.

Choosing the right car accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Our Tacoma lawyers are well-versed in state and local laws, ensuring that your claim is handled with the utmost care and precision. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or advocating in court, our priority is achieving the best results for you.

The benefits of hiring a car accident lawyer include the following:

• Fierce representation in court
• Maximization of your compensation amount
• Legal counseling
• Answers to all of your questions
• Emotional support and reassurance
• Effective negotiation on your behalf
• Paperwork that is completed correctly and promptly
• The avoidance of costly mistakes

For many accident victims, one of the first calls they receive is from the insurance company making sure they are okay. This is followed up by an offer of what they call a generous settlement. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of accepting this settlement without realizing it is likely the minimum amount they can possibly pay. Hester Law Group always fights for the maximum amount.

The complexities surrounding insurance claims necessitate the guidance of skilled legal professionals. Our team offers strategic advice and utilizes years of experience to dispute undervalued offers, ensuring that your financial recovery aligns with the true extent of your losses.

How Hester Law Group Maximizes Your Settlement

We don't just wait for an insurance company to make an offer. We take an aggressive, investigative approach to every car accident case:

• Evidence Collection: We secure traffic camera footage, interview witnesses, and obtain "black box" data from vehicles to prove exactly what happened.
• Medical Expert Coordination: We work with doctors and specialists to document the full extent of your injuries and the long-term care you may require.
• Negotiation Power: Insurance companies know that we are trial attorneys. Because we are willing to go to court, they are often more likely to offer a fair settlement to avoid a trial.
• Comprehensive Damage Recovery: We fight for "Economic Damages" (bills, lost wages) and "Non-Economic Damages" (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life).

We are available 24/7 to ensure your questions are answered immediately. With our free consultation, you can learn about your rights and your case's value without any upfront cost or obligation.

Don't settle for less than you deserve. Call Hester Law Group at (253) 300-3034 or reach out online to speak with an experienced car accident attorney in Tacoma.

FAQ About Car Accidents in Tacoma

What Steps Should I Take Immediately After a Car Accident?

Right after a car accident, your first priority is safety—check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Contact law enforcement and request medical assistance if needed. Gather essential information by exchanging names, contact details, insurance info, and vehicle registrations with other drivers. Document the scene with photos and notes about conditions, then report the accident to your insurance company and consult a lawyer to protect your rights.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?

A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, handle communications with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation. They evaluate the accident, gather evidence, and build a strong claim to hold the responsible party accountable. By managing insurance negotiations and complex legal procedures, a lawyer provides peace of mind and helps maximize your potential recovery, letting you focus on healing without worrying about legal hurdles.

What Damages Can I Claim After a Car Accident in Tacoma?

Accident victims in Tacoma can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. Documenting all related expenses is critical to support your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer evaluates both immediate and future costs linked to the accident, ensuring that your claim reflects the full impact on your life and increases the chances of securing fair and complete compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Washington State?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is three years from the date of the crash. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation. Filing early allows time to gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and complete paperwork properly. A qualified car accident lawyer helps ensure deadlines are met while working to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

What Should I Look for When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer?

When selecting a lawyer, consider experience, track record, and knowledge of Tacoma’s local laws. Look for someone who has handled cases like yours successfully and communicates clearly throughout the process. Reputation with clients and in the legal community also matters. Choosing a lawyer who combines skill, transparency, and a strong understanding of local procedures increases the likelihood of a favorable resolution while making the process smoother and less stressful.

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