Tacoma Personal Injury
Attorneys

Over the past decade, Tacoma has seen consistent truck accidents, with total crashes ranging from 159 to 290 annually. Many of these accidents occur on I-5 through Tacoma where issues like driver fatigue, speeding, and improper maintenance contribute to the ongoing risks posed by large commercial trucks. There are several dangerous areas on I-5, including near key exits like Highway 16 and the Tacoma Dome. Other high-risk areas include Pacific Avenue, 72nd Street, and Portland Avenue, where a significant number of serious crashes have occurred over recent years.

1. Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue. Federal regulations govern the maximum driving hours for truckers to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
2. Speeding: Some truck drivers exceed speed limits, which makes it difficult to control their vehicles and react to sudden traffic changes.
3. Improper Maintenance: Neglected maintenance, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can contribute to accidents. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial for truck safety.
4. Negligence by Trucking Companies: Trucking companies may cut corners on safety to meet deadlines.
5. Hours of Service Violations: Truck drivers must adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Violations of these regulations are a contributing factor in accidents.

The details around the negligence involved in the accident can significantly impact the compensation received in your case. Victims of truck accidents typically receive compensation from the truck driver, trucking company, or their insurance providers.

Car accidents are one of the most common case types in personal injury law. According to WSDOT In recent years, Tacoma has seen a troubling increase in car accidents, with 2023 recording 35 fatal crashes, the highest in a decade. While the total number of accidents has remained relatively similar—ranging from around 4,000 to over 5,000 annually—serious and minor injuries have been a persistent issue. Dangerous areas like the intersection of Alexander Avenue and State Route 509 have seen frequent crashes and multiple fatalities.

Depending on the crash, injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. Car accidents can happen for many reasons, such as:

1. Distracted Driving: Technology has introduced distractions like texting, phone calls, and infotainment systems that contribute to car accidents. Last year, Tacoma saw 974 crashes caused by distracted driving, with 7 of those crashes resulting in a fatality.
2. Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairment significantly impairs a driver's judgment and reaction time, which makes drunk driving a major cause of car accidents. It's both a criminal offense and a civil liability. In Tacoma last year there were 221 crashes involving alcohol with 6 fatalities.
3. Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, and disobeying traffic laws often lead to reckless driving accidents.
4. Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice reduce road traction and visibility.
5. Road Defects: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, lack of proper signage, or construction zone hazards.
6. Mechanical Failures: Vehicle defects or failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
7. Inexperienced Drivers: Inexperienced or teenage drivers can lack the skills to navigate complex traffic situations. Last year, Tacoma saw 501 crashes involving teen drivers with 2 fatalities.
8. Fatigued Driving: Driving while fatigued impairs a driver's reaction time and decision-making abilities.
9. Hit-and-Run Incidents: In some accidents, drivers flee the scene. It is important to identify and hold these drivers accountable.

Wrongful death cases occur when someone dies due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party. These cases can arise from various situations, such as:

1. Medical Malpractice: Wrongful death cases that result from medical errors can include misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, improper treatment, or prescription errors.
2. Workplace Incidents: Workplace accidents include industrial accidents, construction site mishaps, or exposure to hazardous substances.
3. Car Accidents: When a fatal car accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, or reckless driving, surviving family members can seek compensation.
4. Product Liability: Defective products, such as faulty vehicles or harmful pharmaceuticals, can cause fatal injuries.
5. Criminal Acts: This includes assault, battery, or homicide. In such cases, both criminal charges and civil wrongful death claims may apply.
6. Nursing Home Negligence: Elderly individuals in nursing homes can experience neglect or abuse that leads to wrongful death.

Surviving family members seek compensation for expenses related to the deceased individual's death, as well as emotional suffering and loss of support.

Tacoma has been noted as a city with a high incidence of dog bites on postal workers and others. Bites from aggressive dogs can lead to different types of injuries, including:

1. Deep Wounds: Deep wounds from a dog bite require stitches, sutures, or even reconstructive surgery, depending on the extent of the injury.
2. Infections: Dog bites are susceptible to infections, including bacterial infections like cellulitis. Prompt medical treatment and antibiotics are necessary to prevent complications.
3. Emotional Trauma: Victims of dog bites often experience emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This emotional suffering can be long-lasting and require therapy or counseling.
4. Scarring: Severe dog bites can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.

When working on a dog bite claim, here are a few of the elements our attorneys consider when working on the case:

1. Liability: Dog bite incidents typically occur due to owner negligence in controlling or restraining their pets.
2. Dog Breed Considerations: Some dog breeds are known to be more prone to aggressive behavior. This can affect your case.
3. Strict Liability Laws: Some states have strict liability laws regarding dog bites, which means that dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dogs regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of aggressive tendencies.
4. Insurance Coverage: Dog owners often have homeowners' insurance that can cover dog bite claims.

If you've been bitten by a dog in Tacoma, remember that you have the right to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any long-term effects of the attack.

Pedestrian accidents have remained a consistent concern in Tacoma, with 2023 seeing 6 fatalities and a significant number of serious injuries. Annually, these incidents involve between 99 and 144 pedestrians, many of whom suffer severe or minor injuries. Busy intersections and areas with heavy traffic are common sites for these accidents. Tacoma’s "Vision Zero" action plan has taken actions such as lowering speed limits in key neighborhood business districts like 6th Avenue, Old Town, McKinley Hill, and Lincoln. When it comes to pedestrian accident cases, several important factors come into play, including the following:

1. Common Injuries: These can include fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. The severity of injuries will play an important role in your case, including the types of compensation we will pursue on your behalf. 
2. Causes of Pedestrian Accidents: Driver negligence, including distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks are common causes of pedestrian accidents. Attorneys will use this information to establish liability by demonstrating how driver negligence or other factors contributed to the accident, helping to build a strong case for compensation.
3. Legal Rights: Injured pedestrians have the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
4. Hit-and-Run Accidents: Unfortunately, some drivers involved in pedestrian accidents flee the scene. Pedestrians should try to gather as much information as possible about the vehicle and driver and report the incident to law enforcement.
5. Liability Determination: Establishing liability in pedestrian accidents can be complex. Evidence, such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction, helps determine fault.
6. Insurance Claims: Injured pedestrians might need to file insurance claims with the at-fault driver's insurance company. Your attorney can help make this process easier.

Pedestrian accidents can leave victims and their families facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can make a significant difference in their recovery process. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident, a personal injury lawyer can help recover the compensation you deserve.

On average each month, Tacoma sees 40 to 50 bicycle accidents, with 5 to 8 serious injuries as well as occasional fatalities. Problematic areas for crashes include state Route 509 near Taylor Way, as well as intersections like Pacific Avenue and South 11th Street, East D and 25th Streets in the Dome District, Tacoma Avenue South, and 38th Street in the South End, and North Vassault and 37th Streets in the West End. Cyclists are vulnerable to more serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries due to the lack of protection. Here are some of the key elements we consider in a bicycle accident case:

1. Types of Injuries: In personal injury cases, the type and severity of bicycle accident injuries—like fractures, concussions, or spinal cord damage—can influence the final amount of compensation received. Medical costs, lost wages, and pain can impact the claim.
2. Helmet Importance: Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries in an accident. Many states, including Washington, have helmet laws in place for cyclists. The presence or absence of helmet use and adherence to state helmet laws are influential factors in determining liability and compensation outcomes in bicycle accident cases. 
3. Distracted Driving: Like car accidents, distracted driving is also a leading cause of bicycle accidents. Motorists who engage in activities like texting or talking on the phone while driving may not see cyclists until it's too late.
4. Bike Lanes and Infrastructure: Bike lanes and infrastructure improve cyclist safety. When local governments fail to provide or maintain these, it can contribute to accidents, affecting liability and claims in bicycle accident cases.
5. Right-of-Way Issues: Failure to yield right-of-way to cyclists can be a key factor in bicycle cases, as it often indicates driver negligence, impacting fault and compensation.
6. Hit-and-Run Incidents: If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run, It’s important to gather witness statements and any available evidence.

Injured cyclists have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, bike repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help protect their rights and advocate for fair compensation.

Motorcycle accident cases are unique and often lead to more serious injuries due to the lack of protection for riders. Motorcycle accidents in Tacoma have consistently posed a serious risk, with fatalities increasing in recent years. In 2023, there were 9 fatal crashes, the highest in a decade, along with 26 serious injuries. The total number of crashes fluctuates around 80 to 100 annually, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. High-risk areas, such as state Route 509 and other busy intersections, contribute to these accidents. Here are some key insights to help you understand the complex nature of these cases:

1. Types of Injuries: Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, fractures, road rash, and internal injuries. 
2. Lane Filtering Laws: In some areas, lane filtering, where motorcyclists move between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic, is legal. However, riders need to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding this practice.
3. Left-Turn Crashes: Left-turn accidents, where a vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle, are a common type of collision.
4. Motorcycle Customization: In some cases, modifications or customization of the motorcycle can impact liability or the extent of injuries. 
5. Helmet Laws: Helmet laws vary depending on jurisdiction. Whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident is a significant factor in determining liability and damages.
6. Motorcycle Training: The rider's level of training and experience can play a role in a case. Completion of a motorcycle safety course or advanced riding training demonstrates a commitment to safety.
7. Roadway Design: Poorly designed or maintained roadways pose risks to motorcyclists. 
8. Motorcycle Manufacturer Liability: Defective motorcycle parts or manufacturing errors can cause accidents. In these cases, product liability claims against motorcycle manufacturers come into play.
9. Lane-Splitting: It's important to determine whether the rider was lane-splitting safely and within legal limits.

Our experienced attorneys specialize in motorcycle accident cases, understanding the unique challenges riders face. We're dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and recovery.

Premises liability slip and fall accidents happen regularly in Tacoma. Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and when individuals are injured on their property due to hazardous conditions, victims may have grounds for a lawsuit. Here are some key considerations in these cases:

1. Common Hazardous Conditions: Hazardous conditions include wet or slippery floors, uneven or cracked pavement, poorly maintained stairs, inadequate lighting, and cluttered walkways.
2. Property Owner's Responsibility: Property owners, including homeowners, businesses, and public entities, are responsible for regularly inspecting their premises and addressing any hazards.
3. Notice of Hazards: In some cases, property owners may claim they were unaware of a hazard. However, if it can be proven that they should have known about it through reasonable inspections, they may still be held liable.
4. Duty of Care: The duty of care varies depending on the status of the visitor. Property owners owe a higher duty of care to invitees (those invited onto the property for business purposes) than to trespassers. 
5. Documenting the Incident: After a slip and fall, documentation, such as gathering evidence (such as photographs) or obtaining witness statements is valuable when pursuing a premises liability claim.
6. Medical Attention: Receiving medical attention quickly after a slip and fall is important not only for your health but also for establishing a link between the accident and your injuries.
7. Insurance Coverage: Property owners typically have liability insurance to cover slip and fall claims. Understanding their insurance coverage and how it applies to your case will come into play when pursuing compensation.

Premises liability slip and fall cases, demand attention to detail when pursuing compensation for your injuries. These incidents can lead to significant medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you've been injured due to hazardous conditions on someone else's property, our experienced Tacoma premises liability attorneys can help. 

Begin by consulting a personal injury lawyer who will assess your case and file a legal complaint.

Economic (like medical costs), non-economic (like pain and suffering), and sometimes punitive damages for misconduct.

Settlements are quicker, less risky, and private, offering a guaranteed amount, unlike the uncertainties of a trial.