If you have suffered due to another's negligence or wrongful act, it's important to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Freeman Law Firm, Inc., we’re committed to representing personal injury victims with compassion and determination to make sure they receive justice. Whether you're in Tacoma or anywhere in Washington, our skilled personal injury lawyers will take the time to understand your situation, clarify your legal options, and work hard to bring the best outcomes for your case. Call our Tacoma personal injury lawyers today at (253) 383-4500 or reach out to us via our contact form for a free consultation.
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.
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:
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:
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:
When working on a dog bite claim, here are a few of the elements our attorneys consider when working on the case:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
In personal injury lawsuits, economic damages cover measurable financial losses due to the injury. This can include medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, property damage, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages address intangible impacts like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Also, punitive damages could potentially be awarded in cases of intentional or reckless misconduct by the defendant.
In Washington State, under RCW 4.22.005, if you are partly at fault for your injury, it does not prevent you from receiving compensation. However, it does mean that any compensation awarded could be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found to be 25% responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced by 25%.
Filing an insurance claim is generally the initial step after sustaining an injury. It involves a direct negotiation process with the insurance company to settle for a compensation amount. This process is typically quicker and less formal than a lawsuit and does not require going to court. Personal injury attorneys can help you with the insurance claims process by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf, making sure you receive a fair settlement. They can also provide guidance on what evidence to gather and how to strengthen your claim.
A personal injury lawsuit is a formal legal proceeding initiated in court against the person or entity responsible for your injury. This path is often taken if the insurance claim doesn’t provide reasonable compensation or if the responsible party lacks insurance. A lawsuit is more complex and time-consuming, involving legal procedures such as filing documents, presenting evidence, and possibly attending a trial. The final decision on compensation in a lawsuit is made by a judge or jury, unlike in an insurance claim where the insurance company plays a significant role.
In Washington, under RCW 4.16.080, you have a three-year window to start a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit applies to various personal injury claims like car accidents and slip and falls. The clock starts ticking from the time of the injury or when you discover the harm.
For medical malpractice, under RCW 4.16.350, you have a limited time to file a medical malpractice claim. The statute of limitations allows up to three years from the act or omission causing the injury, or one year from when you or your representative should have reasonably discovered the injury, whichever is later. However, no claim can be initiated more than eight years after the event. Exceptions to this rule include cases involving fraud, intentional concealment, or a foreign body left in the patient.
A wrongful death claim in Washington is a legal action you can take if someone close to you has died due to someone else's negligence or wrongful actions. According to Washington law, specifically RCW 4.20.010, wrongful death occurs when a person's death is caused by the fault of another, whether from a car accident, medical malpractice, or other scenarios. This claim allows you, often through the deceased's estate representative, to seek financial compensation for losses like the deceased's potential earnings, medical costs related to the death, and emotional pain and suffering experienced by the family.
In Washington State, you generally have three years from the date of your loved one's death to file a wrongful death claim. If you miss this deadline, you might lose the right to make the claim.
If you have been hurt in Washington because of someone else's actions or carelessness, an experienced personal injury attorney will be your biggest supporter. Here’s how they 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.
As a personal injury victim in Washington, it's important to seek legal advice sooner rather than later. Whether you're dealing with the aftermath of a reckless driving accident or any other form of negligence, Freeman Law Firm, Inc. is here to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We’ll explain your legal options and guide you through the legal process, step by step. For more information, call a Tacoma personal injury lawyer at Freeman Law Firm, Inc. today at (253) 383-4500 or online.