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Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on the roads, and in a bustling city like Tacoma, Washington, they are a common occurrence. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or just passing through, the risk of being involved in an accident is ever-present. With its intricate network of highways, busy intersections, and densely populated neighborhoods, Tacoma experiences its fair share of traffic collisions.
Knowing the high-risk areas can provide insight for individuals involved in accidents about the possible legal ramifications and the steps they should take to protect their rights. The good news is that an experienced Tacoma car accident lawyer can protect your legal rights and guide you through the necessary steps after a collision.
Now is the time if you haven’t already reached out to one after being injured in a car accident.
High-Risk Areas for Car Accidents in Tacoma
Certain areas in Tacoma are more prone to car accidents than others, primarily due to high traffic volumes, poor road conditions, or challenging intersections. Below are some of the city’s most common locations for car accidents.
Interstate 5 (I-5)
The I-5 corridor is one of the busiest highways on the West Coast, running through the heart of Tacoma. Given the sheer volume of traffic on this major interstate, it’s no surprise that accidents frequently occur along this stretch. Drivers traveling at high speeds, merging onto the highway, or attempting to exit can create dangerous situations, leading to rear-end collisions, side-swipes, and multi-car pileups.
Common causes: Speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and failure to merge properly.
Hotspots: The stretch between the Tacoma Mall and the Port of Tacoma is particularly prone to accidents due to congestion and merging traffic from multiple directions.
SR-16 (State Route 16)
State Route 16 is another high-traffic roadway that passes through Tacoma. It connects I-5 to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and carries many vehicles daily, including commuters heading toward Gig Harbor and the Kitsap Peninsula. The bridge and the merging points around the SR-16/I-5 interchange are notorious for accidents.
Common causes: Sudden lane changes, speeding, and aggressive merging behavior.
Hotspots: The SR-16/I-5 interchange and the area near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
38th Street near the Tacoma Mall
- 38th Street is a busy commercial area, home to the Tacoma Mall and several other retail centers. With shoppers coming in and out of parking lots and high pedestrian traffic, this area is a frequent site of fender-benders, pedestrian accidents, and side-impact collisions.
Common causes: Distracted driving, failure to yield to pedestrians, and congested parking lots.
Hotspots: The intersections near the Tacoma Mall’s entrances, especially during peak shopping hours.
Pacific Avenue (State Route 7)
Pacific Avenue runs through downtown Tacoma and beyond, serving as one of the city’s main thoroughfares. This street experiences heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, and features businesses, restaurants, and other establishments that attract vehicles and pedestrians.
Common causes: Distracted driving, speeding, and pedestrian crossings.
Hotspots: The intersections at 25th Street, 38th Street, and South Tacoma Way.
72nd Street
- 72nd Street is another major road in Tacoma that experiences many accidents. This Street intersects with several busy thoroughfares, such as Pacific Avenue and South Tacoma Way, making it a common site for collisions.
Common causes: Red-light running, speeding, and failure to yield.
Hotspots: The intersection of S 72nd Street and Pacific Avenue is particularly dangerous due to the volume of cars and frequent lane changes.
Downtown Tacoma
Downtown Tacoma has a network of narrow streets and busy intersections often congested with traffic. The presence of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit buses adds to the complexity of driving through this area. Parking lot exits, one-way streets, and crosswalks can also contribute to accidents.
Common causes: Failure to yield, distracted driving, and pedestrians not following signals.
Hotspots: The intersections near Pacific Avenue and Commerce Street, especially during peak traffic.
South Tacoma Way
South Tacoma Way is a major commercial and industrial corridor running through the city’s southern part. It’s known for heavy traffic, especially trucks and delivery vehicles, and the area around the Tacoma Mall can become highly congested. The multiple lanes of traffic, combined with frequent lane changes and sudden stops, make this road a hotspot for rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes.
Common causes: Failure to yield, improper lane changes, and distracted driving.
Hotspots: The intersections at S 56th Street, S 72nd Street, and S 84th Street.
Port of Tacoma Road
The Port of Tacoma is a central hub of commercial activity, with trucks, cargo vehicles, and passenger cars navigating the roads leading to and from the port. The increased presence of heavy trucks and complex traffic patterns make this area prone to accidents.
Common causes: Truck accidents, aggressive driving, and traffic congestion.
Hotspots: The intersections near the Port of Tacoma Road and SR-509, where trucks frequently merge with passenger vehicles.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Tacoma
While specific locations in Tacoma are more prone to accidents than others, several common causes are often at play. Understanding these causes can help drivers stay more alert and avoid dangerous situations.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents nationwide, and Tacoma is no exception. Whether texting, using a GPS, or eating while driving, distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road and lead to accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is another major contributor to car accidents, particularly on Tacoma’s highways and busy streets. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to obstacles or other vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Failure to Yield
Failing to yield the right of way, especially at intersections, is a common cause of accidents in Tacoma. This can happen when drivers try to beat a red light, make unsafe turns, or fail to stop pedestrians at crosswalks.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a severe problem in Tacoma, especially during weekends and holidays. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, often resulting in severe accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, road rage, and aggressive lane changes are common forms of aggressive driving behavior that contribute to car accidents. These behaviors are incredibly dangerous on high-speed roads like I-5 and SR-16.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Tacoma’s rainy weather can lead to slick roads and poor visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or take necessary precautions during inclement weather are at a higher risk of causing or being involved in a collision.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common injuries sustained in Tacoma car accidents include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of impact in a car accident can easily result in broken arms, legs, or ribs.
- Head Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head injuries are common, especially in high-speed collisions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and organ damage may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass or sharp metal can cause deep cuts and lacerations, often requiring stitches or surgery.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Car Accident in Tacoma
After a car accident, one of the biggest challenges victims face is dealing with insurance companies. While this may take some injured parties by surprise, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and often employ vigorous tactics to undervalue or deny claims. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Tacoma, you need to understand these tactics and know how to protect your rights. The best way to protect your rights is to hire an attorney to represent your claim.
Common insurance company tactics include the following:
- Delaying the Claims Process: Insurance companies may delay processing your claim in the hopes that you’ll settle for a lower amount or give up altogether.
- Denying Liability: Adjusters may argue that you were at fault for the accident, even if the evidence suggests otherwise.
- Offering a Low Settlement: Insurance companies often offer quick, lowball settlements to accident victims, hoping they’ll accept the money without realizing the full extent of their injuries and damages.
- Disputing Medical Treatment: Insurers may challenge the necessity or cost of your medical treatment, arguing that it’s excessive or unrelated to the accident.
While insurance companies can be tenacious and relentless in their quest to pay injured parties much less than they deserve for their claims, hiring a Tacoma car accident attorney can level the playing field and enable you to secure the compensation you need and deserve.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Tacoma?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Tacoma, take several important steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine after the accident, seeing a doctor is important. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can become serious if left untreated. In addition, seeking medical care will help connect your injuries to the car accident, making your injury claim more credible.
Consult a Tacoma Car Accident Attorney
Before speaking with the insurance adjuster, consult a skilled car accident lawyer in Tacoma. They can clarify your rights, gather valuable evidence, and negotiate with your insurance company.
What to Look for in a Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in a car accident in Tacoma, seeking legal representation from an experienced Tacoma car accident attorney is crucial. Hiring an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A Tacoma car accident attorney will navigate the often-confusing legal process on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When choosing a Tacoma car accident attorney, consider the following factors:
Experience
Look for an attorney with extensive experience handling car accident cases in Tacoma. An experienced attorney will have in-depth knowledge of state laws, court procedures, and insurance company tactics.
Track Record
Review the attorney’s track record of success in handling car accident cases. Look for testimonials, case results, and settlements to gauge their ability to achieve favorable client outcomes. A strong history of successful cases indicates their experience and effectiveness in managing the complexities of car accident claims. Additionally, consider how they communicate with clients, as a good attorney should be responsive and attentive to your needs throughout the process.
Communication
Choose an attorney who communicates effectively and promptly. Remember to have an attorney who keeps you informed about the progress of your case, answers your questions, and addresses your concerns throughout the legal process.
Resources
Ensure that the attorney has the necessary resources to handle your case effectively. This includes access to accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and other specialists who can provide valuable insights and evidence to support your claim.
Contingency Fee Basis
Consider working with an attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay legal fees if the attorney successfully recovers compensation on your behalf. This arrangement eliminates the financial burden of upfront costs and motivates the attorney to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Contact a Seasoned Tacoma Car Accident Attorney Today
Car accidents are unfortunate in Tacoma, but if you’ve suffered an injury in a collision, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. A skilled car accident attorney will manage all of the details of your case, identify and collect evidence, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. Whether the accident occurred on I-5, SR-16, or a busy intersection downtown, having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference.
Contact a Tacoma personal injury attorney today for a free consultation. They will assess your situation, answer your questions, and guide you in taking the first step toward justice and recovery. Don’t wait—reach out to ensure you understand your rights and options.
