Pierce County Car Accident Attorney

As the second-most populous county in the state, Pierce County sees a significant amount of motor vehicle traffic. Generally speaking, the more cars and trucks on the road, the higher the chances of being in a collision. Whether you are driving on the I-5 through Tacoma or you are traveling on a local road in Pierce County, it is important to understand the risks of a car accident and the ways in which accidents happen. Most motor vehicle collisions result from another motorist’s negligence. When another driver causes a crash, it may be possible to file a car accident lawsuit. An experienced Pierce County car accident attorney at Khan Injury Law can evaluate your case today and discuss your options for moving forward with a claim.

Getting the Facts About Car Accidents in Pierce County, Washington

How often do motor vehicle collisions occur in Washington State, and what causes them? The following facts and figures come from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Washington State had a higher rate of traffic deaths in 2021 than it has had in the last 15 years with a total of 540 collisions that resulted in 600 fatalities;
2,411 collisions in Washington State in 2021 caused serious nonfatal injuries, and represented a 16 percent rise in severe nonfatal injuries from the previous year;
Speeding and intoxication were the leading causes of serious and fatal car accidents in Washington State in 2021;
Traffic deaths across the country reached a marked high in 2021, with nearly 43,000 traffic fatalities (a number that represented an increase of more than 10 percent from 2020 when traffic fatalities were especially high);
An increase in overall national traffic fatalities corresponded with a significant increase in vehicle miles traveled;
Deaths in multi-vehicle collisions rose by 16 percent in 2021;
Speeding-related crashes continued to be a leading cause of injury and death, and even those increased by 5 percent in 2021;
Alcohol-related traffic injuries and deaths rose by 5 percent in 2021; and
Urban road fatalities nationwide increased by 16 percent.

Steps to Take After a Car Crash in Pierce County

After a Pierce County motor vehicle collision, one or more parties may be liable for your injuries. For example, another motorist whose negligence caused the accident (e.g., due to distracted driving or speeding), may be responsible for paying damages. In some cases, car crashes result from product defects or road hazards, and you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party. A Pierce County auto accident lawyer at our firm can help you to determine who may be liable and who you can sue. In the meantime, you should take the following steps after a car accident to preserve your ability to seek compensation:

Gather evidence at the scene of the collision, including photographs from various angles depicting the scene where the crash happened and pictures of any property damage or injuries, as well as contact information for anyone involved in the crash or anyone who witnessed it;
Get medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible, recognizing that a delay in medical treatment could lead the at-fault party to try to limit your ability to recover damages by arguing that you are partially at fault for the seriousness of your injuries;
Inform your insurance company about the accident, but do not provide any subjective information until you have talked to a car accident lawyer in Washington State;
Work with your lawyer to determine your best options for an auto insurance claim, allowing your attorney to try to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement; and
If necessary, file a car accident claim to recover damages for your remaining losses with assistance from your lawyer.

Timeline for Filing Your Pierce County Car Accident Claim

Under Washington State law, you will likely have three years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. However, if you wait too long, valuable evidence can be lost, and it may be more difficult to obtain the compensation you need. Further, insurance claims can take quite a while, and that three-year time limit can approach quickly.

To ensure that you file your civil lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs out and your claim becomes time-barred, you should begin working with an attorney who can ensure that you file your car accident case promptly.

Contact a Pierce County Car Accident Lawyer

Do you have questions about seeking compensation after a motor vehicle collision? One of the dedicated and experienced Pierce County car accident attorneys at our firm can begin working with you today on your case. Contact Khan Injury Law for more information and to learn about how we can help you