Car Accident Lawyer in Tacoma, WA 

If you were injured in a vehicle crash, you should contact a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages endured in the accident. A lawyer can help you pursue a timely lawsuit and protect your legal rights.

Fatigued Driving Is One of the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

These days, many people have a lot on their plate and may struggle to get sufficient rest at night. Unfortunately, if they get behind the wheel while fatigued, drivers are more likely to cause accidents. A good number of car accidents in the U.S. result from fatigued driving. Drivers who haven’t had enough rest may have trouble focusing on the road ahead and even fall asleep behind the wheel.

How to Recognize Fatigued Drivers

Fatigued drivers can put everyone on the road in danger. However, if you know how to recognize the signs of fatigued drivers, you can steer clear of them and stay safe. Here are some common signs of drowsy drivers a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, wants you to know about:

  • Weaving in and out of lanes. Drifting in and out of a lane every once in a while may not be a major cause for concern; however, if you notice that a driver is frequently weaving in and out of lanes, they may be drowsy.
  • Driving at inconsistent speeds. Drivers should maintain consistent speeds on the road. Drowsy driving may be to blame if you see a driver speeding up and then slowing down. If a driver is running on little sleep, they may not focus and struggle to maintain a consistent speed.
  • Frequent nodding. If you happen to glance over at the vehicle next to you and notice that the driver is nodding their head, you should steer clear. Frequent nodding is often a sign of driver fatigue.
  • Tailgating. If a driver is tailgating your vehicle, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are acting aggressively. The driver may be dozing off behind the wheel and not notice that they are too close to your car.

After a car accident, you should know your legal options, and Washington state car accident laws will arm you with the facts you need. The Washington State Department of Transportation reports that at least 100,000 Car Accidents Took place in 2019, no matter whether the cause was distracted driving or disregard for traffic laws or other issues. Over 30,000 of these collisions resulted in injuries to one or more individuals. If you have experienced physical or property damage from a car accident, there are legal steps you can take to obtain compensation. Keep in mind that before you file a suit, you need to understand the Washington state car accident laws that apply to your situation.

The revised code of Washington or the RCW offers you information about Washington state auto insurance laws and accident laws. The contributory fault doctrine and the RCW 4.22.005 explain the situations where both parties hold some responsibility for the accident; there are still options to recover damages. However, you will not receive full compensation for the accident. Being partially responsible will diminish the amount you are awarded based on the percentage of all that is ultimately decided to be yours.

To better understand contributory negligence, you can imagine the following scenario, Car A and Car B get into an accident. The accident was mainly car B’sB’s fault because they attempted to pass another car in a no-passing zone. However, at the same time that this was happening, Car A was distracted by their phone. The court will rule that Car B is 80% responsible for the collision and Car A is 20% responsible. This means that Car A will receive compensation that was decreased by 20%.

Washington state laws also address the amount of compensation that you can claim for personal injuries resulting from the accident. RCW 4.56.250 states that the maximum claim amount is determined by multiplying 0.43 by the average annual wage and by the person’s life expectancy. The limit applies to injuries that the law classifies as noneconomic damages. However, you can pursue compensation for economic damages, including loss of income, medical bills, verifiable monetary losses, and the cost of replacement or repair.

When there is a rear-end collision, the driver following the other car is often held responsible. This is because a rear-end collision results from distracted or overly aggressive driving in most cases. However, there is no law in the revised code of Washington that states that rear-end collision is automatically the following driver’s fault. However, RCW 46.61.145 discusses that following too closely entails stating that “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”

Washington state drivers must obtain liability insurance that matches up with the RCW 46.29.090, which means that the minimum requirements for coverage are $25,000 for cases of injury or death to one individual, $50,000 for cases of injury or death of two or more individuals, and $10,000 for the destruction of property.

How to Stay Safe on the Road

Only Drive When You’re Well Rested

Fatigue is a major cause of accidents on the road — in fact, many studies have shown that fatigued and intoxicated driving share many of the same symptoms. If you don’t want to have to consult with a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, Don’t get behind the wheel when you’re tired. This is most easily done by maintaining a solid sleep schedule, but if you struggle with this, your next best option is to designate an alternate driver or use a taxi service.

Avoid Alcohol Before Driving

It’s no secret that drinking and driving don’t mix, so avoid having any alcohol if you plan to get on the road. Nearly any car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, will tell you that it only takes a blood alcohol level of 0.02% to impair your driving ability. For reference, two beers are enough to increase your blood alcohol content to this stage. For occasions when you do drink, avoid having to consult Park Chenaur & Associates at all by having a designated driver for the night.

Buckle Up

Your seatbelt is there to protect you, and using it can seriously decrease your risk of death or injury in the event of a car accident. Always wear your seatbelt in the car, and encourage anyone else in the vehicle to use theirs as well. According to the CDC, seatbelts increase your chance of surviving a car crash by a whopping 50%, and they decrease your risk of a major injury by as much as 45%. Park Chenaur & Associates wants you to be safe; even if you’re only traveling a short distance, buckle up whenever you drive.

Take a Safe Driving Course

Even if you’ve been driving for years, sometimes it’s a good idea to refresh your skills. A safe driving course is a great way to brush up on road safety and etiquette, and it can update you on any new road laws you may not be aware of. Most auto insurance companies offer safe driving courses, and many will offer you a discount for completing them! If you’re unable to enroll in a course through your insurance provider, visit your local DMV or speak with a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, to see what kind of classes are being offered. You may also be able to take a defensive driving course online, so you can hone your skills from the comfort of your own home.

Why is a car accident lawyer needed?

Car accidents are a common occurrence on the road. While most motorists can drive away from an accident unscathed, some are not so lucky. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is vital to seek legal assistance from a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA. 

There are many different types of car accidents, and the type you have determines what kind of lawyer you should be looking for. A personal injury attorney specializes in representing those who were injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. They will help you pursue compensation from all liable parties, such as insurance companies, doctors, and medical facilities that may be responsible for your injuries. They also specialize in helping victims recover their lost wages until they can return to work or find another job with comparable pay.

A car accident is one of the most stressful events you can go through. Not only are you dealing with the physical and mental pain, but now you have to deal with all the financial stress that comes with an auto insurance claim. If this isn’t enough, don’t forget about your job! It’s hard to maintain a strong work ethic when injuries make it difficult for you to handle everyday tasks. This is where hiring a car accident attorney becomes beneficial for any victim of an automobile collision. A car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, will help make sure that all necessary steps are taken to settle your case without having to worry about any legal matters on top of everything else going on in your life right now.

You need a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, who will fight for your rights as a victim of this type of negligence. At Park Chenaur & Associates, Inc., we have been helping victims like yourself get fair settlements since 1984. We understand how frustrating dealing with insurance companies can be when you are trying to recover after an auto accident injury has occurred. Our experienced team works hard on your behalf so that you don’t have to deal directly with the other party’s insurer or their lawyers until it comes time to negotiate settlement terms.

Tips for Car Accident Lawsuits and Settlements

One of the most important things you can do after a crash is contacting a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA. At Park Chenaur & Associates, we can help you protect your interests, get the medical care you need following an accident and receive the compensation you deserve. This can have a massive impact on your quality of life, happiness, health, and family. What else can you do to strengthen your legal case?

1. Get Medical Attention Promptly

If you, a passenger, or a member of your family have been injured in a car crash, call 911 right away. This sends the police to your location — this type of accident should always be reported to the police — and helps you get medical care as soon as possible.

Is receiving medical treatment bad for your car accident case?

Not at all. It’s actually a good thing. Both the police report and medical records outlining your injuries are excellent pieces of evidence that a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, can use in your favor. They help when negotiating with insurance companies or preparing a lawsuit.

2. Take Pictures of the Scene

If a picture says a thousand words, then photographs of the scene of the accident speak powerfully on your behalf. Images help your car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, establish what happened in the accident. They can prove the damage that occurred to your vehicle and show the injuries you suffered.

What should you photograph?

  • Your vehicle
  • The other vehicle
  • The other vehicle’s license plate
  • Any injuries you have
  • Injuries of family members riding with you
  • Nearby street signs or location information

3. Get As Much Information From the Other Driver As Possible

As far as possible, don’t let the other driver leave until the police arrive. If the other vehicle tries to drive away, snap pictures of the license plate with your smartphone. Write down the vehicle’s description. Then contact a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, right away.

What other details should you try to gather from the other driver?

  • Insurance information
  • Contact information (street address and phone number)
  • Name of the driver
  • Driver’s license number
  • Name of adult passengers

If you notice other people standing nearby who saw the accident, ask them if you can have their name and telephone number. Our team at Park Chenaur & Associates can also look for eyewitnesses and gather other evidence as needed for your case. The more evidence available, the stronger your case.

Why you Need Park Chenaur & Associates, Inc as your Car Accident Lawyer Tacoma, WA?

Park Chenaur & Associates, Inc is a leading personal injury law firm with over 30 years of experience. We have the resources and expertise to handle any case, from minor fender benders to catastrophic accidents that result in wrongful death. Our lawyers are compassionate and committed to getting our clients the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We fight hard on your behalf so that you can focus on healing and moving forward with your life after an accident.

We are experienced personal injury lawyers in Tacoma, WA, dedicated to helping people get the compensation they deserve. We will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive all of the money you need to recover from your injuries. You can trust us with your case because we know what it takes to win, and we never back down from a challenge!

When you choose Park Chenaur & Associates, Inc as your car accident attorney in Tacoma, WA, we will take care of everything so that you don’t have to worry about anything else but to recover from your injuries. We handle every aspect of our client’s cases to focus on getting better without having to stress over their legal issues too! 

You don’t have to go through this alone – we will be by your side every step of the way as we work towards obtaining justice for you. Our team will work to make sure that all medical expenses are covered along with other damages such as pain and suffering or loss of income due to time missed at work because of your injuries. Your well-being is our top priority.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, you should schedule a consultation. Call our car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, at Park Chenaur & Associates today.

Unsure of Where to Start? Initiate the Process by Finding an Experienced Lawyer.

When a car accident victim has experienced physical and emotional damage, in addition to medical care, contacting a Tacoma, WA, car accident lawyer will be in your best interest. Recovering from injuries is both painful and time-consuming, which is why a lawyer will be critical. Acting quickly is vital, especially considering the statute of limitations, but keep in mind that you won’t want to hire the first lawyer you find. Taking the time to research area lawyers can ensure that you locate the right lawyer for the case. Consider doing the following: 

  1. Conduct Internet research of lawyers in the area
  2. Ask those you know for references
  3. Choose a lawyer with experience in car accident law
  4. Schedule a complimentary consultation to meet with them in person

Managing a car accident case on your own can be confusing as the court system can be complicated, and negotiating with insurance adjusters and lawyers not only be intimidating but also impact the outcome of your case. Park Chenaur & Associates are Washington lawyers who will work tirelessly to protect your rights during what may be a difficult time.

Preparing for a Legal Consultation

Most car accident lawyers offer complimentary consultations to prospective clients who believe they have a case. These appointments are beneficial for several reasons, such as:

  • The opportunity to ask legal questions about the case
  • Interviewing the lawyer to determine if they are the right fit 
  • Receiving guidance and recommendations for how to move forward
  • Gaining a clear understanding of the process that lies ahead

Making the most of the first appointment is imperative as you will have limited time to discuss your case. Come prepared to ensure that you can cover everything on your list:

  • Bring a list of questions
  • Write down all the details of the accident
  • Bring any evidence that may support your case, such as:
    • Police Reports
    • Medical Records
    • Photos/Videos of Accidents & Injuries
    • Statements from Eyewitnesses
    • Expenses Incurred
    • Insurance Information

A prospective lawyer reviews the case and determines whether you have a claim against the negligent party. While gathering information ahead of time provides an accurate picture for the lawyer, it’s also essential that your needs as a prospective client are met. Be sure to discuss contingency fees and fee structures to have a clear picture of the cost associated with legal services. 

Timing is Key

After experiencing injuries, it can be easy to hesitate to contact a lawyer. You may want to give yourself time to heal or be unsure whether you even have a case. Know that delaying taking action may impact the case’s outcome and your ability to retain compensation for the losses incurred. The statute of limitations to file a personal injury claim in Washington is three years, meaning from the time of accident or discovery of injuries, the clock starts ticking. Once the timeframe closes, the ability to file a claim is no longer available in most cases. 

For a car accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, contact Park Chenaur & Associates.