With a population that is above 200,000, Tacoma is situated 30 miles from Seattle. The same issues that cause accidents in Seattle also affect Tacoma. Traffic congestion in Tacoma like in Seattle is one of the main factors that contribute to accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, read on for an outline of the personal injury laws in Washington, Tacoma.
Accidents Involving Body Injury and Death
According to Washington Laws, a driver who injures a person in a car accident must provide his/her name, vehicle registration number, address, insurance company and policy number and must show his/her license number to the one injured in the accident. The driver is required to offer reasonable assistance to the injured party. Such assistance includes transferring the injured person to a hospital for medical treatment.
Driver’s Duty to Notify the Police
When a driver is involved in a car accident causing injuries, death, or damage to property, they should notify the nearest law enforcement authority. The at-fault driver is required to inform the police about the accident within four days from the time of the accident.
Comparative Negligence in Washington
Washington law on personal injury applies the concept of comparative negligence. A victim’s responsibility for causing an accident affects the compensation they shall receive. The claimant’s compensation is diminished by their share of negligence.
Statute of Limitations
Each state in the U.S. has its statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time limit provided by the law, you lose your right to recover any damages from the defendant. The statute of limitation for personal injury and property damage is three years.
Claims Against the Government
In Washington, you can make a claim against the government or its agents for property damage or personal injury for negligence. The claim should be relevant to actions that an employee of the government or government agency that are performed in the course of their duties. If the injuries or property damage is caused by an unlawful action, you can only make a claim against the individual(s) who damaged the property or caused the injuries. The government agency cannot be held liable for its employees’ actions.
If you are involved in an injury due to a motorcycle accident or any incident, it is advisable to advisable to consult an injury lawyer to help you navigate the complicated process of filing a claim. Your lawyer will help you gather all the necessary evidence for pursuing compensation. In case you do not settle with your insurance provider, your attorney will offer you legal representation in court and ensure you get the best possible compensation.
- Guldjian & Fasel Accident Attorneys
- Tacoma Car Accident lawyers
- Tacoma Truck Accident Attorneys
- Tacoma Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
- Tacoma Uber / Lyft / Rideshare Accident Lawyers
