According to the WSDOT 2015 Annual Collision Summary, over two million car accidents occur in the United States every year. While only around 120,000 of these accidents occur in Washington state, this is still a high number when compared to the state’s population size.
1/3 of people who get into car accidents in Washington suffer at least minor injuries, while around 5% suffer especially severe injuries.
If you were recently hurt in an auto accident in Tacoma, the responsibility may not fall on your to cover your injuries and car repairs.
Continue below to learn how you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim in search of compensation.
Dangerous Roads in Tacoma
Tacoma, WA is inhabited by around 211,000 residents, located just below Seattle. It is home to a variety of popular tourist museums and vacation spots, and is a common home to those who commute into Seattle for work.
Because of this, the following roadways are the most likely to be the site of an accident:
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Interstate 5 Freeway: “The 5” travels up the entire coast of the United States and is one of the most easily-recognizable freeways in the country. Not only is it the go-to freeway for travelers during vacations and weekends, but it is also quite congested during rush hour for commuters, making it a dangerous accident spot.
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Washington State Route 167: Also known as the Valley Freeway, this road connects the Interstate 5 to the Interstate 405 in a 28 mile stretch throughout downtown Tacoma. With a variety of popular exits and transfer areas, This spot can be especially dangerous during the summer when those who are unfamiliar with Tacoma are traveling through the state.
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Washington State Route 16: This freeway has been the subject of debate for a few years, thanks to complaints about its heavy tolls and questionable construction (which cost the state $800 million to fix). Because of constant fixes and temporarily tightened lanes, this highway can be especially tricky to navigate safely.
First Steps After a Crash
The details of your crash are very important to building a strong personal injury claim. While the period after an accident can be understandably overwhelming, try to do as many of the following as you can following your crash:
- Call the police. This should be priority #1 when sorting out what happened, who is at fault, and getting help immediately after the incident.
- Exchange insurance. No matter who is at fault, be sure to have everything you need to stay in contact with the other driver throughout the process.
- Take photos. This includes pictures of yourself, your car, and the scene of the crash.
- Speak with witnesses. While the police will likely do this too, witness accounts can be very helpful when making a personal injury claim.
- Go to a hospital. Even if you think you are fine, you should always make sure!
Hospitals in Tacoma
Tacoma has a number of hospitals you can visit for a post-crash check-up. Be sure to keep copies of all receipts, tests, and diagnoses to provide on your personal injury claim.
This will help ensure you are repaid for all damages should you receive compensation.
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MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
315 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: (253) 403-1000 -
St. Joseph Medical Center
1717 S. J St.
Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: (253) 426-4101 -
MultiCare Allenmore Hospital
1901 S. Union Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: (253) 459-6633
Auto Repair Companies in Tacoma
Personal injury claims can also help you to get compensation for car damage resulting from your accident. Similarly to above, be sure to save all receipts and repair lists to provide on your claim.
Below are the best-rated auto repair shops within Tacoma:
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Coopers Auto Repair Specialists
1718 103rd St. E
Tacoma, WA 98445
Phone: (253) 536-3797 -
D & D Automotive & Truck
2718 Pacific Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 383-3307 -
Richi’s Auto Repair
2215 70th Ave. W
University Place, WA 98466
Phone: (253) 460-7424
Considering a Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury claims rely on more than evidence from the incident to succeed. They must also be filed properly, with particular legal organization and paperwork free of mistakes. This is where a personal injury attorney comes in handy.
Their legal experience will help you to keep evidence organized and presented properly, especially when writing your demand letter or dealing with insurance companies.
Even better, most attorneys provide free consultations and do not take payment unless they win your case. Before you start the process, it may be wise to speak with an attorney first.
