Car Accidents
The Law Offices of Harold D. Carr represents clients in personal injury claims involving car accidents in Tacoma and throughout western Washington. We regularly negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of injured plaintiffs, and we are also experienced litigators who are always prepared to take a case to trial if necessary to achieve the best outcome for our client.
Negligent & Reckless Driving
Generally, each driver owes a duty to operate his or her car with ordinary and responsible care. When a driver breaches that duty and causes injury or death to another, the injured party or the deceased victim's family may recover compensation for the other driver's negligence or wrongful conduct behind the wheel. Negligent and/or reckless driving includes but is not limited to:
- Speeding
- Cell phone use and texting
- Failing to be mindful of motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians
- Disregarding weather or traffic conditions
When an accident results in injury, compensation usually includes economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. When an accident results in death, the victim's estate and certain surviving family may be able to recover damages on behalf of the deceased, as well as for their own losses. For more information about recoverable damages in wrongful death claims, please see our wrongful death page.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Despite heightened public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, and increasingly strict regulations and harsh penalties, drinking and driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Washington. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the accident or what injuries occurred as a result, alcohol-related crashes are rarely excusable because the accident likely could have been prevented if the person had not driven while intoxicated. We have experience representing clients who were injured in accidents with drunk drivers, and we will work tirelessly to obtain retribution for our clients under these unfortunate circumstances.
Liability Insurance
Washington requires drivers to carry liability insurance to pay for the financial costs of accidents, such as medical bills and property damage. However, in a serious accident, the $25,000 minimum mandated by law rarely compensates the victim for all harms incurred. Also, if an uninsured or underinsured motorist caused your accident, your insurance policy will generally only compensate you in an amount that is within your policy limits.
As a result, recovering for a personal injury or wrongful death claim arising out of a car accident will generally require dealing with insurance companies, including their claims investigators and lawyers. Even if you do not intend to bring a lawsuit, it is a wise to have an experienced personal injury lawyers represent you when dealing with an insurance company in order to ensure that you receive the maximum recovery to which you are entitled. Our attorneys possess and in-depth understanding of the methods employed by insurance companies to minimize payouts. This knowledge allows us to accurately assess claims, and obtain full and fair compensation on behalf of our clients.
Seek Experienced, Knowledgeable Representation
The personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold D. Carr have significant experience representing victims of all types of automobile accidents, including victims of drunk driving accidents. If you are injured, we will come to your home or hospital if necessary. Because our firm handles personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, you will not pay any attorneys' fees unless you recover. Please contact our offices to schedule a free initial consultation. Se habla español.
