1. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC
Focus Area: Personal Injury Litigation
Practice Areas: Motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Background: The attorneys at RHHK are trial-tested with decades of combined experience in personal injury cases throughout Washington State. The firm has built a reputation for aggressive advocacy in complex injury cases, with attorneys including Dan Kyler, Vern Harkins, Dan Hannula, John Wilson, and Michael Fisher handling significant settlements and trial verdicts.
Location: Tacoma, WA
Contact: Visit website for contact information | https://rhhk.com/
Consultation: Free initial case evaluation available.
2. The Law Offices of Michael Clark
Focus Area: Personal Injury
Practice Areas: Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, bicycle accidents, dog bites, pedestrian accidents, military-related injury claims
Background: Michael S. Clark, J.D. (WSBA #23035) has over 30 years of trial experience. He previously worked in criminal defense, which sharpens the firm’s courtroom strategy. A proud Tacoma native, Michael earned his B.A. at the University of Washington and his J.D. at the University of Puget Sound School of Law. He has served as Chair of the WSBA Criminal Law Section and remains active on community boards. The firm holds a 4.9 star Google rating.
Location: Tacoma, WA (serving all of Western Washington)
Contact: (253) 573-1000 | https://tacomainjurylaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation. Contingency fee basis with no fee unless the firm wins your case.
3. Park Chenaur Injury Lawyers
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Accident Cases
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall injuries, medical malpractice, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, premises liability
Background: The firm has recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts for injury victims. Co-founders Rick Park and Angel Chenaur have handled thousands of personal injury cases. The firm has over 450 five-star reviews. Legal services are provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Korean.
Location: 500 SE Everett Mall Way Suite B225, Everett, WA 98208 (also serving Tacoma and Federal Way areas)
Contact: (253) 461-0810 | https://www.parkchenaur.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available. Call 253-INJURED.
4. Khan Injury Law
Focus Area: Personal Injury and Accident Claims
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, dog bites, uninsured motorist claims, hit-and-run accidents
Background: Khan Injury Law has built a reputation for relentless advocacy on behalf of injury victims across Washington State. The firm handles evidence gathering, witness interviews, and direct insurance negotiations. The team provides 24/7 availability for case reviews and emergencies throughout Pierce County.
Location: Tacoma, WA (serving all of Pierce County including Puyallup, Lakewood, and University Place)
Contact: (253) 243-8488 | https://khaninjurylaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available any time.
5. Brumley Law Firm
Focus Area: Personal Injury
Practice Areas: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, slip and fall accidents, catastrophic injuries
Background: Attorney Joshua Brumley founded Brumley Law Firm and has been a practicing attorney with the Washington State Bar Association since 2015. Before opening his firm, Joshua worked for insurance companies, giving him valuable insights into insurer tactics to minimize payouts. The firm resolved over 300 cases in 2024 and serves clients throughout Western Washington, including Kent, Seattle, Bremerton, Olympia, Tukwila, Renton, Lakewood, Everett, Burien, Lynnwood, and Puyallup.
Location: Tacoma, WA
Contact: Visit website for contact information | https://www.brumleylawfirm.com/
Consultation: Free 24/7 consultation available. Contingency fee structure.
Personal Injury Laws in Washington
Statute of Limitations
Washington provides a three-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.080(2)). The clock typically begins on the date of injury. Wrongful death claims also carry a three-year deadline from the date of death. Intentional torts such as assault and battery have a shorter two-year filing deadline (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.100(1)). Medical malpractice cases must be filed within three years of the negligent act or one year from discovery of injury, whichever is later, with an eight-year statute of repose.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule (Wash. Rev. Code § 4.22.005). Under this system, your percentage share of fault reduces the compensation you can receive, but does not bar recovery entirely. Even if you are 99% at fault, you may still collect 1% of your damages from the other responsible party. This is significantly more favorable to plaintiffs than North Carolina’s contributory negligence system or modified comparative fault states that bar recovery at 50% or 51% fault.
Damage Caps
Washington does not impose general caps on economic or noneconomic damages in personal injury cases. However, there are specific limits in medical malpractice cases for noneconomic damages. Washington courts allow recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium without arbitrary statutory limits in standard negligence cases.
Auto Insurance Requirements
Washington operates as an at-fault state for auto insurance, meaning the driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for damages. The minimum liability requirements are:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $10,000 for property damage
Washington law requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to be offered with all auto policies, though drivers may waive it in writing (Wash. Rev. Code § 48.22.085). PIP covers medical expenses and lost income regardless of fault. Proof of financial responsibility may also be met through a $60,000 certificate of deposit or surety bond. The Department of Licensing uses an electronic verification system to check insurance status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Washington’s comparative negligence rule help me if I was partially at fault?
Washington uses a pure comparative negligence system, which is one of the most plaintiff-friendly standards in the country. If you were partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you will not be barred from recovery. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could still recover $70,000. This differs significantly from states that completely bar recovery if you share any fault.
What should I do after a car accident on I-5 or Highway 16 near Tacoma?
Major highways in the Tacoma area, including I-5 and Highway 16, see frequent accidents. After ensuring everyone’s safety, call law enforcement if there are injuries or significant damage. Document the scene with photographs, collect witness contact information, and seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Washington requires accident reports when injury or property damage exceeds $1,000. Contact a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offers from insurance companies.
Are there special considerations for injuries near the Port of Tacoma or industrial areas?
The Port of Tacoma and surrounding industrial areas present unique hazards including commercial truck traffic, heavy machinery, and maritime operations. Injuries in these areas may involve multiple potentially liable parties, including trucking companies, shipping operators, equipment manufacturers, and property owners. Some claims may fall under federal maritime law. An attorney familiar with these complex jurisdictional issues can help identify all responsible parties.
How long do personal injury cases typically take to resolve in Pierce County?
The timeline for personal injury cases varies significantly based on case complexity, severity of injuries, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within several months through insurance negotiations. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties may take one to three years or longer, especially if the case proceeds to trial. Washington’s three-year statute of limitations provides time to fully assess injuries before settling.
What is PIP coverage and should I use it after an accident in Washington?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is optional coverage in Washington that pays for your medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. If you have PIP, you can use it immediately to cover treatment costs while your liability claim is pending. Using PIP does not affect your right to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. Many Washington drivers waive PIP to reduce premiums, but it provides valuable protection especially when facing an uninsured or underinsured at-fault driver.