Tacoma Personal Injury Attorneys
Seeking Compensation for the Injured in Washington
At the Hester Law Group, our Tacoma personal injury lawyers bring more than 130 years of combined experience to injured victims. While some cases must go to trial, others can be resolved by agreement of both parties. The most important decision an injured victim can make is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney—someone who can negotiate a settlement but can also go to trial if necessary. Make sure you have the right team on your side.
Understanding personal injury law in Washington includes grasping the nuances of state-specific regulations, time limitations, and compensation criteria. Our skilled personal injury attorneys Tacoma provide thorough legal assistance, from gathering crucial evidence to negotiating with insurance firms.
We have handled cases involving:
- Wrongful death due to another’s negligent driving
- Head and brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Cyclists injured by negligent drivers
- Pedestrians injured by negligent drivers
- Motorcyclists injured by negligent drivers
- Bars and taverns over-serving alcohol to drivers who subsequently injured or killed our client
- Assault victims
- Fire victims due to others' negligence
- Boating accidents
- Injuries sustained due to improperly designed stairwells
Insurance claims get more complicated every day, so it is important that your attorney has the experience necessary to litigate your claim. We approach each case in a way that attempts to account for every at-fault party. Speak with our team before making any decisions about how to proceed with your injury settlement. Our firm can help you better understand the choices you have and how to make the best use of them.
Our commitment extends to comprehensively evaluating each claim individually, ensuring no stone is left unturned in securing adequate compensation for your injuries and losses.
Understanding Washington State Personal Injury Law
The state of Washington operates under contributory fault rules, meaning that if you are partially at fault for your injury, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. This highlights the importance of having a knowledgeable legal team, like Hester Law Group, who are adept in navigating these specifics. Our personal injury attorneys Tacoma are well-versed in the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws in Washington, which can provide coverage regardless of fault. Understanding these nuances can be crucial in ensuring that our clients receive fair compensation.
Furthermore, Washington’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can lead to a forfeiture of your right to seek compensation. Our team ensures that all paperwork is meticulously handled within these critical timeframes. We work diligently to gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and corroborate witness testimonies, building a formidable case to present your claims effectively.
Community-Centered Legal Advocacy
Hester Law Group takes pride in being a part of the Tacoma community. We understand the local landscape, the courts, and the challenges residents face. Our attorneys not only serve clients but also engage with local safety initiatives, aiming to reduce incidents of injuries and accidents. Our involvement in community events and legal seminars ensures that our clients are represented by professionals who are both legally astute and culturally aware.
We are committed to making a difference beyond the courtroom. By leveraging our understanding of local dynamics, we provide tailored legal strategies that address the unique facets of each case. Our proactive approach in educating the community about legal rights and safety measures strengthens the social fabric and builds trust within the community. We believe that informed residents can make safer choices, reducing needless accidents in Tacoma.
Experienced Personal Injury Representation
Insurance companies know how to approach injured cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians when they are the most vulnerable. At Hester Law Group, we know how to keep them honest. The biggest mistake you could make is to negotiate and accept a settlement from an insurance company without first speaking to an experienced Tacoma personal injury attorney. Let our team hold them and their negligent clients accountable by being ready and able to take your claim to the jury and get you the results you deserve.
Our attorneys prepare every claim for potential litigation. This readiness not only shows our commitment to each client but also ensures insurance companies take negotiations seriously, knowing our preparedness to pursue the full extent of legal remedies.
Call Hester Law Group if you suffered due to:
Contact Our Tacoma Personal Injury Lawyers Today
At Hester Law Group, we are trial lawyers. Our Tacoma personal injury attorneys are experienced in identifying all possible liable parties. Sometimes, more than one negligent driver causes a cyclist to fall off the road. We’ve sued passengers who contributed to vehicle collisions, and we have even sued backseat drivers who took action, causing our innocent client to sustain significant injuries.
Call (253) 300-3034 now or contact Hester Law Group online to schedule a free consultation with our Tacoma personal injury attorneys.
We understand the urgency and emotional stress surrounding personal injury claims, which is why we offer detailed consultations aimed at clarifying your legal options and pathways towards seeking justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury in Tacoma
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?
The moments following an accident can be overwhelming, but taking certain steps can protect your rights. First and foremost, seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Documentation from healthcare providers is crucial for your personal injury claim. Gather evidence at the scene, such as photos of the accident, contact information of witnesses, and details of the involved parties. Lastly, avoid discussing fault or providing statements to insurance companies before consulting with a personal injury lawyer. At Hester Law Group, we guide you through these steps to strengthen your claim from the outset.
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated?
Pain and suffering refer to non-economic damages in a personal injury claim, covering the mental anguish and physical discomfort endured due to an injury. The calculation is typically more subjective than economic damages. Legal teams often use multipliers alongside your economic damages to assess the extent of non-economic suffering. The multiplier method considers severity, impact on lifestyle, and recovery duration. Our attorneys provide a comprehensive analysis to present a compelling argument for adequate compensation.
Can I Still Claim if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, in Washington, the law allows you to claim damages even if you share some blame, thanks to the comparative negligence rule. The compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault, any settlement will be reduced by 20%. Understanding how fault impacts your claim is integral, and our experienced team works tirelessly to accurately assess and argue your level of fault, ensuring you receive the maximum possible compensation under the circumstances.
How Long Do Personal Injury Claims Take to Resolve?
The timeline for resolving personal injury claims can vary greatly, often depending on the claim's complexity, the parties involved, and the willingness to settle out of court. Some claims resolve in a few months when liability is clear and settlement negotiations proceed smoothly, while others can extend to several years, particularly if they go to trial. At Hester Law Group, we prioritize efficiently yet thoroughly progressing through each claim, keeping you informed and involved at every stage to minimize stress and uncertainty.
How Do I Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney?
Choosing the right personal injury attorney is vital for your claim's success. Look for attorneys with a proven track record in handling similar claims, outstanding client reviews, and recognitions such as a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating. Consider their communication style and transparency, as ongoing communication is crucial throughout your claim. At Hester Law Group, our team offers free consultations, allowing you to gauge our suitability without financial commitment. We are dedicated to providing personalized and attentive legal representation tailored to your needs.
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“Starting from the kind staff and moving into a kind attorney, you don’t find that very often. Lance is professional, savvy and reliable. There is nowhere else you should look for counsel, we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you L”- Former Client
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“Do not hesitate to hire Wayne Fricke, he is a lawyer that works hard no matter what your race, gender or creed is.”- Former Client
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“Mr. Fricke has been our family lawyer for about 5 years.”- Jen
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“From day one I felt like a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulders.”- Craig
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“If needed, I will call on Mr. Fricke and I will continue to recommend him to others I know.”- Sharyl
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“We communicated frequently and in-depth along the way. Thanks, Lance.”- Dave
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“I hired Lance Hester to help me with 2 different legal matters.”- Former Client
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“Mr. Hester epitomizes professional representation.”- Former Client
The Hester Law Group Team
Client-Focused and Results-Driven
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$7.5 million settlement $7.5 Million Settlement Achieved for Water Quality Issues at SCC
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Vacated Conviction 4th Degree Assault
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Two Restraining Orders Granted Anti-harassment Orders
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Not Liable Assault
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Case Dismissed Case Dismissed
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Case Dismissed Case Dismissed