Were you injured in a car accident in Tacoma, WA, that was caused by distracted driving? If you were hurt in a car crash because someone wasn’t paying attention behind the wheel, you deserve justice.
At Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, our Tacoma distracted driving accident lawyers can help you hold the negligent party accountable and pursue full compensation for your losses. We bring over 30 years of experience and a track record of securing more than $1 billion on behalf of injured clients.
Contact our law office today at (253) 264-0225 to schedule a free consultation.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in Tacoma
After a serious accident in Tacoma, Washington, you may be dealing with pain, stress, and mounting bills. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery. We approach each case with precision, strategy, and compassion.
Here’s what you can expect when our Tacoma car accident attorneys represent you:
- We’ll conduct an independent investigation to uncover all relevant facts.
- We’ll gather and preserve key evidence such as phone records, surveillance footage, and eyewitness testimony.
- We’ll work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial specialists to strengthen your claim.
- We’ll handle all negotiations with insurance companies and prepare for trial if needed.
- We’ll keep you informed at every stage and provide straightforward, honest counsel.
Our goal is not just to win your case; it’s to ensure that you walk away with enough financial support to rebuild your life. Beyond our extensive experience and significant case results, members of our legal team have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and other reputable legal organizations.
Contact Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation with a Tacoma personal injury lawyer.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention away from the task of driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,200 people died in 2023 car crashes caused by distracted driving. Over 324,000 more suffered serious, life-changing injuries.
When a driver’s mind, eyes, or hands are taken off the wheel, even for a moment, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Common distractions behind the wheel include:
- Talking or texting on a phone
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the GPS or infotainment system
- Personal grooming, like applying makeup or shaving
- Talking to passengers
- Tending to children or pets
- Reaching for objects inside the vehicle
All it takes is a split second of inattention to cause a collision that alters someone’s life forever.
The Three Main Types of Distractions
Not all distractions are the same. Experts classify distracted driving into three distinct categories:
- Visual distractions: taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at your phone, checking your appearance in the mirror, or reading signs for too long)
- Manual distractions: taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., eating, drinking, changing the radio station, or handling objects)
- Cognitive distractions: taking your mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming, getting lost in thought, or having emotionally charged conversations)
Sometimes, all three types of distraction happen at once, like when someone texts while driving. These moments are especially dangerous and increase the risk of high-speed or head-on collisions.
What Are Common Injuries in Distracted Driving Accidents?
Because distracted drivers often fail to slow down or brake in time, these crashes can be especially violent.
Victims may suffer a range of serious injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back trauma
- Whiplash
- Fractured bones
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Lacerations and burns
- Internal organ damage
These injuries often result in significant medical costs, missed work, and long-term pain or disability. The emotional toll can be just as damaging, particularly if the victim faces a lengthy recovery or permanent impairment.
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Tacoma, we’re here to help you pursue the financial resources you need to heal.
Who Is Liable in a Distracted Driving Accident?
Proving liability in a distracted driving case often requires careful investigation.
The at-fault party could include:
- The distracted driver who caused the crash
- An employer, if the distracted driver was working at the time
- A rideshare company, if the at-fault driver was on the clock
- A vehicle manufacturer, if a defect contributed to the accident
Our Tacoma car accident attorneys will identify all liable parties and build a compelling case to pursue maximum compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident?
Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- Wrongful death (in fatal cases)
Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault. However, you can still recover damages as long as you weren’t 100% responsible.
We’ll fight to ensure your role in the crash isn’t exaggerated and that the true source of negligence is held accountable.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit in Washington?
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict; if you miss it, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.
Our legal team can ensure that all applicable deadlines are met in your case.
Call a Tacoma Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Were you injured in a distracted driving accident? Our Tacoma distracted driving accident attorneys are here to hold negligent drivers accountable and help you recover what you’re owed.
With more than $1 billion recovered for injured clients and decades of legal experience behind us, we know how to win tough cases. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you will pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Reach out to Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer, to schedule a free consultation.