After a Car Accident on I-5 in Tacoma: What You Absolutely Must Do
The tension of the Fife curve, the unpredictable traffic around the Tacoma Dome and JBLM—any resident of Tacoma and Pierce County knows the stress and danger of driving on Interstate 5. An accident in this corridor can be far more devastating than a crash on a surface street due to high speeds and a heavy volume of commercial trucks.
In the chaos and shock following a collision, the actions you take in the first few minutes can critically impact your safety and your legal rights. At Car Crash, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on the most important things to do after an accident on I-5 in Tacoma.
1. The Absolute First Priority: Securing Your Safety at the Scene
Secondary accidents on a highway can be fatal. Before you think about your legal rights, your safety and the safety of your passengers come first.
- Move Your Vehicle: If your car is drivable, immediately move it to the nearest shoulder or safe area off the main roadway. If you cannot move your vehicle, keep your hazard lights on and stay inside.
- Stay in Your Car: On a high-traffic freeway like I-5, getting out of your vehicle can be more dangerous than staying in it. If your car is disabled and you need help, it is safest to remain in your car with your seatbelt on while you wait for 911.
- Call 911: Immediately call 911 to report the crash. Give them the most accurate location you can, such as the nearest exit number or a mile marker.
2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Rights
Once you are safe, calmly follow these steps to protect your future compensation claim.
- Take Photos: Document everything you can: the damage to all vehicles, the other car’s license plate, the surrounding road conditions, skid marks, etc.
- Exchange Information: With the help of the police, get the other driver’s name, contact details, and insurance information.
- Do Not Admit Fault: Never say “I’m sorry” or make any other statement that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident.
- Look for Witnesses: If other drivers stopped, politely ask for their contact information. Witnesses can be harder to secure on a highway but can be crucial to your case.
Why Are I-5 Accidents More Complex?
- High Speeds & Severe Injuries: Crashes on I-5 lead to much more serious injuries, which means your claim is for a higher value. Insurance companies will fight much harder to devalue or deny these claims.
- Heavy Commercial Truck Traffic: I-5 is a primary logistics route, meaning many accidents involve semi-trucks. If you are in an accident with a truck, you must pursue a complex claim against a massive trucking corporation, not just the driver.
- Jurisdiction: The Washington State Patrol (WSP) typically investigates these incidents, and their reports are a critical piece of evidence.
You Need an I-5 Accident Specialist
An accident on the I-5 Tacoma corridor has its own unique dangers and legal complexities. You need a local expert who knows this roadway and has experience winning high-speed highway accident cases.
At Car Crash, we are ready to handle the entire legal battle while you focus on recovery. Even now, on a Saturday afternoon, we are waiting for your call. Schedule your free consultation today.
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From our four offices in Tacoma, Lynnwood, Everett, and Bellevue, our expert legal team at Car Crash provides premier legal services to clients throughout Washington. We are proud to serve the following communities:
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We are the Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer team providing legal services for accident victims centered in Tacoma and across Pierce County, including Puyallup, Lakewood, and Federal Way. Your local specialist is here to recover your rights. Tacoma Car Crash Lawyer | Car Crash Washington
