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.
The Legal Team That Understands Your Heart
After an Accident, Does Everything Feel Overwhelming and Scary?
A sudden accident. Once the initial shock wears off, even before you can process the physical pain, a wave of worries crashes down on you. “How will I pay these medical bills?” “What am I going to do about work?” “The insurance company keeps calling, what should I say?”
Feeling confused, overwhelmed about where to even begin, and scared that you’re all alone against a giant insurance company—we know exactly how you feel right now, better than anyone.
So, How Exactly Do We Help You?
The word “attorney” can feel intimidating and distant. We don’t hide behind complicated legal jargon. We exist to make your life easier. The way we help you is simple.
-
We take the stressful phone calls for you. We handle all the frustrating calls with the insurance company. All you have to do is give them our phone number instead of yours.
-
Your recovery is our top priority. We help you focus on getting the best possible medical treatment. If needed, we can even connect you with our network of top medical professionals who best understand your injuries.
-
We explain everything in a language you can understand. We don’t use confusing legal terms. We explain every step of the process and all your options in a way that is clear and makes you feel comfortable and in control.
-
We don’t miss a single dollar of your deserved compensation. We meticulously uncover all of your damages (including future medical costs and emotional distress) and fight to secure the maximum compensation you are rightfully owed.
Your Car Crash Lawyer In Tacoma, Washington State
Before We Are Legal Experts, We Are People With Heart
Look at our team in this photo. We are not just lawyers who look at paperwork. We are your neighbors and ordinary people, just like you. We genuinely listen to your story and deeply empathize with your pain. The moment our entire team takes on your case, you are no longer alone. We will become your most reliable support system.
You Take Absolutely No Financial Risk
Don’t worry if you don’t have money to hire a lawyer right now. Your first consultation with us is always free. And we charge no attorney’s fees whatsoever unless we win your case and recover compensation for you.
This is our promise. We believe everyone has the right to the best legal help, regardless of their financial situation.
Let us lift the heavy weight off your shoulders. Contact one of our offices in Tacoma, Lynnwood, Everett, or Bellevue today and tell us your story. Let us show you how we can help.
Why Choose Car Crash Washington?
Our firm specializes exclusively in car accident law
Benefit-Focused Representation
We leverage the know-how from countless successful car accident cases to provide you with clear, strategic guidance. While our exclusive focus on this field provides the expertise to build a powerful case, our customized service ensures you feel supported every step of the way. Our goal is your satisfaction, which we achieve by fighting for the maximum financial recovery you deserve.
Collaborative and Professional
Our entire team of attorneys works collaboratively to achieve one thing—a successful outcome for you. We specialize exclusively in car accident law, and we use this focused expertise to strategically build your case and maximize your financial recovery.
Call Us (253) 313-2738
Car Crash Washington | 98% Success Rate | No Win, No Fee Injury Lawyers
Located right near the Tacoma Dome, Car Crash Washington is your true local expert who knows these roads better than anyone. We specialize in every type of traffic accident that occurs in Tacoma—from major truck collisions on I-5 to complex Uber and bicycle accidents downtown, and even boating accidents in Commencement Bay.
For years, our team of experts has established itself as the most trusted partner for countless victims across Tacoma and Pierce County, helping them recover fair compensation and get their lives back.
Even now, on an early Saturday morning, we are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us for a free consultation.
Your Local Expert, The Tacoma Car Accient Lawyer
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. Car Crash Washington
Practice Areas | Car Crash Washington
An accident is more than just a legal problem; it leaves deep wounds on your body and your mind. At Car Crash Washington, we don’t just aim for a legal victory. Our ultimate goal is to create a peaceful environment where you can focus completely on the healing of your body and mind, by shouldering the entire legal burden for you.
While our expert team fights giant insurance companies, handles complex paperwork, and conducts all stressful negotiations on your behalf, you can be dedicated to the most important job there is: regaining your health.
Whatever the cause of your injury, we are ready to help. We specialize in all types of personal injury cases, including:
- Traffic Accidents: Car, Truck, Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Accidents.
- Special & Catastrophic Accidents: Wrongful Death, Drunk Driver, Uninsured Motorist, Bus, Train, Boat, Airplane, and Uber/Lyft Accidents.
- Other Personal Injuries: Slip and Fall Injuries, Workplace Accidents, and Construction Accidents.
Your journey toward recovery begins with a single step. Even now, on an early Friday morning, do not hesitate. Find peace of mind and let us find the path to your justice, together, by scheduling a free consultation.
articles & resources
Find helpful guides and materials on what to do after an accident, the compensation process, and your legal rights.
