Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Collect and Safeguard Evidence
Our car accident attorneys encourage you to document the scene of the accident as best you are able. Take photos of your vehicle, the other driver's vehicle, and your surroundings. Save all medical records for care received after the accident. To supplement your documentation, we can collect eyewitness testimony and work with expert scene recreationists to bolster your case for compensation.
Handle All Insurance Communications
Once you file your car accident claim, the other driver’s insurance company will most likely make you a lowball offer in an attempt to get you to settle. Do not accept this offer or have any further communication with the insurance company. Our car accident lawyers can handle all correspondence so you can keep your focus on your recovery.
Fight Hard So You Don’t Have To
In many cases, Cochran Douglas is able to secure favorable settlements during the negotiation phase, but we are not afraid to take your car accident case to court or appeals if we have to. We are dedicated to securing maximum compensation on behalf of our Washington clients. Our attorneys have successfully recovered against large companies and the government.
Only Three Years to File Washington’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations
The state of Washington imposes a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This means if you suffered injuries in a car accident, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit seeking damages. Though three years may seem like a long time, it can pass much more quickly than you expect as you focus on healing and getting your life back together. Don’t miss out on your chance at full compensation—speak with a car accident lawyer today.
Our Attorneys Are Ready to Hear From You Request Your Free Legal Consultation
Time is of the essence when it comes to securing compensation after a motor vehicle accident. The sooner you contact our car accident lawyers, the sooner we can get to work on your case.
Mr. Loren Cochran has been named a Super Lawyer® each year from 2014–2024, an honor less than 5% of Washington attorneys achieve. Mr. Cole Douglas was named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers each year from 2018–2024, a distinction granted to a maximum of 2.5% of young attorneys in Washington. Our elite personal injury attorneys can stand by your side.
Let's discuss your injury claim during a free consultation. Send us an online message or call our law office to initiate the process.
"I'm so grateful to have found them."
Loren, Cole, and their entire office were of such great help during a difficult time in my life. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney
View on GoogleI can't recommend Cochran Douglas enough. They assisted me in a car accident settlement and I'm so grateful to have found them. They were incredibly on top of my case and they helped me reach a larger settlement than anticipated. Everyone was so kind, helpful, and professional ❤ eternally appreciative of their efforts.
View on GoogleA Look at the Numbers: How Safe Were Puyallup Drivers in 2023?
The Washington State Department of Transportation reports that there were 975 total crashes in Puyallup throughout 2023. This represents a decrease of nearly 100 crashes from 2022, a positive trend. Still, the only acceptable number of crashes is zero, and the crashes that do occur can cause life-altering injuries for those involved.
Reckless and Intoxicated Driving Has Devastating Consequences for the Puyallup Community
In the first few months of 2024 alone, Puyallup saw three serious car crashes potentially attributable to reckless and/or intoxicated driving. Two of these crashes caused the loss of life.
On March 2nd, two young men were driving recklessly and lost control of their vehicle, which crossed a lane and struck a pole near the Blue Gate at the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. The vehicle caught fire shortly after impact, and the men were transported to area hospitals for medical attention. Luckily, no bystanders were harmed by their negligent actions.
A 41-year-old man has been charged for a February 20th incident in which he struck and killed a pedestrian with his vehicle before crossing all lanes of traffic and crashing into a Walgreens storefront on South Meridian Ave. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular homicide.
January 14th was a difficult day for Puyallup. Around 4 a.m., a 29-year-old woman was driving on Highway 512 with four children in her vehicle. She left the road and struck a support column for the 31st Avenue Southwest overpass. Tragically, the driver and all four children perished in the crash. Alcohol intoxication is being investigated as a potential contributing factor to the accident.
Red Light Citations in Puyallup
The City of Puyallup maintains 13 red-light cameras at six intersections around town. In 2022, these cameras recorded infractions and collisions that resulted in 34,585 issued citations.
This is a significant number of citations for a city with a population just over 40,000, and a testament to the hazards drivers can face, even in highly regulated areas. If you were injured in Puyallup by a driver running a red light, failing to signal a turn, or engaging in otherwise negligent driving at an intersection, our car accident attorneys are prepared to review your case for free.
Free and Convenient Consultations Cochran Douglas Can Come to You
Are you recovering from an injury right now? Our attorneys can come to you. We’ve met with clients at their homes or the hospital, and even for virtual consultations through Zoom. Our injury law office in Tacoma is less than a 20-minute drive from Puyallup, so Cochran Douglas is on-hand and ready to help, when and where you need it most.
Please send our law firm a message so we can begin arranging your free consultation. You can also call us at:
(253) 472-7777
"They exceeded my expectations in every way."
i would like to thank the Cochran Douglas firm Cole and Loren for there excellent work settling my case it took some time but they were able to get me 4 times the amount plus some that was being offered the team kept me informed through the whole process i felt they had my back and that meant a lot to me thanks again Robert
View on GoogleI had the pleasure of working with Cochran Douglas Attorneys at Law, and I can confidently say that they exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I reached out for legal assistance, their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and a support. Their expertise, communication, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes make them a standout choice in the legal field.
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Pure Comparative Negligence
How Washington Determines
Fault in Injury Cases
Washington State follows the “pure comparative negligence” principle for determining fault in car accidents and other circumstances in which damages can be awarded.
Many newer residents are from states that follow the "modified comparative negligence" rule. Under modified comparative negligence, an injured party can collect damages only if they were less than 50% at fault for the incident that caused the injury. Under pure comparative negligence, however, they can collect even if they bore 99% of the fault for the incident. As long as they are not entirely responsible, they have a chance to collect, but their total potential compensation will be proportionately affected by their share of fault.
Pure comparative negligence can be beneficial to parties who suffered injuries in accidents where responsibility is not so easily determined. Our car accident attorneys based in Tacoma possess deep knowledge of this principle and how to structure claims in light of it. We will work hard to maximize the compensation for which you are eligible.
"This is a first-class law firm."
This is a first-class law firm. They went above and beyond to settle my case, and greatly exceeded my expectations. They are genuine, kind, and compassionate. Cochran Douglas has an amazing staff that will keep you informed through the process and work to ease the anxiety surrounding your case. These are the people you want on your side!
View on GoogleI had a fantastic experience working with Cole and his whole team. Competent, compassionate, communicative. They took great care of me and handled my case better than I could have expected. Thank you!
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