Burien Rear End Accident Lawyer

Rear end accidents can have a profound impact, even at low speeds. A sudden car crash can leave the injured party with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and questions about how to protect their financial well being. If you or a loved one in Burien WA is dealing with the aftermath of a rear end collision, you are not alone. At Brumley Law Firm, our legal team provides guidance and legal support to car accident victims across South King County. We help clients understand their rights, navigate the insurance process, and pursue compensation permitted under Washington State law. Burien car accident lawyers build the claim using evidence to prove other driver fault during investigations.

Brumley Law Firm is committed to supporting Burien residents as they work to recover compensation after someone else’s negligence. If you need a Burien personal injury lawyer who will provide personalized communication and guidance throughout the process. Specific experience and knowledge of Washington’s comparative negligence laws are crucial when selecting a lawyer for a rear-end accident case.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Rear End Accident Case in Burien

Choosing the right accident lawyer after a rear end collision matters. Here is why injured clients in Burien WA choose our law firm:

• Deep experience with car accident cases. Our personal injury attorneys have experience with rear end accident cases involving whiplash, fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries are among the most reported injuries from car accidents. We help gather evidence, document losses, and prepare claims for negotiation or litigation.
• Former insurance insight. Founding attorney Joshua Brumley is a former insurance attorney. That perspective helps our team anticipate how an insurance company and its insurance adjusters evaluate a car accident claim and where they may try to minimize payouts.
• Experience handling rear-end accident cases and preparing matters for trial when necessary. Each case depends on its unique facts, and outcomes may vary.
• Client centered service. You will receive personalized attention from a dedicated legal team that respects your time and your recovery.
• No upfront fees. We offer free consultations, and you won’t owe attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. All terms are provided in a written agreement.

We have handled numerous rear-end accident cases and are well-versed in Washington’s comparative fault rules.

Clients Testimonials

What clients often say about working with our legal team:

• The firm made a complicated process easier to understand, provided clear next steps, and kept in close contact.
• The attorneys were thorough in reviewing medical records and police reports, and they explained how the law applies in plain language.
• Staff treated us with respect and patience during a difficult time and coordinated with providers so we could focus on medical treatment and physical therapy.

Many of our past clients have noted that we helped clarify the legal process and maintained strong communication. See more verified client feedback on our reviews page.

How a Burien Rear End Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case

An experienced car accident attorney can manage the details while you focus on healing.

• Investigate and gather evidence. We secure traffic camera footage, dashcam files, police reports, and witness statements. When needed, we retain accident reconstruction experts to analyze vehicle dynamics, stopping distance, and weather conditions. Expert witnesses can assist in proving fault in complex car accident cases by providing professional opinions on the cause of the crash.
• Identify all parties involved. Crashes on Ambaum Blvd SW, 1st Ave S, SR 518, SR 509, and the I 5 corridor toward Federal Way often involve multiple vehicles and other parties. We look at the other driver, employers if the at fault motorist was on the job, and any third parties whose conduct may have contributed.
• Evaluate the full extent of losses. We document medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future care needs, and the impact of emotional distress and emotional trauma.
• Handle the insurers. We take over communications so you are not pressured to give statements that could be used to limit your claim. We review each insurance policy to uncover coverage you may not realize you have, including underinsured motorist benefits.
• Negotiate or litigate. We pursue compensation through settlement negotiations and, if necessary, litigation in accordance with Washington law.

Common Types of Rear End Accident Cases We Handle

Rear end collisions happen in many ways around Burien WA and neighboring communities, including Federal Way:

• Stop and go traffic near SeaTac access roads where drivers fail to leave adequate following distance
• Queueing at traffic lights on 1st Ave S or Ambaum Blvd where one vehicle is stopped and the other driver is distracted by a phone, food, or GPS
• Sudden slowdowns on SR 518 or SR 509 caused by congestion or weather conditions
• Chain reaction pileups on I 5 south toward Federal Way during heavy commute hours
• Commercial vehicle impacts where a delivery truck taps a smaller car at low speed, yet significant neck or back injuries still occur

Each crash is unique. Determining fault requires careful review of the facts, rather than assumptions about who was behind whom.

Compensation You Can Obtain in a Rear End Accident Case

Depending on the facts and injuries, a car accident claim may allow you to recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses. ER care, hospital bills, diagnostic imaging, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and future medical treatment
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Time missed from work and reductions in future income for lasting limitations
• Property damage. Vehicle repair or replacement and damaged personal items
• Non economic losses. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, and the impact of anxiety or sleep disruption
• Disability benefits and long term support. When injuries create lasting limitations or require assistive devices
• Mental health care. Compensation for car accident victims can include payment for mental health care due to emotional trauma such as anxiety or PTSD.

We aim to help clients seek compensation permitted under Washington law, based on the documented impact of their injuri

What is the Process for Filing a Rear End Accident Claim

Use these immediate steps to protect your rights after an accident in Burien WA:

1. Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
2. Call 911 and request police assistance and medical attention.
3. Exchange information with the other driver and any witnesses.
4. Document the scene. Take photos and video of damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and road debris.
5. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay. Some injuries are delayed.
6. Notify your insurer promptly, then consider speaking with an attorney before detailed statements to an insurance company.
7. Contact a Burien rear end accident lawyer for a free consultation.

How our legal representation guides you afterward:

• We create a timeline, gather evidence, and contact the parties involved and their insurers.
• We coordinate with your providers to collect medical records and billing.
• We compile proof of lost wages and other financial harms.
• We present a demand package and negotiate with insurance adjusters.
• If necessary, we file a personal injury lawsuit within the applicable deadline and continue to pursue compensation through litigation.

Statute of Limitations in a Burien Rear End Accident Claim

Under Washington State law, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident. Filing after the deadline can jeopardize your claim. There are limited exceptions, so it is wise to speak with counsel early to preserve your right to sue.

Elements of Negligence in a Rear End Accident Claim

To recover compensation, the injured party typically must show:

1. Duty. All motorists owe a duty to use reasonable care on the road. RCW 46.61.145 requires drivers not to follow more closely than is reasonable and prudent given traffic and road conditions.
2. Breach. Evidence like cell phone use, excessive speed, or failing to brake can establish a breach.
3. Causation. The breach must be a cause of the accident and injuries.
4. Damages. Documented injuries and losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

RCW 46.52.020 also requires drivers to remain at the scene, exchange information, and render reasonable aid after a collision.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Washington follows pure comparative negligence. If more than one party is responsible, a court or insurer assigns percentages of fault. Your award is reduced by your share, but you are not barred from recovery unless you are 100 percent responsible. This framework applies even when multiple vehicles are involved or when the front motorist’s conduct contributed.

Burien Rear End Accidents Statistics

In 2022, the City of Burien recorded 5 fatal crashes involving 8 vehicles and resulting in 5 deaths, according to City-Data. Weather is a contributing factor as well, with about 20% of fatal collisions in Burien occurring during rainy conditions.

At the county level, the King County 2023 Collision Data Report shows that rear end accidents made up roughly 19% of all reported collisions in unincorporated areas. These numbers highlight that rear end collisions remain one of the most frequent crash types across the region.

Statewide, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported that 2023 traffic fatalities reached a 33-year high, underscoring the importance of safe following distances and attentive driving throughout Washington.

For those seeking more detailed crash data, the Washington State Patrol Collision Analysis Tool and City of Burien Police provide access to records that include non-fatal collisions, crash types, and injury severity.

Contact a Burien Rear End Accident Lawyer

If you are searching for a Burien rear end accident lawyer who will provide clear advice and steady advocacy, Brumley Law Firm is ready to help. We offer a free consultation so you can understand your options and decide on next steps that make sense for you. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.