Lakewood Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

Car accidents can upend a person’s life in an instant. When the at fault driver turns out to be uninsured or underinsured, the difficulties multiply. Accident victims in Lakewood may suddenly face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with an insurance company that may not act in their best interest. The emotional distress, physical injuries, and financial burden can be overwhelming, leaving families uncertain about how to move forward.

At Brumley Law Firm, we understand how deeply an auto accident can affect every aspect of your life. Our Lakewood personal injury attorneys are committed to guiding clients through the legal process, handling complex insurance claims, and advocating for fair compensation permitted under Washington law. Whether the crash involves an uninsured driver, an underinsured motorist, or a hit and run collision, our team stands ready to provide the legal representation you need to pursue justice and recover compensation.

Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Case in Lakewood?

Choosing the right Lakewood uninsured underinsured motorist accident lawyer can be an important factor in your claim. These cases often involve battling your own insurance provider, the very company you trusted to protect you. Insurance companies may seek to limit payouts. Without legal guidance, accident victims may risk accepting a settlement that doesn’t fully cover their losses.

Brumley Law Firm brings years of experience in personal injury law and has handled numerous car accident cases across Washington State. Our founding attorney, Joshua Brumley, is a former insurance attorney, giving our team unique insight into the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue claims. We use this knowledge to effectively negotiate with insurers and advocate for the full compensation available based on the facts and applicable law.

Our clients value our commitment to compassionate service, clear communication, and strong advocacy. Clients trust us not only because of our proven track record in personal injury cases, but also because we prioritize clear communication and consistent support. From the moment you call for a free consultation, you’ll see our dedication to your recovery and financial stability.

Client Testimonials

“The Brumley team worked tirelessly on my case. They explained every step of the legal process and fought hard when the insurance company tried to deny my claim. I finally felt like someone was on my side.”

“After my car accident, I didn’t know how I’d cover my medical expenses. Joshua Brumley’s experience with insurance companies made all the difference. They helped me recover compensation and gave me peace of mind.”

“I highly recommend Brumley Law Firm. They treated me like family and made sure I wasn’t left paying out of own funds after being hit by an uninsured driver.”

How a Lakewood Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case

An experienced Lakewood personal injury lawyer provides more than just courtroom advocacy. At Brumley Law Firm, our attorneys offer comprehensive support designed to ease the burdens accident victims face:

• Case Evaluation – We review your car insurance policy, police reports, and medical records to identify every potential avenue for recovery.
• Coverage Explanation – We clarify the details of uninsured motorist (UM), underinsured motorist (UIM), liability coverage, and optional coverage such as personal injury protection (PIP).
• Negotiation With Insurers – We deal directly with insurance adjusters to help you evaluate offers and avoid accepting a settlement that does not reflect your losses.
• Litigation – If necessary, our accident lawyers are fully prepared to represent you in court and seek a fair settlement or verdict.
• Expert Consultation – We collaborate with accident reconstructionists, economists, and medical professionals to substantiate damages such as lost income, out of pocket expenses, and long-term physical pain.

Common Types of Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Cases

Our Lakewood personal injury attorneys regularly handle a variety of cases involving uninsured drivers and underinsured motorists. Common scenarios include:

• Car accidents where the other driver has no insurance coverage.
• Motorcycle accidents caused by a negligent driver without sufficient liability insurance.
• Pedestrian accidents where the at fault driver flees the accident scene in a hit and run collision.
• Bicycle accidents involving uninsured drivers.
• Distracted driving crashes, often leaving victims with severe injuries and high medical bills.
• Car wrecks where damages exceed the underinsured driver’s liability coverage limits.

Statistics on Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists in Pierce County and Washington

Understanding the risks of uninsured and underinsured motorists helps highlight why strong insurance coverage and legal support are so important for drivers in Lakewood and Pierce County.

Statewide & National Context

• The Insurance Research Council reported in 2023 that about 15.4 percent of motorists nationwide were uninsured.
• In Washington, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that 16–22 percent of drivers lack active insurance coverage, placing the state among the highest in the nation.
• The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has noted that hundreds of thousands of drivers in Washington operate vehicles without financial responsibility, which directly increases the likelihood of uninsured motorist claims.

Pierce County / Local Trends

• The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) has identified Pierce County as a priority region for safety initiatives, including its 2023 Distracted Driving Pilot Project, due to elevated crash risks that intersect with uninsured motorist concerns.
• The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Crash Data Portal provides detailed collision statistics for Pierce County, showing thousands of reported crashes annually, many involving drivers with insufficient or no insurance.
• In its annual reports, the WTSC highlights that urban counties like Pierce consistently face significant crash numbers where liability coverage is either lacking or inadequate.

Why These Statistics Matter for Lakewood Drivers

High rates of uninsured and underinsured drivers in Washington mean that even the most careful motorists face real risks. For Lakewood residents, this translates to a greater chance of being left with medical bills, property damage, and lost income after a collision unless they have strong UM/UIM coverage and skilled legal representation to pursue fair recovery.

Compensation You Can Obtain in an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Case

Accident victims in Lakewood may be entitled to various forms of fair compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses – Hospital stays, rehabilitation, surgery, medications, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages & Lost Income – Paychecks missed during recovery and diminished earning capacity.
• Property Damage – Repair or replacement of vehicles and other damaged property.
• Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical injuries, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death – Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and future financial support when an accident leads to the death of a loved one.

Understanding the full scope of damages ensures you’re not left covering costs from own funds or out of pocket expenses. Our Lakewood personal injury lawyers carefully calculate both current and future costs to pursue the full compensation available under the law.

What is the Process for Filing an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim?

Filing an uninsured underinsured motorist claim in Lakewood involves several critical steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Document your serious injury and prioritize your health.
2. Report the Accident Scene – Contact law enforcement and obtain a police report.
3. Notify Your Insurance Provider – Promptly report the crash but avoid making statements without legal guidance.
4. Gather Documentation – Collect medical records, receipts, witness statements, and accident photos.
5. File the Claim – Work with your attorney to properly file with your insurance company.
6. Negotiate or Litigate – Allow your Lakewood car accident lawyer to push back against unfair tactics and, if necessary, pursue legal action.
7. Collect Compensation – If successful, resolve your claim through a settlement or court award.

Brumley Law Firm guides clients through each of these stages, ensuring they understand their rights and options at every step.

Statute of Limitations in a Lakewood Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim

In Washington State, most personal injury claims involving uninsured or underinsured drivers must be filed within three years of the car crash. Missing this deadline could eliminate your ability to seek compensation.

Exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries. Consulting a Lakewood personal injury attorney quickly helps protect your rights and preserves the ability to file timely legal action.

Elements of Negligence in an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim

To succeed in a legal claim, the following elements of negligence typically must be proven:

1. Duty of Care – The other driver had a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle safely.
2. Breach of Duty – The driver acted recklessly, such as through distracted driving or impaired driving.
3. Causation – The breach directly caused the car accident.
4. Damages – The accident resulted in measurable harm, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws

Washington follows a comparative fault system. This means even if you were partially responsible for the car wreck, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault in a car accident case, your damages would be reduced by 20%.

Understanding this rule is essential when pursuing personal injury claims, as insurance companies may try to exaggerate your share of blame to lower their payout. Our Lakewood accident lawyers protect you against these tactics and work to secure fair compensation.

Contact a Lakewood Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today

Being struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you facing serious injury, uncertainty, and financial instability. You don’t have to go through this alone. Brumley Law Firm is dedicated to helping accident victims in Lakewood recover compensation, secure their future, and find peace of mind.

We work on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe attorney’s fees unless there is a recovery. Court costs and case expenses may be the client’s responsibility. All terms are provided in a written fee agreement. Our commitment to clients is simple: to provide skilled legal assistance, fight for fair settlement offers from insurance companies, and help you move forward after someone else’s negligence changed your life.

Call Brumley Law Firm today at (833) 740-2275 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with a experienced Lakewood personal injury lawyer.