Puyallup Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Puyallup Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can happen anywhere in Puyallup, whether it’s on Meridian Avenue, near South Hill Mall, or along Highway 512. When the at-fault driver turns out to be uninsured or underinsured, the situation quickly becomes overwhelming. Accident victims may be left wondering how to cover medical expenses, lost income, and property damage without enough insurance coverage from the other driver.
At Brumley Law Firm, we understand the emotional trauma, financial challenges, and physical injuries that follow such cases. Our Puyallup personal injury lawyers are committed to helping accident victims pursue fair compensation, even when insurance companies stand in the way. With experienced car accident lawyers by your side, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Why Hire Brumley Law Firm For Your Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Case in Puyallup?
Insurance disputes involving uninsured or underinsured motorists are rarely simple. Victims often assume their own insurance company will act in their best interests, but insurers are businesses with financial priorities. Without skilled attorneys advocating for you, your chance of recovering damages can be limited.
At Brumley Law Firm, our team brings decades of combined experience in personal injury and insurance law. Attorney Joshua Brumley’s past experience working with insurance companies helps inform our approach to handling insurance disputes. That knowledge gives our clients an advantage when navigating complex claims.
Our Puyallup car accident lawyers have handled a wide range of personal injury cases across Washington, including many involving uninsured and underinsured motorists. We strive to offer transparency, clear communication, and tailored legal strategies for every client.
Client Testimonials
“Brumley Law Firm treated me like family. After my car accident, my own insurance company was refusing to cover all my medical bills. Their legal team fought tirelessly and explained every step of the process. I can’t thank them enough for helping me recover compensation and move forward.” – Former Client
“Joshua Brumley and his team truly cared about my case. They understood the financial hardship I was facing and made sure the insurance company didn’t take advantage of me. I’m grateful for their compassion and persistence.” – Former Client
How a Puyallup Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney Can Help You With a Case
An uninsured underinsured motorist accident lawyer does more than file paperwork. At Brumley Law Firm, we handle every aspect of your personal injury claim so you can focus on healing. Our services include:
- Case Evaluation – We carefully review your accident, your own policy, and the other driver’s liability coverage to identify available compensation sources.
- Policy Review and Explanation – Many accident victims are unaware of what their own insurance policy actually covers. We break down uninsured motorist (UM), underinsured motorist (UIM), PIP coverage, and collision benefits.
- Negotiation with Insurers – Our attorneys handle direct communication with insurance carriers to prevent undervaluation or denial of your claim.
- Litigation Support – If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take legal action and represent your case in court.
- Expert Consultation – We work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and economists to strengthen your claim with witness testimony and evidence.
Common Types of Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Cases
Our Puyallup car accident lawyers have seen how devastating these incidents can be. Common cases we handle include:
- Auto accidents involving uninsured drivers
- Collisions where the at-fault driver’s liability coverage isn’t enough to cover medical costs or rehabilitation expenses
- Hit-and-run accidents where the driver is never identified
- Multi-vehicle accidents in Pierce County with disputed liability coverage
- Cases where accident victims suffer permanent disabilities and long-term physical therapy costs
Local Traffic & Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Statistics in Puyallup and Pierce County
Uninsured and underinsured motorists continue to be a significant concern throughout Washington State, including Pierce County and the city of Puyallup. While precise city-level uninsured driver data is not publicly broken out, several official sources provide insight into statewide and countywide risk.
- The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reports that Washington had 810 traffic fatalities and 3,413 serious injuries in 2023, reflecting an upward trend in dangerous crashes across the state. Rising crash severity increases the financial consequences when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage.
- Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) shows that Pierce County regularly ranks among the counties with higher fatal and serious injury crash counts, with dozens of deaths and hundreds of serious injuries reported each year. This makes the likelihood of encountering an uninsured or underinsured motorist in a high-impact crash particularly concerning.
- In Pierce County planning discussions, officials have referenced estimates that up to 35 percent of drivers may be uninsured in some areas, highlighting a persistent problem of inadequate auto insurance coverage on local roads. These figures underscore why uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is considered essential protection.
- Public records compiled through City of Puyallup Police Traffic Collision Reports, maintained by the Washington State Patrol and summarized by data services, show multiple fatal crashes in Puyallup each year. While these reports do not specify insurance status, they provide context for the frequency of serious vehicle accidents occurring within city limits.
What This Means for Puyallup Residents
Together, these statistics show that:
- Serious vehicle accidents are rising across Washington State, with Pierce County consistently affected.
- A notable share of local drivers lack adequate insurance, placing financial responsibility on accident victims unless they can pursue UM/UIM claims under their own policy.
- Because uninsured and underinsured driver status is not publicly tracked at the city level, victims often only discover coverage gaps after an accident, reinforcing the importance of legal guidance and strong insurance protections.
Compensation You Can Obtain in an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Case
Accident victims in Puyallup may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Bills – Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy
- Lost Wages & Lost Income – Income lost during recovery, as well as reduced future earning potential
- Property Damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle and damaged property
- Rehabilitation Costs – Ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, or long-term care expenses
- Non-Economic Damages – Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life
- Wrongful Death Compensation – Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support for surviving family members
Our legal team works to pursue all applicable categories of damages based on the facts of your case.
What is the Process for Filing an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim?
Navigating the claims process after a car accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver requires careful steps:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Protect your health and create essential documentation of your injuries.
- Review Your Own Policy – Determine whether your own insurance policy includes UM or UIM coverage.
- File a Claim with Your Insurance Carrier – Report the accident to your insurance company promptly.
- Gather Evidence – Collect police reports, medical records, photographs of the accident, and witness testimony.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney – A skilled Puyallup car accident lawyer will manage communications, protect your rights, and strengthen your case.
- Negotiation & Legal Action – If insurers fail to act in your best interests, Brumley Law Firm will pursue litigation to recover full compensation.
Statute of Limitations in a Puyallup Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim
In Washington State, accident victims generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This includes cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to seek compensation.
Certain exceptions may apply, such as delayed discovery of injuries or claims arising from hit-and-run vehicle accidents. Consulting with our Puyallup legal team ensures you understand how these rules apply to your case and protects your ability to recover damages.
Elements of Negligence in an Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim
To succeed in a personal injury claim, your legal team must establish:
- The other driver owed a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely.
- The driver breached that duty, through reckless driving, speeding, or distracted driving.
- That breach directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional trauma.
Washington State’s Comparative Fault Laws
Washington follows a comparative fault system, which means accident victims may still recover compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident. However, their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if an injured party is found 20% at fault for a car accident and the total damages are $100,000, they may still recover $80,000. This law underscores the importance of having skilled attorneys to limit unfair fault assignments.
Contact a Puyallup Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a Puyallup car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, you don’t need to handle the legal process alone. Brumley Law Firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys are here to explain your legal options, negotiate with insurers, and fight for fair compensation.
We offer free consultations, and there are no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Court costs and case expenses may be the client’s responsibility. Our Puyallup legal team is ready to stand with you and help you recover the resources you need to move forward.
Call Brumley Law Firm at (833) 740-2275 to schedule your free case review today.