Local office in Tacoma, WA1201 Pacific Ave, Suite 605Directions

Rear-ended in Tacoma?Talk to a lawyer for free.

In Washington, the driver behind has the main duty to avoid a rear-end crash. Your own PIP coverage can pay for treatment while the claim is sorted out.

  • No fee unless we winWe only get paid when you get paid.
  • Zero upfront costYour consultation is free, with no obligation.
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A firefighter and an ambulance at a car crash at an intersection
They got my case settled fast with full compensation and all my medical bills paid.
Meghan B.Car accident clientGoogle review

Results that speak.Millions won for car accident clients.

We've won over $500 million for our clients, including the car accident cases below.

  • $6.25MPersonal injuryA confidential personal injury settlement.
  • $5MAuto accidentFor a husband and wife after the husband suffered a brachial plexus injury.
  • $2.34MAccident claimA win for a client injured in an accident.
  • $1.5MAuto accidentA win for a client injured in an auto accident.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and each case is different.

View all results

After a rear-end crash in Tacoma,what to do first.

Six steps that protect your claim, in roughly the order they come up.

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  • Injured? Call 911 and stay
    If anyone is injured, stay at the scene and call 911. After a crash with only damage, Washington law requires drivers to move their cars off I‑5's main lanes and shoulders to a safe spot nearby, such as an exit ramp shoulder, and exchange information there. Moving doesn't change who's at fault.
  • Get the report number
    On Tacoma's streets, Tacoma Police take the report; on the freeways, the Washington State Patrol. The State Patrol keeps it: search for it free and buy a copy for $10.50. If no officer wrote one and anyone was injured, each driver must file a report within four days.
  • Photograph both cars
    Once you're somewhere safe, photograph both bumpers and the other car's plate before anything is repaired, and get the names and numbers of witnesses. In a chain-reaction crash, note the order of the cars.
  • Get your neck checked
    Rear-end crashes often injure the neck: federal safety rules require head restraints to reduce neck injuries in them. Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the neck. If something feels off in the days after, get checked, and keep your treatment records.
  • The driver behind has the main duty
    In Washington, the driver behind has the primary duty to avoid a rear-end crash, and drivers must not follow more closely than is reasonable. A sudden stop where no one would expect one can shift some of the fault to the car ahead.
  • Public agencies need a claim first
    Most injury lawsuits in Washington must be filed within three years. If a city, county, transit or state vehicle was involved, such as a Pierce Transit bus, a claim on the agency's form comes first, and a lawsuit can't be filed until 60 days after it (RCW 4.96.020; for the State, RCW 4.92.110).

After a rear-end crash,who pays?

Usually the driver behind and their insurer. Your own PIP can pay your treatment first, whoever was at fault.

Your injuries

Medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering

  • The rear driver's liability insurance
  • Your PIP coverage, up to $10,000 at the basic level, for care within three years of the crash
  • Your underinsured motorist coverage, if the driver had no insurance or too little
  • Your health insurance

Your car

Repairs or its value

  • The rear driver's property damage coverage
  • Your collision coverage, after its deductible
  • Underinsured motorist property damage, if the driver had no insurance
  • A reasonable rental while it's repaired, as loss of use
  • 1 in 7crashes on Tacoma's streets was a rear-end crashFrom 2021 to 2025, about 1 in 7 crashes on Tacoma's streets was a rear-end crash, in the City's crash data. Among crashes that injured someone, only crashes at an angle were more common.
  • $40,000What you'd keep of $50,000 at 20% faultIf a jury finds you 20% at fault, for example for stopping short, Washington's pure comparative fault rule reduces a $50,000 award to $40,000 instead of erasing it.
  • $10,000Basic PIP coverage for treatmentBasic Washington PIP covers up to $10,000 of medical bills, whoever caused the crash, unless you turned it down in writing.
Mount Rainier above Tacoma's Ruston Way waterfront

Our office in Tacoma

Local car accident lawyers,right here in Tacoma.

Not every firm that advertises in Tacoma has an office here. We do.

Our office is in the 1201 Pacific tower downtown. Come in, or we'll come to you anywhere in Pierce County, at home or in the hospital.

Why choose Valero Law Group?

We champion every case,big and small.

Whether your case is worth $5,000 or $5 million, we bring the same skill, attention and determination to every client we represent.

So don't let the size of your case keep you from seeking justice: every injury deserves serious representation. Let us fight for the compensation you're owed while you focus on what matters most, your recovery.

They made me feel like a priority, and they put my needs first as a client.

IsabelValero Law Group client

400+five-star Google reviews

Real reviews fromour clients.

  • Samuel M. smiling in the Valero Law Group office with his $881,000 settlement check
    Samuel M.$881,000
  • Victoria M. smiling in front of the Valero Law Group logo wall with her $625,000 settlement check
    Victoria M.$625,000
  • Karina C. smiling in the Valero Law Group office with her $625,000 settlement check
    Karina C.$625,000
  • Angela M. smiling and pointing to her $625,000 settlement check
    Angela M.$625,000
  • Destiny H. smiling with her $500,000 settlement check
    Destiny H.$500,000
  • Javier P. smiling in the Valero Law Group office with his $375,000 settlement check
    Javier P.$375,000
Valero Group provided exceptional support after I was rear-ended and suffered the loss of my classic car. They advocated on my behalf and ensured I received fair compensation for both my injuries and my vehicle. … Throughout the entire process, they were consistently responsive, answering my calls and addressing any questions I had.
Sam M.Google review
Read all 400+ of our reviews
I can't thank Kyle and Ruby enough for their incredible support after my rear-end accident. From the first call, not only did they inform me, but they ensured I received the medical care I needed, and they never stopped fighting for me and my family.
Titilayo A.Google review
Thank you for helping me with my car accident. Leticia is the best!
Julian S.Google review
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Al Barro Foundation: supporting over 400 orphans in Mexico

From the community, for the community.

Hablamos español.

We're a Hispanic-focused firm with native Spanish-speaking attorneys. We understand your family's needs, walk you through every step in your language, and fight to get you every dollar you deserve.

Organizations we support

Sponsor of the 2024 Share the Road Scholarship

Our community outreach
  • Al Barro Foundation
  • EUNIME por Tijuana, A.C.
…they speak excellent Spanish, know how to help, and look out for their clients' best interests.
Yesica H.Google review
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Organizations we support

Sponsor of the 2024 Share the Road Scholarship

Our community outreach
  • Al Barro Foundation
  • EUNIME por Tijuana, A.C.

Common questionsafter a rear‑end crash in Tacoma.

Who is at fault in a rear-end crash in Washington?
Usually the driver behind. Washington courts put the main duty on the following driver, but it isn't automatic: if the car ahead did something sudden and unexpected that a careful driver couldn't anticipate, a jury can find the front driver partly or fully at fault.
The car ahead stopped suddenly. Was it my fault?
Not automatically. If the front driver stopped where no one would expect a stop, a jury decides whether the stop should have been anticipated, and both drivers can share the fault. Washington law also requires a driver to signal before stopping or slowing suddenly when there's a chance to. But a driver who was following too closely can't blame a stop for ordinary traffic.
What if I was partly at fault?
You can still recover. Under Washington's pure comparative fault rule, your compensation goes down by your share of the fault. If your losses are $50,000 and you're found 20% at fault, you'd receive $40,000.
I was in the middle of a chain-reaction crash. Who pays?
Each driver's share of the fault is decided separately. If you weren't at fault at all, the drivers found at fault are each responsible for your full damages, so you aren't left chasing small shares.
Who pays my medical bills right now?
Usually your own PIP, whoever was at fault, unless you turned it down in writing; then your health insurance. The rear driver's insurer pays at the end of the claim.
How long do I have?
Most injury lawsuits in Washington must be filed within three years of the crash (RCW 4.16.080). If a public agency's vehicle was involved, a claim on its form has to come first, 60 days before any lawsuit. Call us early so no deadline slips by.
What does a rear-end accident lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. Your consultation is free, and no attorney's fees are owed unless we recover compensation for you. You may be responsible for case-related costs and expenses; we'll explain them before you sign.
Attorney Marie Ballon
Marie BallonAttorney, Valero Law Group

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Have a question about a potential case?Talk to a Tacoma car accident lawyer today.

Your consultation is always free, with no obligation. We're happy to answer any questions and walk you through your options. No pressure, just honest answers.

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