Law Offices of Michael Clark

Law Offices of Michael Clark Personal injury attorney serving Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and Western Washington.

A driver who glances at their phone for just a few seconds can travel the length of a football field without seeing the ...
06/02/2026

A driver who glances at their phone for just a few seconds can travel the length of a football field without seeing the road. Washington State consistently reports high rates of distracted-driving crashes, and the consequences are real and often permanent. If you've been injured by a distracted driver in Tacoma or anywhere in Western Washington, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. At the Law Offices of Michael Clark, we know how to gather the evidence needed to hold negligent drivers and their insurance companies accountable. Don't let someone else's carelessness define your future. Call 253.499.7844 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Tacoma’s high crash risk score is driven by elevated rates of speeding and impaired driving. If you've been injured in a...
05/30/2026

Tacoma’s high crash risk score is driven by elevated rates of speeding and impaired driving. If you've been injured in a car accident in the Tacoma area, you're not just a statistic, you're a real person whose life has been disrupted through no fault of your own. At the Law Offices of Michael Clark, we've spent over 30 years helping Tacoma residents recover the compensation they deserve after serious collisions. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. Don't let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call 253.499.7844 today for a free consultation and let our experience work for you.

05/29/2026

Asking AI about your legal case could destroy your case. Unlike conversations with your lawyer, AI chats aren't privileged and can be subpoenaed by the other side. Protect yourself - only talk to your attorney.

Something that feels illegal to know is how much your phone tracks about car accidentsYour phone was recording data the ...
05/28/2026

Something that feels illegal to know is how much your phone tracks about car accidents

Your phone was recording data the moment your accident happened.

Speed. Location. Direction. Whether you were using apps. How hard you braked.

The other driver's phone was recording the same data. And it can be subpoenaed.

We're seeing an explosion in distracted driving accidents. But drivers almost never admit to phone use.

Instead, we hear: "The sun was in my eyes" "They were in my blind spot"

"My brakes didn't work"

These sound like excuses because they usually are.

Modern phones track everything. If someone was texting while driving or scrolling social media, there's often digital evidence.

If someone rear-ends you at a red light, phone use might not matter. Clear liability case.

But in disputed intersection accidents where both drivers claim green lights? Phone data showing active device use becomes crucial.

I had a case where the other driver claimed mechanical failure. "My accelerator got stuck," he said.

Phone data showed he was on a call during the accident. No stuck accelerator - just distraction.

Another case: Driver claimed she swerved to avoid a dog. Phone showed she was scrolling Instagram in the 10 seconds before impact.

This works both ways. If you were using your phone during an accident, that data exists too. Defense attorneys request it.

The safest approach: Don't use your phone while driving. Ever.

Not for calls. Not for GPS. Not for music. Nothing.

Your phone isn't just a device - it's a witness to everything you do. Unlike human witnesses who might forget details, your phone's memory is perfect.

It remembers every click, every swipe, every second of distraction.

Make sure what it remembers is something you can defend in court.

Tag someone who needs to put their phone down while driving

Warmer weather brings more motorcycles onto the roads across the Puget Sound, and with that comes an elevated risk of se...
05/28/2026

Warmer weather brings more motorcycles onto the roads across the Puget Sound, and with that comes an elevated risk of serious accidents. Washington state data consistently shows that motorcyclists account for a disproportionately high share of traffic fatalities relative to their numbers on the road. Riders deserve the same rights and protections as any other road user, and when a driver's negligence causes a crash, the consequences for a motorcyclist are often catastrophic. If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault, experienced legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Call 253.499.7844 today.

05/27/2026

Think a traffic ticket proves the other driver was at fault? Think again. In Washington state, tickets aren't admissible in civil court - even if the driver was found guilty. Here's what actually matters in your case. Subscribe!

99% of people believe something about car accidents that's completely wrong"The other driver got a ticket, so obviously ...
05/27/2026

99% of people believe something about car accidents that's completely wrong

"The other driver got a ticket, so obviously they were at fault."

I hear this every week. And every week, I deliver bad news:

Traffic tickets can't prove fault in personal injury cases. Even if the driver was found guilty.

In Washington state, evidence of traffic infractions isn't admissible in civil court.

"You mean the officer issued a failure-to-yield ticket, the driver was found guilty, and I can't use that in my lawsuit?"

Correct.

Traffic court asks: "Did you violate this traffic rule?"

Civil court asks: "Were you negligent and did your negligence cause injuries?"

Different questions. Different evidence standards.

A driver can get a ticket but not be at fault for your injuries. Or avoid a ticket but still be 100% liable.

I've had rear-end cases where the other driver was speeding but got no ticket. Does that mean they weren't at fault? Obviously not.

I've also had cases where the other driver got a ticket and was found guilty. When we sued, their insurance denied liability and we had to prove fault using witnesses and physical evidence.

We couldn't mention the ticket.

Just because the other driver didn't get a ticket doesn't mean they weren't at fault. Officers make quick decisions without witnessing what happened.

But in civil court, we investigate. We interview witnesses, examine vehicles, and determine what really happened.

Your case will be won on facts, not citations.

Don't let insurance companies dismiss your case because their driver didn't get a ticket. And don't assume you have a slam-dunk because they did.

The truth matters more than the ticket.

DM us if you have questions about your case

05/25/2026

Just because the other driver didn't get a ticket doesn't mean they weren't at fault. Police decisions and civil liability are completely separate issues. Don't give up on your case! Subscribe for legal insights!

Address

705 South 9th Street, Suite 202
Tacoma, WA
98405

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Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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