Motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence in Yakima and throughout Central Washington. Many crashes are completely avoidable, caused by drunk drivers or distracted drivers. Whatever the cause, car accidents are a major safety and economic issue for the community.

Get information on car crashes from the region's police departments

The Yakima Police Department offers information on accidents, and also provides information on obtaining a police report.  The Pasco Police Department provides collision records here. The Richland Police Deparment site is here. The Kennewick Police Department also offers access to accident reports here.

These departments are good resources for information after a car crash.

Washington State's Department of Licensing provides information on traffic laws and licensing and insurance requirements.

When someone is injured in a Yakima or Tri-Cities car crash, what needs to happen next?

In an injury accident, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost.

The major hospitals in the area include:

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital;

Yakima Regional Medical Center;

Lourdes Medical Center - Pasco;

Kadlec Regional Medical Center - Richland;

Trios Health - Kennewick.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy.

When a car accident is serious or fatal, it is crucial to find a Yakima auto accident lawyer

When a crash is serious or a death occurs in Yakima or anywhere in Central Washington, the next step is to find an experienced personal injury attorney to start the financial recovery process by launching an insurance claim. Major injury or wrongful death claims are complicated and difficult to manage. Having a Yakima car accident lawyer on board is a great relief to injured people, or to the family left behind when an accident proves fatal.