As the school year ends and summer begins, the roads across Washington State get noticeably busier. Students are out of school, families are traveling, and teen drivers are hitting the roads more frequently. While summer can be a season of fun and freedom, it also comes with a spike in car accidents — especially involving inexperienced or distracted drivers.

Increased Summer Risks

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. With more vehicles, increased travel, and longer daylight hours, the chances of a collision increase — especially in Thurston, Lewis, Cowlitz, and surrounding counties.

Washington’s Alarming Rate of Uninsured Drivers

Washington State consistently ranks among the top 10 states for the highest percentage of uninsured drivers. It’s estimated that over 20% of drivers in the state have no car insurance at all. That means in the event of an accident, there’s a 1 in 5 chance the other driver won’t have insurance to cover your injuries or damages.

Why You Need Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

Too often, we speak with injured drivers who discover—too late—that they weren’t adequately protected.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical expenses, wage loss, and essential services regardless of who is at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you if you’re hit by someone without insurance or with too little coverage to pay for your injuries.

These policies are not only affordable but essential in today’s risky driving environment.

Injured in a Crash? You Don’t Have to Face It Alone.

At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, our personal injury attorneys have been protecting injured clients across Southwest Washington for over 75 years. From Olympia to Vancouver and beyond, we’ve helped clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

We offer free injury consultations, and we only get paid if you win your case. Don’t wait or guess about your rights — early legal advice can make all the difference in your recovery.

📞 Call us today at (360) 736-1301
🌐 Visit us online to schedule your free consultation.


🚨 Summer Safety Tips Recap

  • Drive defensively and expect more young, distracted, and inexperienced drivers.
  • Review your auto insurance policy.
  • Add or increase PIP and UM/UIM coverage.
  • If you’re in a crash — especially with an uninsured driver — get legal advice immediately.

Althauser Rayan AbbarnoYour Local Injury Attorneys in Southwest Washington.