A Washington man fiddling with his BlackBerry was cruising down Seattle Interstate 5’s express lanes Tuesday morning in his minivan, oblivious that traffic ahead had come to a dead stop.

What happened next “could have been horribly tragic,” said Washington State Patrol spokesman Jeff Merrill.

The 53-year-old man’s minivan smashed into a car, setting off a chain reaction that included three other cars and a Community Transit bus, which was carrying 28 passengers.

Any person who suffered personal injury may have immediate access to funds through the negligent driver’s PIP insurance, which may pay for medical bills and wage loss. A claim could also be made against the driver’s bodily injury policy. In addition, there may be UIM (underinsured motorist coverage) available. To ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, contact a Seattle personal injury attorney.