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Posts Tagged ‘hit-and-run’

Kennewick Police Search for White Pickup in Hit-and-Run Accident on Elementary Student

Car accidents, hit-and-run, Washington car accident attorneys, Washington car accident lawyer

September 1st, 2010: Law Blogger

27th & Olympic, KennewickHit and run is one of the worst crimes because many times the victim is left in the road with no one to call for help, sometimes for hours. Luckily for a young student in Kennewick today after school there were witnesses there to help her.

Makayla Messinger, who attends Canyon View Elementary in Kennewick, was walking east on 27th Avenue trying to cross Olympia Street. The pickup was westbound on 27th, turning south on Olympia when it hit her.

Witnesses told police the girl was in the middle of the crosswalk when she was hit and the pickup was speeding.

The suspect’s truck is described as a white late-model 1-ton dual wheel with a white canopy that’s either a Ford or a Dodge. It was last seen heading south on Olympia.

Messinger suffered a serious case of road rash and a horrible fright, but authorities say that otherwise she’s alright.

Kennewick police are now searching for that white pickup. If you have any information please call 509-586-8477 or go to tricitiescrimestoppers.org. Tips can also be sent by text message by writing “Text TIP 411″ plus the message to CRIMES (274637).

Hitting a schoolgirl on her way home from school and then just taking off is not going to bode well for this driver once they are caught. Luckily, more often than not, people cannot hide their cars and tips eventually come in that lead to their arrest.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run accident then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in personal injury lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyersat Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, car accident, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury, speeding

Tukwilla Police Looking for Hit-and-Run Driver in Pedestrian Injury Accident

hit-and-run, pedestrian accidents, personal injury, personal injury lawyers, Tukwilla

August 9th, 2010: Law Blogger

west valley hwy site of accidentHitting a pedestrian with a car is always bad and usually ends up with the pedestrian sustaining serious personal injuries. The first few minutes after an accident is key to the victim’s survival and to not call for medical attention right away might mean the difference between life and death. Luckily for a woman walking in Tukwilla there were people around to give her immediate attention after she was hit by a truck.

Police say at 10:58 p.m. on Saturday, there was an urgent 911 report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision in the 16000 block of West Valley Highway. When they arrived they found a 58 year-old lying unconscious in the southbound lanes.

Her unconscious state denotes that she could have suffered a severe head wound. She was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she is listed in stable condition.

After the collision, witnesses said that the suspect vehicle fled southbound without stopping or checking on the welfare of the pedestrian.

Witnesses describe the vehicle as being a dark-colored, late model Toyota pickup truck.  The vehicle sustained obvious damage to the passenger side front.

Tukwila Police asked that anyone with information about this accident should call 206-433-1808.

We hope that the woman recovers quickly.

Pedestrian hit-and-run is extremely serious. To leave a person on the side of the road to die yields no sympathy from a judge or jury in a court case. Though many people run because they are extremely scared or drunk or both, there is a point where self preservation becomes more destructive to the outcome of the situation. This is one of those instances.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run accident then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in personal injury lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, Brain Injury, car accident, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury

Both Drivers Run From Scene in Double Hit-and-Run Injury Accident in Omak

Car accidents, hit-and-run, personal injury, personal injury attorney, personal injury lawyers

August 4th, 2010: Law Blogger

hwy 97 private road outside OmakUnfortunately, several times every week we report a hit-and-run accident. It’s either a car or truck that hit a vehicle, bike, or pedestrian and speeds away from the scene leaving the injured victim to struggle alone for their lives. At least once a week we do a story on a driver that crashes their car, but the car is no longer drivable, so they take off on foot as if the police will forget to look at their license plates. In this scenario, the victims are again left to fend for themselves. But on Sunday, in a bizarre twist, the car accident resulted in both drivers running for it, leaving several of their friends broken and bleeding.

The accident happened on State Route 97 on Sunday. According to the Washington State Patrol both vehicles were southbound when one of the cars was making a left hand turn into a private drive when the other vehicle attempted to pass and hit them during their turn causing serious damage to both vehicles. When the vehicles came to a spinning stop is when the weirdness began.

Like clowns at a circus, both of the cars had multiple occupants. They began to pile out and ran for it, including both of the drivers, leaving multiple friends in both of the cars with serious personal injuries.

When police and medical units arrived they found four victims in various states of injury.

Duran Marchand, 29, of Omak was listed as serious at the time has been upgraded to satisfactory condition at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane.

Three others were taken to Mid Valley Hospital.

Lacrisha Cate, 28, of Okanogan was treated for broken bones including a rib and collarbone.

Sarah Hall, 18, of Riverside was treated for a broken toe and multiple cuts.

Dustin Hayes, 22, of Okanogan was also transported for treatment of cuts and bruises.

Hall was cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol and other charges are pending.

The Patrol report says at this time it’s not known who was driving which vehicle. It seems the injured parties aren’t speaking or don’t remember.

Anyone with information regarding the collision is asked to contact Detective Loren Barger at the Patrol at (509) 663-9721.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that negates any sort of leniency law enforcement or judges may have shown. Not only that, there is a serious character issue when someone flees without helping the victim. The best policy is to stop and face the consequences because law enforcement is extremely talented at finding their suspect.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit and run accident then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in personal injury lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyersat Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, car accident, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury

Bicycle Accident Attorneys: Suspect says Hit-and-Run “Intentional”; Cyclist Still in ICU

bicycle accident, hit-and-run, personal injury, Seattle bicycle accident lawyers, washington bicycle accident attorneys

August 3rd, 2010: Law Blogger

Bicycle Accident AttorneysThe Northwest is one of the most popular areas in the country for bicycle riding and there are thousands of year-round riders. That has made many local drivers more aware of bicyclists on the road than other drivers around the country. This does not keep cyclists from serious bicycle accidents though. These accidents are generally true accidents, but when the serious personal injuries caused in the accident are allegedly intentional as was the case this weekend in Spokane, then that is just disturbing.

Jonathan McElfish, 42, of Spokane, was riding his bicycle near Sprague and Dearborn in the Spokane Valley on Sunday morning when Dallas Cress, 22, of Spokane, suddenly ran over him with his red 1996 Ford Mustang. He then took off leaving McElfish in critical condition on the road.

Medical crews and police quickly responded and rushed McElfish to the hospital where he was listed as having critical injuries. Today he was upgraded to serious condition by the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he remains a patient.

Late in the afternoon on Sunday, Cress called into Crime Check and admitted he was the driver who “intentionally” struck the bicyclist.

Investigators went to his location and took a verbal and written confession from Cress. They also seized the Mustang Cress he said he was driving the night of collision as evidence.

Police say that since Cress has been cooperating with law enforcement about his involvement in this incident and there is further investigation to complete in this matter, he has not been physically arrested.

Authorities said that assault charges will likely be filed at a later date once the entire investigation is completed.

We hope that the victim recovers swiftly and fully.

This story raises some questions about when the suspect will be arrested and why there is a delay. Many times it is under the advice of prosecutors who choose to create a stronger case in order to make the charges more concrete. We hope that the investigation is strong so that McElfish can get justice.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident then it is important that they find an experiencedpersonal injury lawyer. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, bicycle accident, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury

Wrongful Death Lawyers: Police on Lookout for Stolen Truck Involve in Hit-and-Run Accident

Car accidents, hit-and-run, Wrongful Death, wrongful death lawyer

July 26th, 2010: Law Blogger

corner of 128th and Gibson in EverettHit-and-run accidents are some of the worst kinds of crimes because the driver generally doesn’t even have the courtesy of calling 911, but instead only thinks selfishly as their victim bleeds, and often dies, alone on the side of a road. That may have been what happened early Sunday morning.

Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 1100 block of 128th Street SW, near E. Gibson Road, about 12:30 am where they found the man on the side of the road, dead.

A witness told detectives he saw a dark-colored pickup truck leaving the scene.

The witness’s description matched the description of a vehicle involved in another hit-and-run that was reported earlier on Saturday evening outside a tavern at 148th Street SW and Highway 99 near Lynnwood. Nobody was hurt in that incident.

Police found the pickup’s owner, but he told them the truck had been stolen. Detectives believe the owner was not involved in either incidents.

Investigators are going to look at footage from traffic cameras at an intersection near the scene of the fatal hit-and-run. Police say they are looking for a dark-blue 2005 Ford Ranger with a Washington license plate B35457F. If you see that truck, call 911.

If you have any information regarding the fatal hit-and-run accident to call 911 or the sheriff’s tip line at 425-388-3845.

The man’s identity has not been released pending notification of his family. Our condolences go out to him.

The individual who caused this accident, is facing an extended stay in prison because they were committing a crime when the death occurred. We sincerely hope that the criminal is caught and swiftly brought to justice.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run accident then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in wrongful death lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, hit-and-run

Washington Car Accident Lawyers: Hit-and-Run DUI Suspect Crashes into House Eluding Police

DUI accident, hit-and-run, property damage, Washington car accident lawyer

July 5th, 2010: Law Blogger

Damaged HouseSome people feel that running from the police is a reasonable method of avoiding getting in more trouble than they would have been in the first place. Of course reality is not on their side on this notion. This was the case Saturday night when a man was stopped by Seattle Police and decided to run for it.

The driver in a Chevy Malibu had been stopped in the 12700 block of 35th Avenue NE around 10:25 pm. The suspect was a person (and car) of interest for a hit-and-run incident earlier that night in Ballard. The driver seemed to cooperate but then suddenly slammed on the gas pedal and headed southbound. The side-view mirrors of the car hit both officers who suffered only minor person injuries.

The car raced down the street for only a few blocks before it crashed into the house near the corner of NE 120th Street and 35th Avenue NE. No one inside the house was hurt, though police reported “considerable damage” to the house. The driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) and booked into King County jail.

DUI has become a main focus of the police department and will in the future now that the Target Zero program has been implemented and aims to reduce the number of all vehicle fatalities to zero by 2030.

If you or someone you know sustains property damage caused by a negligent driver or drunk driver it is important that you find out your legal rights. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, DUI, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury

Personal Injury Lawyers: Pedestrian Suffers Broken Pelvis in Spokane Hit-and-Run

hit-and-run, personal injury, personal injury attorney, Seattle personal injury lawyer

June 24th, 2010: Law Blogger

personal injury lawyersHitting a pedestrian can cause catastrophic personal injuries and cripple them for life. But hitting a pedestrian and then not even stopping to call an ambulance turns what might have been a simple mistake into a crime that could very well lead to jail time. A driver in Spokane will be looking at that scenario if the man they hit has anything to say about it.

The victim was crossing the street at outside of Riverfront Park at Spokane Falls Boulevard and Post Street within the crosswalk around 3 am this morning when a gray 1990s Cadillac hit him and then sped off northbound up Post Street, Spokane Police said.

There was a witness in another car that was nice enough to stop and help the victim to the curb, but then left the pedestrian on the sidewalk and took off without leaving a name before authorities arrived.

Medical crews rushed the injured man to nearby Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center where they said he had a broken pelvis.

This was not a good night for this gentleman and with a broken pelvis, he will have problems moving for a while. Hopefully, the damage will not lead to lasting complications and the person who hit him will either turn themselves in or be swiftly brought to justice.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit and run accident then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in personal injury lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury

Wrongful Death: Authorities Seek Help in Deadly Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident

hit-and-run, Wrongful Death, wrongful death lawyer

May 24th, 2010: Law Blogger

11800 Renton AvenueKing County Sheriff’s Department responded to a vehicle collision with a pedestrian at the 11800 block of Renton Avenue South in the Skyway neighborhood in Renton on Friday night at 11:38 pm.

The victim was found lying in the middle of the street. Examining the man’s wounds, police thought at first that he may have been in a violent fight, but soon realized he had severe personal injuries. He soon died of his wounds and sheriffs deputies determined it had definitely been a hit-and-run.

The investigation closed portions of Renton Avenue South until nearly 4:00 a.m. Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Department says it has no suspect in custody and no suspect information or vehicle information to release.

Our condolences go out to the family of the victim.

If you happened to be in the neighborhood on Friday night and saw any type of suspicious behavior that you feel may have been related to this such as a vehicle being driven erratically or an argument at a nearby business prior to the incident please contact the King County Sheriff’s Department.

If you or someone you know has been personally injured or has died in a fatal pedestrian accident then you need an experienced lawyer on your side to assure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, hit-and-run, injury collision

Man Running Across I-405 Killed in Hit-and-Run Car Accident, Driver Turns Himself In

hit-and-run, Seattle Car Accident Lawyers

May 10th, 2010: Law Blogger

Not a good place to playA man was crossing the I-405 at Northeast 124th Street when he was struck by a vehicle at about 2 am Sunday. The car sped away after the incident leaving the victim. A witness followed the car and recorded the license plate. When police checked they realized it was registered to a rental agency.

“The pedestrian was running across the freeway, and there’s no way the driver could have seen him. The car started speeding away, so I sped up and followed it. I got the plate number, got home and called the police,” the witness said.

Police responding to the pedestrian hit-and-run accident said that the victim died at the scene.

“It happened so quickly,” she said. “He (the pedestrian) got all the way across the lanes. I thought he was maybe drunk and doing some kind of dance, but what he was doing was bracing himself because the car was going to hit him. He was coming from the right and made it all the way to the left. I thought he made it.”

“He wasn’t running. He was just kind of trotting across. There’s no reason for him [the driver] to run. There’s no way he could have stopped in time,” the witness told troopers.

Police said that the driver involved in the hit-and-run was Sankha Biswas, 30, from Bellevue. He is an immigrant who was unfamiliar with the U.S. legal system and was not sure how to proceed. The man said that after he contacted a friend, he realized he should contact police, the state patrol said. Police said the man has no criminal record and has been in the U.S. for 2½ years.

The circumstances are bizarre and blurry in this case. The victim certainly should not have been running around on the freeway, but on the other hand, leaving a person lying on the road after they’ve been hit is not the best choice. Though we are not fully versed in the laws of every country in the world, with a large amount of certainty we can guess that there isn’t a single country in the world that vehicular hit-and-run is legal. Generally, it’s at least courteous to stop and check how the pedestrian is doing and wait for the police to come.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit and run accident then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in personal injury lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, hit-and-run, injury collision

Woman Sustains Serious Head Injuries in Hit-and-Run DUI Car Accident in Tukwilla

hit-and-run, Seattle auto accident attorneys

May 10th, 2010: Law Blogger

Policeman examining the truckA woman was walking in a well-lit crosswalk South 150th Street and Tukwila International Boulevard, 1 mile north of SeaTac airport in Tukwila around 2 am this morning when a Chevy S10 sped through the intersection and slammed into the woman, according to witnesses.

The driver left the woman lying in the road with severe personal injuries as they fled the scene, driving erratically.

When officers arrived, they found the 26 year-old woman unconscious and severely injured, lying in the northbound lanes. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center with serious head injuries.

Police later found the truck abandoned about a mile and a half away. The appeared to have extensive damage to the front end of the cab, including a huge dent and a gaping hole in the grill.

A canine unit was called in to search for the driver, while police set up a perimeter to help track down the suspect. Officers said soon after the suspect was caught near-by and is in custody at the Tukwila Police Department.

Traffic officers are still investigating, but at this point they believe alcohol was a factor.

This crosswalk couldn't be better markedPedestrian hit-and-run is one of the worst vehicular crimes, but also one of the most common. Generally the crime is perpetrated by a DUI driver. This is a crime of a series of horrible decisions made over and over again by a selfish person. To leave a pedestrian lying in the road unaided to be run over again or just bleed to death is unconscionable.

If you or a loved one has been the unfortunate victim of a hit and run accident by a drunk driver then it is important that you find an attorney experienced in personal injury lawsuits to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

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Posted in Auto Accidents, hit-and-run, injury collision, personal injury

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