Washington Law Blog
Personal Injury, Car Accidents, Trucking Accidents,
motorcycle accidents and consumer law blog...

  • * First Name:
  • * Last Name:
  • * Email:
  • * Phone Number:
  • Comment:
  • Accept Terms *
  • *Denotes Required Field

Law Blog Categories

Car Accidents
3 Reasons to Hire Phillips Webster

Our attorneys have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies regarding all types of vehicle accidents. If you have been injured in a wreck, contact us today.

  1. We represent EVERYONE in need anywhere in Washington - Minor and Major Injuries
  2. Experienced trial attorneys that will fight for your right to recover compensation
  3. FREE Case Review and we only get paid if you get paid
Learn more about our:
Seattle Car Accident Lawyers

Verdicts & Settlements

$20 MILLION - Commercial Injury
Confidential settlement for a commercial injury case

$19  Million - Grant of Coverage
Grant of coverage in insurance coverage case

$2 MILLION - INSURANCE BAD FAITH
Settlement in insurance bad faith case

$1.5 MILLION - CAR ACCIDENT WRONGFUL DEATH
Vancouver, Washington car accident that resulted in a death

$1 MILLION - DUI ACCIDENT VICTIM
Settlement for young man hit by a drunk driver

Our jury trial experience shows in the results we get both inside and outside of the courtroom.

More Verdicts and Settlements

 

Posts Tagged ‘injuries’

Second Hwy 99 Rollover Injury Accident in a Week Deemed a Hit-and-Run, Literally

injuries, investigation, Seattle Washington accident lawyers

February 19th, 2010: Law Blogger

1500 block of colorado Ave Under ViaductSodo – At 9:20 pm last night a woman was driving north on Hwy 99 through the Sodo district within view of Safeco Field when the next thing she knew she was hit, her car flipped on it’s roof, and she was sliding down the highway.

Medical crews showed up quickly, pulled her from the car, and immediately rushed her to Harboview Medical Center. The woman was said to be conscious at the scene.

Police spokesman Jeff Kappel said causing driver fled from the scene on foot across the across the highway and into an industrial area. Investigators believe he may be in the 1500 block of Colorado Avenue. They are still combing the area.

The cause of the crash and what caused the woman’s car to flip has not been determined. The investigation and search for the suspect is ongoing.

Being the victim of a hit and run isn’t something that any of us can prepare for. All we can do is drive defensively, wear our seatbelts, and be aware of our surroundings. If you or a loved one are injured in a hit-and-run, it is important that you review your legal rights. Call Phillips Webster for a consultation.

Airbag Deployment Injures Teen When He Hit a Deer

defective products, injuries, Washington auto accident lawyer

February 17th, 2010: Law Blogger

highway 2 two miles east of leavenworthLeavenworth – Two teens were driving on Highway 2 two miles east of Leavenworth at around 6:15 pm when a deer jumped in front of the car and they hit it.

The airbag deployed, injuring the driver in an undisclosed injury. The passenger suffered injures to the face, said Washington State Patrol.

Both teens were rushed to a hospital in Chelan where they were treated for their injuries.

There have been many reported cases of injury, not from the wreck, but from airbags, the very thing that is supposed to protect the driver from harm. Many consumers have chosen to turn off their passenger side airbags for the chance of injuring or even killing minor and elderly passengers.

If you or a loved one are injured as a result of a defective product, call Phillips Webster for a consultation on your legal rights and options.

Two People Injured in Three Car Collision

Auto Accidents, injuries, Seattle Washington accident lawyers

February 16th, 2010: Law Blogger

ne 199th & ne 167th, battle ground, wa

Battle Ground – The three car collision happened at around 6:45 p.m. last night at Northeast 199th Street and Northeast 167th Avenue near Batte Ground.

A motorist in a minivan was northbound on 167th and ran the stop sign at 199th. The driver of a pickup truck traveling eastbound swerved to avoid the minivan, but the vehicles collided in the intersection, said Clark County Sheriff’s Sgt. Tony Barnes. The pickup ended up in a field. The minivan then spun and struck a westbound sedan.

The driver of the van and the driver of the sedan were transported to the hospital. Both were conscious and alert, Barnes said. He did not release their names. Two other people involved in the accident said they didn’t need medical treatment.

Clark County Fire District 3 responded to the scene to help treat patients and clean up the large debris field.

Battalion Chief Steve Wrightson. Wrightson noted that the spot where the incident occurred is a high-speed intersection, with stop signs on 167th Avenue but none on 199th Street.

These kinds of intersections are common in Washington with it’s abundance of open fields and country roads. As you can see above, entering a major arterial, stop sign or not, it is important to slow down and be cautious. Many of the people driving these roads are residents who know the roads well and tend to increase their speeds and cut corners. It is important to drive aware every time you are in the car.

If you get into an injury accident, contact Phillips Webster for a consultation and to review your legal options.

Four Sent to Kootenai Medical Center in Injury accident

auto accident, injuries, Washington auto accidents lawyers

February 15th, 2010: Law Blogger

hwy 95 & W OrchardCoeur d’ Alene – Driver Shannon R. McCart and passengers Kerri Remp and Amanda Case were headed west U.S. Highway 95 at Orchard Avenue shortly after 8 p.m when she failed to yield right of way at a stop sign struck the rear of Dawnelle Parsons’ vehicle, according to Idaho State Police.

All four Coeur d’Alene-area residents were rushed to Kootreated and released from Kootenai Medical Center on Thursday night after the collision. They were treated for minor injuries and released.

It has not been revealed whether alcohol or drugs were involved.

Many times when driving with passengers it is easy to get distracted and can have the same effect as if the driver were impaired or texting while they drive, both serious traffic infractions.

The passengers often don’t realize that they are putting themselves in serious danger by distracting the driver. It is important that, when you have passengers that you keep your attention on the road. It is one of those thankless acts that make all of the difference.

If you are in an injury accident call Phillips Webster for a consultation on your legal options.

Man Critical in Harborview After 3 Car Collision

auto accident lawyer, Auto Accidents, injuries

February 5th, 2010: Law Blogger

first ave s & 112 ave s

White Center – A car and a truck were stopped at a red light on the corner of First Avenue South and South 112th Street when a speeding truck plowed into both of them. Both men in either truck sustained minor injuries. The man in the car on the other hand was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. There has been no update as to his condition.

This particularly nasty wreck mangled the car into an almost unrecognizable ball of metal and locked up traffic in either direction of the road for 5 hours.

Speed Related Conditions and Washington Car Accidents

fatalities, injuries, Speed related conditions, Washington auto accidents attorney, Washington auto accidents lawyer, Washington car accidents

October 30th, 2009: Washington Law Blogger

Nearly everyone who ever gets behind the wheel will speed at times. For most people, the posted speed limit is nothing more than a suggestion at times, particularly if the driver is feeling hurried. Unfortunately, few factors create more danger on the roads than those who are speeding, as it physically limits the amount of reaction time available and forces other vehicles to make snap decisions that could lead to fatal consequences. As a result, Washington auto accidents attorneys are constantly working to help those injured by speeders.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), more than half of the accidents that occur in the state that result in serious injuries and/or fatalities involve speeding as a factor. These include situations where drivers are moving at a rate faster than the posted speed limit and when a driver is seen to have been driving at a rate of speed that’s too high relative to the current driving conditions.

Looking strictly at fatalities, the WTSC reported that between the years of 2004 and 2008, there were 1,045 fatality crashes in the state that were caused by speeding, and these crashes resulted in 1,166 deaths. In addition, 54% of those speed-related traffic accident deaths involved drivers who were between the ages of 16 and 30. Clearly, younger drivers seem to be more prone to speeding and the sometimes tragic consequences that result.

When a serious auto accident occurs, it’s not always easy to ascertain the speed at which the driver at fault was traveling. However, there are accident reconstruction experts that are able to mathematically decipher a driver’s speed based on several variables that include skid marks on the road and the force of the impact between the vehicles, among others.

An experienced and successful Washington auto accidents lawyer will be able to work with experts who are able to provide this information on behalf of someone who is injured or killed so that those who cause these tragedies can ultimately be held accountable. If you or someone you love has been injured or worse in such an accident, you need to secure the help of a Washington auto accidents lawyer today to help you fight for your rights. Contact Phillips & Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Motorcycle Accident Liability in Washington

damages, injuries, motorcycle accident liability, Motorcycle Accidents, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers

October 27th, 2009: Washington Law Blogger

Motorcycles are always a thrill to ride, and given the current economic conditions around Washington and the United States, they are also increasingly being seen as a viable economic choice given their fuel efficiency and other cost issues. However, they are also dangerous, and given the exposure that all drivers and passengers on these vehicles face, motorcycle accidents tend to lead to disastrous results for those involved. If this has happened to you, you’ll need to find help in the form of a Washington motorcycle accident attorney. Below is an overview of the issue of motorcycle accident liability in Washington.

1. Relevant Laws

Motorcycle passengers must adhere to several special laws that apply only to their vehicles, and by far the most relevant statute involves the requirement to wear a helmet. Basically, when it comes to a question of liability in motorcycle accidents, an injured motorcycle driver or passenger must be able to show that he, she or they were following all relevant laws in order to prevent a recovery of damages to be reduced in amount or dismissed altogether.

2. Facts

Every motorcycle accident ultimately comes down to the facts, and in cases like these those facts will determine which party or parties should incur fault for any injuries or property damage that results. These facts are usually gleaned from the police report that follows the accident including any witness statements and perhaps medical records that could help to determine just how much in damages that the injured party suffered.

3. Conditions

Washington is a state with a mild climate, but it’s also very wet in the winter months. As is the case with any vehicle, motorcyclists encounter a higher degree of risk when roads are wet and visibility is limited due to rain and splashing water on the roads from other vehicles. It is possible that an injured motorcyclist could see his or her damages reduced if it’s decided that the conditions were such that riding a motorcycle at the time was seen as an unreasonable risk.

Overall, the determination of liability in a motorcycle accident in Washington will come down to the facts, the laws, the conditions and what can be proved in court. If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of a motorcycle accident in Washington, contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Car Accidents in Washington Involving Aggressive Drivers

aggressive drivers, Car accidents, fatalities, injuries, Washington auto accidents, Washington auto accidents lawyers

October 26th, 2009: Washington Law Blogger

We have all seen drivers on the road who we may think of as ‘maniacs’ or ‘insane’ as they zoom past us at speeds that seem surreal and as they dart in and out of traffic lanes with seemingly inches to spare between bumpers. Aggressive driving is a problem both in Washington and everywhere else, and as anyone would expect, aggressive driving leads to a much higher risk of accidents. When these occur, they often cause devastating injuries, and Washington auto accident attorneys are used to handling cases in which the defendant was way too aggressive for the situation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as, “the commission of two or more moving violations that is likely to endanger other persons or property, or any single intentional violation that requires a defensive reaction of another driver.” This definition may seem relatively straightforward, but the fact is that whether someone is meeting this definition will depend on the facts and what other drivers are doing at the time.

Regardless of the semantics, however, aggressive driving is basically a waste of time, effort and risk. For instance, if someone is speeding by 20 mph over the speed limit on the highway, studies have shown that on average, that reckless driver will save approximately 2-3 minutes per hour on the overall travel time estimate. Risking several lives for two minutes is hardly logical, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t occur.

The Washington State Police have stopped and cited more than 30,000 drivers per year on average for reckless driving, and the state has been recognized nationally as one of the most forceful in the United States when it comes to enforcing the laws against this sort of conduct. Despite all of these efforts, aggressive driving still occurs and injuries and fatalities result.

If you or someone you love has been injured or worse by an aggressive driver, you need to take action to make sure that your legal rights are protected and enforced. Contact the Washington auto accidents lawyers at Phillips & Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation so that you can obtain the answers you need.

Young Washington Drivers and Auto Accidents

alcohol, Auto Accidents, fatalities, inattention, injuries, insurance, speeding, texting, Washington auto accidents lawyers, young Washington drivers

October 21st, 2009: Washington Law Blogger

Washington’s driving and accident statistics are generally similar to those you’d find in the rest of the country, and one of the more troubling sets of statistics involves young drivers. Generally speaking, young drivers face a higher risk of death and serious injuries behind the wheel as compared to older drivers, and these situations are often tragic in nature. As such, Washington auto accidents lawyers are regularly fielding incoming inquiries regarding the rights of those injured or killed in such situations.

The issue is such that October 18th – October 24th has been declared to be “Teen Driver Safety Week” in Washington, and the event is an effort to bring awareness to the risks involved with young drivers and to help alert anyone to steps that can be taken that lead to safer roads and fewer problems for young Washington residents who get behind the wheel.

One look at some basic statistics can explain why such a week has been planned. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), 140 people between the ages of 16 and 19 have been killed in auto accidents in Washington, and more than 400 have been seriously injured. The leading causes of these accidents appears to include speeding, drug and/or alcohol impairment, inattention or a combination thereof.

Young drivers are also much more likely to play loud music, joy ride and use their phones for calls and/or texting while driving, all of which only adds to the dangers that these young drivers incur. These risks also create danger for anyone else who happens to be sharing the road with them at any given time, thereby creating a situation where the state government decided to take action.

This is also the reason that insurance premiums tend to be more expensive for young or new drivers than for almost anyone else. The insurance industry assesses risks, and clearly they see young drivers as the biggest risk within this context. If you or someone you love has been injured or worse by a young driver in Washington or by anyone else, you need to contact a Washington auto accident lawyer at Phillips & Webster today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Unlicensed Drivers and Accidents in Washington

Auto Accidents, damages, injuries, unlicensed drivers, Washington auto accidents lawyers

October 20th, 2009: Washington Law Blogger

When we drive in Washington, we always deal with unknowns. Most of these unknowns relate to other vehicles on the road with us, and one of the most troubling involves the number of unlicensed drivers who may be near us at any given time. Those on the road could be people with no license at all or those who have had their driving privileges suspended or revoked because of prior violations. Those who are injured by an unlicensed driver need to contact a Washington auto accidents lawyer as soon as possible.

A perusal of the statistics regarding unlicensed drivers in Washington are troubling. Consider the following:

  • Between 15 and 20 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes are not properly licensed
  • More than 100 people on average are killed every year in Washington by someone not properly licensed
  • An estimated 15 percent of all drivers on Washington roads are not properly licensed
  • In 2002, 59,000 people were convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license

What’s worst is that no one can be sure how many people are driving without the privilege to do so at any given time, and many of those who are not licensed are in that situation because of serious problems they’ve encountered in the past.

In terms of legal rights, many people are not sure where to turn for help if it turns out that someone who injured them in an accident does not have a license. One of the reasons is that most people who do not have a license do not have auto insurance either, making it more difficult to pursue a legal claim for damages. However, that does not mean that you should simply give up if you’ve been harmed by someone in this situation.

There are options for many people who have been injured by an unlicensed driver, including working through their own insurance carriers. Many people have uninsured motorist coverage that can provide benefits for policy holders who incur damages from someone who should not have been driving, and the driver is still at fault and can be pursued legally regardless of his or her insured status. If you would like to obtain the answers you need, contact the Washington auto accidents lawyers at Phillips & Webster as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation.