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

News Updates via Email

If you would like to receive our news updates right to your inbox, provide us with your email address. We won't use your email for anything besides sending you news updates from our blog.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Dangerous Drug Information

If you or a loved one has been injured by the side effects of a defective drug, our defective drug attorneys can help you and your family. We are currently investigating the following dangerous drugs:

Drug Side Effects and Injuries

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 ‘Motorcycle Accidents’

Man Arrested Year After Causing Serious Personal Injuries on Passenger in Motorcycle Accident

motorcycle accident, Motorcycle Accidents, personal injury, Washington motorcycle accident attorneys, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers

August 27th, 2010: Law Blogger

williamsVehicular assault is a serious crime that is charged after a driver has injured someone due to reckless driving such as speeding or erratic driving or if the driver is found to be driving under the influence (DUI). But driving erratically on a motorcycle with a passenger is seriously dangerous and in 2009, resulted the serious personal injury of a young woman.

On August, 13th, 2009, Kenneth W. Williams Jr. was driving his motorcycle erratically in and out of cars and popping wheelies while going southbound on State Route 167 in the south Puget Sound area. While he was doing all of this, a female passenger was on the back of the bike holding on.

During a maneuver Williams’ passenger was ejected from the bike onto the roadway where she suffered serious personal injuries. Rather than help the woman, Williams rode away, leaving her to fend for herself on the side of the road.

As the days and months ticked by, Williams moved onto the Washington State Patrol’s Most Wanted List, but they finally caught a break. Detectives received a tip that the suspect was residing in Des Moines. Today they swooped in and arrested him.

Williams was booked into the King County Jail on a $30,000 warrant.

The police report of the arrest did not mention the injuries suffered by the victim or her condition today. We hope she recovered fully.

Motorcycle safety isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a responsibility. After stories last week of motorcyclists causing a WSP cruiser to crash, then circling back to taunt the officer, it has brought a bright spotlight down on the whole motorcycle community, which as a whole are responsible drivers.

If you find yourself or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident then it is important that you find an experienced attorney that can represent you in the face of aggressive insurance companies and mounting medical bills. Call the Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

Learn more about:

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, personal injury

Family Pleads for Leads in Tacoma Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident That Killed Father of Two

Motorcycle Accidents, Tacoma, Washington motorcycle accident attorneys, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers, Wrongful Death

August 26th, 2010: Law Blogger

Suspected Vehicle TypeHit-and-run accidents are some of the worst accidents because not only does the driver hit someone, but they leave them on the road without knowing how long it will be until a compassionate person calls 911 to help the victim. It is crucial to treat serious personal injuries as soon as possible in order to save the victim, but this weekend a person in a white Jeep SUV left a motorcyclist to die and in turn, left two children fatherless.

Now Tacoma Police and the family of the victim are looking for anyone who might have information.

The motorcyclist, 30-year old Darnell Chocklon, was hit and killed around 2 am Saturday morning as he was riding his orange motorcycle at the intersection of South Ainsworth Avenue and North Ninth Street in Tacoma’s North Side neighborhood.

A southbound SUV apparently collided in the intersection with Darnell’s orange Honda motorcycle, which was heading eastbound.

Chocklon was thrown over a parked car and into some nearby grass, said his family, while his motorcycle slid into the southwest street curb.

The police also believe that the driver may have circled back around to witness their handiwork before driving away.

Chocklon’s family says Darnell is a father of two little children and they are hoping someone has information that could lead police to the driver involved in the motorcycle accident. “We ask that anyone out of the kindness of their heart to think of my brother, because of all he did for everybody. It’s tragic,” said the victim’s brother Tunnell Chocklon.

Authorities describe the hit-and-run vehicle as white 1993 to 1995 Jeep SUV with black trim. The vehicle may have damage along the passenger side from the bumper to the rear quarter panel. They also say that passenger side window was broken out during the SUV accident and there may be orange paint from the motorcycle on the vehicle.

Darnell leaves behind Suriyah, his 3-year old daughter, and Darnell Thomas, his 19-month-old son.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.

It is unknown if alcohol was involved in this accident yet, but late night accidents happen too often right after the bars close. It is a hay-day for police officers as drivers use one eye to get their vehicles home safely. Unfortunately, it is not their  or their car’s safety they should be concerned about, but the safety of everyone else on the road. Please be careful when driving late at night, particularly around the window of midnight and 3 am.

If you or a loved one have been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident then you need a skilled lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation as to your legal options.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, SUV accident, Wrongful Death, car accident, hit-and-run

Two WSP Troopers Suffer Broken Bones in Pierce County Motorcycle Accident

broken bones, Motorcycle Accidents, personal injury, Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, Washington motorcycle accident attorneys

August 16th, 2010: Law Blogger

WSP motorcycle accidentIn especially hot weather like we’ve been experiencing in Washington State over the last few days, motorcycles are abundant, but they often are easily obscured by the heat waves coming off of the pavement. Just as detrimental hazards are obstructed views and simple driver impatience when merging into traffic. Any of these factors could have contributed to the motorcycle accident that caused two motorcycle police officers serious personal injuries.

Both Washington State Patrol troopers were driving on their BMW motorcycles northbound on State Route 7 approaching the Alder Cutoff Rd. E. Witnesses at the scene told investigators that 72 year-old Geraldine M. Degenstein was driving a blue 2003 Saturn and was stopped at the stop sign behind two vehicles.

The cars in front of Degenstein turned onto the highway without incident. Degenstein did make a courtesy stop at the sign, but then proceeded to pull right out in front of two WSP motorcycle officers. The were unable to adjust or even swerve and both hit the Saturn, ejecting them from the bikes.

They then landed painfully in the roadway, the impact causing them to both suffer broken bones. The troopers successfully rolled out of the road and onto the shoulder to avoid further injury by passing cars.

Eleven-year veteran, Trooper Tony Brock, 37 years-old, had to be airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he is currently in stable condition.

Trooper Willie Boxhorn, 40 years-old, has 14 years with the State Patrol and was taken to Harborview by ambulance.

Degenstein was treated and released at Good Samaritan hospital in Puyallup.

Investigators do not believe that drugs or alcohol were a factor, but Degenstein may receive a citation for Failure to Yield.

Our thoughts are with the two trooper and we hope that they recover quickly and fully.

SR 7 is known to be a very hazardous roadway with lots of accidents. In fact, the WSP says that’s why the two troopers were deployed, because they expected an accident and wanted patrols out there to quickly respond. If you are driving on SR 7 in Pierce County, please use extra caution.

If you find yourself or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accidentthen it is important that you find an experienced attorney that can represent you in the face of aggressive insurance companies and mounting medical bills. Call the Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

Learn more about:

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, car accident, injury collision, personal injury

Rider Killed in Head-On Collision with Truck in Stevens County Motorcycle Accident

head-on collision, Motorcycle Accidents, Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, Washington motorcycle accident attorneys

August 11th, 2010: Law Blogger

hwy 25-S of HuntersEveryone knows that riding a motorcycle is extremely dangerous, even when alert and driving defensively. Motorcycles can maneuver quickly away from danger, which is good, but they can maneuver just as easily into danger. Perhaps that’s what happened on Saturday when a rider drifted into oncoming traffic.

The Washington State Patrol says the crash happened just after 10:00 am on Saturday along highway 25, 4 miles south of the tiny town of Hunters, WA. Investigators say the motorcycle was traveling northbound when it crossed the center line and hit a pick-up truck approaching in the southbound lane.

The motorcycle slammed into the truck, ejecting the rider. When police showed up they found that the rider was dead.

Authorities identified the motorcyclist as a 59-year-old man from British Columbia, Canada.

The driver of the pick-up truck was not hurt.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.

If you are a regular reader of this blog you know that we cover multiple motorcycle accidents throughout the year, but, of course, mostly in the summer. Though we only get the most tragic stories, it seems that having no protection other than a helmet and leathers can lead to everyday occurrences of personal injury and wrongful death.

If you or a loved one have been hurt or killed in a motorcycle accident then you need a skilled lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle motorcycle accident lawyers at Phillips Webster for a free consultation as to your legal options.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Motorcycle Accidents, Wrongful Death, head-on

Hit-and-Run Driver Sought After 2 Killed in Motorcycle Accident in Pierce County

Motorcycle Accidents, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers, Wrongful Death, wrongful death attorney

August 9th, 2010: Law Blogger

Golden Given RoadMotorcycle laws are strict. Not because the government wants to control motorcyclists, but because there are serious safety issues that come with motorcycles that riders, particularly young riders, won’t adhere to without the laws and fines in place. Two of those laws, required helmets and head-lights, are foundations of motorcycle safety and two rules that were broken in a hit-and-run accident this weekend in Midland.

A 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man were riding dirt bikes at a high rate of speed without helmets or headlights Golden Givens Road, a long straight-away in Midland, on Sunday nightat about 9:15 pm, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office reported.

As they were racing down the road a white Chevy pickup turned left in front in front of the riders, slamming into both. Police said that the driver then fled the scene leaving the two riders. Authorities were alerted and rushed out to the motorcycle accident, but did not arrive in time and both of the riders died at the scene.

The victims’ friend, Johnathan Perry, in an interview with KIRO 7, said that he knew his friends were doing something illegal and unsafe, but thinks they could have had a chance if the driver had stopped.

Perry said the 22 year-old victim leaves behind a 2 year-old daughter and the other victim had his 16th birthday this weekend.

Trooper speculate that the driver of the truck may not have been cited if they had stayed at the scene because the victims were riding without headlights.

Police are now looking for the driver of the truck as the investigation continues.

Our condolences go out to the families and friends of the deceased.

This whole situation could have been avoided, but instead it was a laundry list of bad decisions on everyone’s part that ended in the deaths of two young men and will probably shatter the life of a third person once they are caught. Operating any motor vehicle comes with a certain amount of responsibility because unsafe behavior puts everyone in jeopardy. On top of that, driving comes with accountability and it is our hope that the driver decides to do the right thing and turn themselves in.

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.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Wrongful Death, car accident, hit-and-run

DUI Suspect Rear-Ends Motorcycle, Ejects Rider & Drags Bike Along I-405 in Kirkland

DUI accident, DUI victims lawyers, Motorcycle Accidents, personal injury, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers

August 6th, 2010: Law Blogger

DUI Motorcycle AccidentThere are moments in everyone’s life that they look back and feel lucky to be alive. For a motorcyclist in Evergreen Medical Center, he need only look back a few hours because his moment happened less than 24 hours ago.

The Washington State Patrol said the crash happened shortly after 12 am along the Kirkland stretch of Interstate 405, when the driver of a car slammed into the back end of a motorcycle, ejecting the rider from the bike over and away from the car.

The rear half of the bike became wedged under the car while remaining perfectly upright. Troopers said the car then dragged the motorcycle nearly a tenth of a mile before stopping on the left hand shoulder.

Police told reporters that they had never seen anything quite like it.

The driver of the car, a 38-year-old Bothell woman, was arrested for investigation of DUI.

The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with personal injuries and to be checked for internal injuries.

We’re happy to hear that troopers say the man is expected to recover.

This may have been bizarre, but is extremely serious. If the woman is found to have been driving under the influence (DUI) then she may find herself in a situation where she’s being charged with vehicular assault, which is a whole different deal than an expensive and embarrassing DUI. It could mean jail time or at least work release program an ankle bracelet…that is if she keeps her job.

If you find yourself or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accidentthen it is important that you find an experienced attorney that can represent you in the face of aggressive insurance companies and mounting medical bills. Call the Seattle motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

Learn more about:

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, DUI, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, car accident, injury collision, personal injury, rear end

DUI Suspected in Motorcycle Accident in Seattle Tunnel Causing Personal Injuries

Motorcycle Accidents, personal injury, Washington motorcycle accident attorneys, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers

August 6th, 2010: Law Blogger

Battery Street Tunnel EntranceIf you’ve ever driven on the soon-to-be obsolete Seattle Viaduct then most likely you’ve driven through the narrow and winding underground run known as the Battery Street Tunnel. This passage can be a white knuckle trip under the streets of Belltown with narrow curving lanes and entrances and exits at the beginning and end. This is not the best place to speed and weave in and out of traffic, especially on a motorcycle, and especially if you’ve been drinking, as police suspect in a motorcycle accident last night in the tunnel.

Two riders, a male driver and female passenger, on a motorcycle were witnessed speeding down the viaduct, weaving in and out of traffic. Witnesses could not say the exact cause of the accident, but the driver dumped the bike and both the rider and passenger tumbled and slid along the highway.

This stopped traffic. Medical crews and police rushed to the scene where they found the driver with broken bones including a broken clavicle and serious road rash.

The passenger also sustained serious personal injuries. Authorities were not specific about the nature of the injuries or whether she was conscious when they arrived, which would have given an indication as to whether she had a head injury.

Both of the individuals were taken to Harborview Medical Center where they were listed as having non-life threatening injuries.

While at the hospital police initiated a blood draw on the driver to see if his blood alcohol level was over the .08 limit. They said they did this because they suspected impairment when treating him at the scene.

We hope that they recover swiftly and fully.

Whether it is found that he was driving under the influence (DUI) or not, witness statements provided reasonable evidence that the driver of the motorcycle might have been driving recklessly. This is enough for authorities to charge the man with vehicular assault since the woman was injured during the accident.

No charges have been filed yet and probably won’t be until blood tests come back.

If you or a loved one have been hurt on a motorcycle due to the negligence or lack of attention of another driver then contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at Phillips Webster for a free consultation.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in DUI, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, personal injury

Magnolia Bridge Closed for Injury Accident Involving Motorcycle and Car

Motorcycle Accidents, personal injury, Seattle Motorcycle Accident Lawyers, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers

August 5th, 2010: Law Blogger

magnolia bridgeMotorcycles start getting really dangerous when road conditions change even slightly such if the cement surface of a bridge suddenly turns into that weird metal grating or other hazards that cause motorcycle accidents. It is currently unknown what caused the accident that closed the Magnolia Bridge this afternoon, but it may have had something to do with confusing merging or narrow lanes that has plagued the bridge since it’s construction.

The main artery to the Magnolia area of Seattle was closed for more than an hour after a motorcycle collided with a vehicle about 1 pm today.

Police and a Medic One unit were called to Magnolia Way West and West Galer Street. Two women, one 18 and one 20, were rushed to Harborview Medical Center with serious personal injuries, Seattle Fire Department spokeswoman Dana Vander Houwen said.

Houwen did not reveal if the women were in the car or on the motorcycle.

Investigators were still at the scene about 2:30 pm, and police said the bridge remained closed.

Police spokeswoman Renee Witt did not have additional details about the collision.

We hope the young women hurt in the motorcycle accident are going to be okay.

There are some streets and bridges that are not motorcycle friendly at all as they suddenly get very slick after a heavy rain and the lanes are so narrow the a large pickup or SUV barely fits in one lane. That leads to vehicles drifting, one of the things that cause serious motorcycle accidents.

If you have been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident it is important that you procure a skilled lawyer to represent you when dealing with insurance companies and healthcare providers. Call the Seattle car accident attorneys at Phillips Webster for a free consultation on your legal options.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, car accident, injury collision, personal injury

Washington Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: Woman Killed on Scooter By Turning Car

motor scooter, Motorcycle Accidents, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers, Wrongful Death

July 19th, 2010: Law Blogger

scooter accident in SpokaneMotorcycles can generally be heard, and some are as long as a compact car. Scooters on the other hand are usually quieter and almost as discrete as a bicycle without the benefit of having their own lane to travel in some of the time. This is can lead to a double jeopardy looking at that they aren’t fast enough to travel on highways and are too fast for of the safer pedestrian or bicycle routes causing them to be exposed to dangerous urban traffic. On Friday, a woman fell victim to that double jeopardy.

Around 11:00 pm, a 21 year-old man was driving a Pontiac Firebird south of Wandermere Road with one headlight. A Spokane County Deputy spotted the vehicle and then turned around to make a stop.

The Firebird took a quick turn onto E. Glencrest Drive, inadvertently turning in front of a scooter driven by a 54 year-old woman who couldn’t stop in time, and hit the side of the vehicle.

The sheriff’s department says the woman died at the scene.

The driver of the Firebird was given a blood test at the scene to determine if he was driving under the influence. Results of that test will be completed in about a month.

Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the woman.

The young man in the car may have been too hasty about his turn. It is important when turning at a red light or stop sign that you make a complete stop and double check that there are no oncoming smaller vehicles such as bicycles, motorcycles, or scooters. If it is determined that the man was indeed drinking he may have more than a broken headlight to be concerned with, i.e., a vehicular homicide charge.

If you or someone you know has suffered a serious personal injury or wrongful death while riding a bicycle, motorcycle, or scooter due to the negligence of another driver some of the best advice you can give is to find an experienced legal representative to assure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Call the Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Phillips Webster for a consultation.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, Wrongful Death, injury collision

Motorcycle Accident Lawyers: 2 People killed in Collision with Truck in Albion

Motorcycle Accidents, personal injury, personal injury lawyers, Washington motorcycle accident lawyers

July 16th, 2010: Law Blogger

motorcycle accident with pickupSome of the most common motorcycle accidents are caused by cars and trucks that aren’t looking closely enough when they turn onto a road or merge into traffic. When these accidents happen the motorcycles are often moving at full speed and swerving could just men they go under the vehicle, not a good prospect. Details are sketchy, but that may have been a decision that was facing the woman riding with her passenger this afternoon.

The motorcycle traveling eastbound collided with a pickup truck on Pullman-Albion Road near the town of Albion, WA around 2:45 pm. Whitman County Sheriff’s Office indicate that a truck pulled out in front of the motorcycle causing the accident. Two people were on the motorcycle at the time of the crash.

The woman riding the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene while the second person, a man, was rushed to Gritman Medical Center in critical condition with serious personal injuries where he died later this afternoon.

The driver of the truck was not injured.

Our hearts go out to the friends and family of the deceased.

This tragedy may not have happened because of a series of factors such as visibility for entry onto the road, obstructed view from the cab of the pickup, or distracted driving. Either way, it is very important that everyone on the road realize that it’s motorcycle season and we all need to be extra careful when merging or changing lanes.

If you or a loved one have been hurt on a motorcycle due to the negligence or lack of attention of another driver then contact Phillips Webster for a free consultation on how they can protect your interests concerning motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and wrongful death.

Learn More About:

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Auto Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Injury, Wrongful Death, injury collision

« Older Entries