Seattle Injury Blog

Three Injured in Washington DUI Auto Accident

2010-04-12T17:00:00Z

Three people were injured in a Washington auto accident after their van went off the roadway and slid down an embankment. According to King5 News, the single car accident occurred in the 17000 block of State Route 900 in Renton. Washington State Patrol officials said the 2003 Ford Econoline van veered off the roadway and went into a ditch and then struck an embankment. The driver and two passengers were all ejected from the van. The driver was ejected in spite of wearing a seatbelt, officials said. However he sustained the least of the injuries. Two others, who were not wearing their seatbelts, are in serious condition. Troopers believe alcohol was involved in the crash. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime in Washington State. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.502, driving under the influence is when "a person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within the state." It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.

In such cases, victims can file a claim with the help of an experienced car accident Seattle lawyer against the at-fault party to cover their medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, therapy and other related damages. This incident is also an important reminder for all of us to wear seatbelts. There is no question that seatbelts save lives.

]]> If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.king5.com/news/local/Three-injured-in-Renton-van-crash-84473452.html

Woman Fatally Injured in Seattle Area Pedestrian Accident

2010-04-10T00:33:22Z

A woman was killed in a Washington pedestrian accident after she was struck by a car while crossing a street in Lynnwood, Washington. According to a news report in the Herald Net, the woman was attempting to cross the 5300 block of 168th Street SW, when a car struck her. The injured victim was transported to a Seattle hospital where she died. Officials say the woman was not in a marked crosswalk. They also say that speed doesn't seem to have been a factor. The car's driver has not been cited or arrested pending an investigation.

Washington State law requires motorists to yield right-of-way to pedestrians walking in marked or unmarked crosswalks. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.61.235 (1): "The operator of an approaching vehicle shall stop and remain stopped to allow a pedestrian or bicycle to cross the roadway within an unmarked or marked crosswalk when the pedestrian or bicycle is upon or within one lane of the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning. For purposes of this section "half of the roadway" means all traffic lanes carrying traffic in one direction of travel, and includes the entire width of a one-way roadway."

However, when a pedestrian is not in a marked crosswalk or crosses the roadway illegally, then it is very likely the pedestrian's fault. However, in any Seattle pedestrian accident case, it is extremely important for all aspects of the incident to be analyzed thoroughly so the facts can be determined. It is possible that an unsafe and pre-existing condition here, contributed to the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington pedestrian accident, please contact a Seattle personal injury lawyer to find out more information about your legal rights and options.

]]> If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident caused by a negligent driver, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful and educational information to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100219/NEWS01/100219826/0/SPORTS17

Drunk Driver Seriously Injures Father and Son

2010-03-31T22:50:10Z

A Seattle father and son, who both sustained major injuries in a DUI car accident, received tremendous support from their community. According to a Fox News report, the driver who struck the father and son was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. The convicted motorist was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he hit the father and son as they stood on the driveway of their home, causing debilitating injury to both. The son lost his leg in the crash and the father suffered devastating neck and ankle injuries. The family owns a Chinese restaurant in West Seattle, which had to be shut down because of their injuries and inability to work. So far, the family is unsure if and when the restaurant can be reopened.

As we all know, drunk driving is against the law and is a serious crime. What we very often do not hear about is how these accidents affect the families of injured individuals. In this particular case, not only did the father and son suffer catastrophic injuries, but it seems like they have lost the business they worked hard to establish and they've lost their livelihood. One man's decision to get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs greatly impacted this family's life. The driver can apologize all he wants. But the young man will never get his leg back. And the family may never get its business back.

When a drunk driver causes an injury accident, he or she can be held not only criminally responsible, but also financially responsible for medical expenses and other costs incurred by the victims or their families. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation with the help of skilled Seattle car accident lawyers to help cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, as well as costs for any physical therapy or rehabilitation that is needed for treatment of accident-related injuries.

]]> If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful and educational information to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-021210-restaurantduisentence,0,874092.story?track=rss

Baby Bracelets Recalled for High Lead Levels

2010-03-26T23:02:29Z

Allreds Design is recalling about 900 sets of baby bracelets and pacifier clips because they contain high levels of lead, according to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com. The company issued this defective product recall after getting a report of a 10-month-old child who ingested lead from these bracelets and was being treated by a physician for elevated lead levels. Lead can be extremely toxic if ingested by young children and in serious cases, can cause lifelong adverse health effects such as brain damage.

This product defect recall includes Allreds Design brand baby bracelets and pacifier clips sold in sizes 0 to 6 months, 1 to 4 years and 4 to 8 years of age. The baby bracelets and crystal and plastic beads come in various colors with a metal clasp. The items were sold by resale stores and other retailers nationwide from June 2008 through December 2008 for about $5. These items were manufactured in the United States. If you have these defective products in your home, Seattle injury lawyer Kirk Bernard advises that you take them away from your children right away and contact Allreds Design for details about how to get a replacement bracelet or pacifier clip.

]]> Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to children's brains. According to medical experts, especially before their second birthday, children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning. That's because they are more likely than other children to put lead-tainted toys in their mouths. Moreover, a child's gastrointestinal tract also absorbs lead more readily than does the adult gut. Most importantly, a child's rapidly developing brain is highly vulnerable to lead toxicity.

If your child has suffered adverse health effects because of lead-contaminated children's products, please contact an experienced Seattle products liability attorney with The Bernard Law Group for a FREE, comprehensive and completely confidential consultation. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com. We can also send you our FREE brochure about Washington product defect cases, which has useful, educational information to help you understand your rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2010/allred.html

Two Spokane Bars Cited in Fatal DUI Collision

2010-03-24T17:00:00Z

The Washington State Liquor Control Board has issued citations to two Spokane bars in connection with a DUI car crash in December, which resulted in three deaths. According to an Associated Press news report, the driver who caused the head-on collision was "over-served" at the downtown Spokane bars – The Lion's Lair and the BLVD. Officials say they want the BLVD's license suspended for a month and are asking for a five-day suspension or a fine against the Lion's Lair. The drunk driver apparently drove west in the eastbound lanes of the Interstate 90 in Spokane. The drunk driver, as well as two people in the other car, were killed in the collision.

This news, interestingly enough, comes around the same time as when Men's Health and USA Today released a study listing Spokane 51st among the "Drunkest Cities" in the United States. In fact, Spokane ranked higher than Seattle on this list. By assisting drunk driving accident victims, Seattle auto accident lawyers are working to help lower the city’s ranking as the 64th drunkest city in the United States.

]]> Washington is one of several states that have what is commonly referred to as "dram shop laws." Under these laws, liquor establishments are required to serve alcohol responsibly. In the state of Washington, a restaurant or bar cannot sell alcohol to a minor, to someone who is obviously intoxicated, after hours, or without a valid liquor license. If a bar sells alcohol illegally, it can be liable for any death or serious injury caused by the illegal sale.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed by a drunk driver in Washington State, please understand that not only the drunk driver, but also the establishment that may have violated the law could be held liable under the state's dram shop laws. To understand and request more information about these complex laws and your legal rights, please get in touch with an experienced and knowledgeable Washington personal injury lawyer.

Please contact The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source report: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011184028_apwaspokanebarscited.html?syndication=rss

Pedestrian Sustains Critical Injuries in Spokane Auto Accident

2010-03-23T19:15:33Z

A pedestrian was critically injured in a Spokane car accident in the South Hill area, according to a KXLY news report. The injury collision occurred at the intersection of 10th and Oak where the victim was hit by a car. The driver of the car fled the scene of the crash. The victim was taken to a local hospital. The pedestrian is believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries. The suspect’s vehicle has been described as a light brown or blue sedan with a loud muffler.

As a Seattle car accident attorney, Kirk Bernard understands the serious consequences of hit-and-run accidents. Leaving the scene of an auto collision is a serious crime in Washington State and is punishable by jail time. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.52.020: "A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary."

]]> Pedestrian accidents can result in extremely serious injuries and even fatalities. When a driver is involved in any type of accident, he or she is required to stop at the scene, assist the injured victim and exchange information, as the law states. It is also the right thing to do. If you have been injured in a Washington pedestrian accident, you may be able to seek compensation to cover your medical expenses, lost earnings and other related costs.

Such hit-and-run violators can also be held civilly responsible for their negligent actions. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Washington, please contact the skilled Seattle personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information about pedestrian accident cases that will help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his dedicated legal team today.

Source: http://www.kxly.com/news/22637833/detail.html

Washington Auto Accident Injures Four

2010-03-22T17:00:00Z

Four people were hospitalized with injuries from a Washington car accident on a collision on Highway 99, The Seattle Times reports. A collision between two cars sent one car off the roadway and into adjacent railroad tracks. Another car rolled over and landed on its roof. The four victims were transported to a Seattle hospital for treatment of their injuries. The extent of their injuries is not known. Drugs or alcohol were not involved in the accident. Seattle police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

In auto accident cases where two or more vehicles are involved, one of the most important questions to ask is, “Who was at fault for the accident?” If the collision occurred at an intersection, it is possible that one of the drivers failed to yield right-of-way at the intersection or ran a red light or stop sign. Seattle car accident lawyers often see first-hand how speed, driving recklessly or distracted driving may be common reasons for collisions taking place.

]]> If negligence was involved, then victims of such accidents could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy and other related damages. If you are the injured party, you would file a claim against the at-fault party's insurance. If the driver who is at fault lacks insurance or is underinsured, then the uninsured/underinsured motorist clause on your auto insurance policy could help compensate for your damages. However, insurance companies are never quick when it comes time for a payout, although you may have been diligent with your monthly premium payments.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Seattle car accident, you need an experienced Washington auto accident lawyer, who has successfully represented injury victims against insurance companies and other defendants. Please contact The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information about Washington auto accident cases that will help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011100461_webviaduct17m.html?syndication=rss

Officials Blame Inattention for Washington Auto Accident

2010-03-20T00:53:52Z

A 50-year-old driver was injured in a Washington car accident after his 2005 Toyota pickup truck was rear-ended by a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The driver of the Toyota was making a left turn into the Sundown M. Ranch from the northbound State Route 821 in Selah, Washington, the Yakima Herald-Republic reports. Both drivers were transported to a local hospital. The extent of their injuries is not known. Officials believe that the woman driving the Maxima may have been inattentive just before the collision occurred. It is not clear what she was doing at the time.

Distractions and inattention amount to negligence when it comes to vehicular accidents. Distractions could include anything from talking on a hand-held cell phone, texting, eating, applying makeup or looking out the window at something that caught your eye. This is how most rear-end accidents are caused and several of these incidents often result in serious injuries. It could cause head injuries, spinal cord injuries or other types of neck and back injuries. Whiplash is one of the most common consequences of a rear-end collision. If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of a rear-end collision caused by a negligent driver, you can file a claim with the help of a Seattle car accident attorney seeking compensation for the medical expenses incurred as well as loss of wages.

]]> Please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2010/02/21/inattention-to-blame-for-canyon-crash

Wrong-Way Driver Killed in Seattle Area Car Crash

2010-03-18T17:54:18Z

A 25-year-old man died in a Washington auto accident after he drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 and crashed into a truck. According to a news report in the Snoqualmie Valley Record Reporter, the Bremerton man was driving a 2000 Jeep Cherokee east in the westbound lanes near milepost 28. The Jeep narrowly missed a Washington State Patrol trooper's vehicle and crashed into a bakery truck. The Jeep driver died. His 25-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries as did the driver of the truck. Both injured victims were transported to a Seattle hospital. Police believe that alcohol was a factor in this fatal car accident.

It is against the law in Washington State to drive under the influence of intoxicants such as alcohol or drugs. It is also illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, there were a total of 521 traffic accident fatalities in 2008. Out of those, 225 or 43 percent were alcohol-related collisions. Also, 182 of these DUI collisions (about 35 percent), involved a driver with a blood alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent.

In cases where someone has been struck by a drunk driver, the victim can file a claim against the driver's insurance seeking compensation. Victims in such cases, can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization and other related damages. If the drunk driver who caused the accident dies in the crash, then a claim for compensation can be filed against the driver's estate or his liability insurance. These can be complicated claims and are best handled by an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented injured car accident victims.

]]> If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident as a result of someone else's negligence, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys of The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/svr/news/85102512.html

Chrysler Recalls Minivans for Airbag Defects

2010-03-17T01:07:17Z

Chrysler has issues an auto product defect recall for more than 355,500 minivans because of a defective airbag sensor, which could cause the airbag to fail in the event of a car accident. According to a news report, Chrysler's recall scheduled to begin in June, covers 355,562 of its 2005-2006 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, including 259,437 in the United States and 72,035 in Canada.

Chrysler officials said they found that one of the front airbag crash sensors could crack under certain environmental conditions and allow water to enter the sensor causing the sensor to become inoperative. So far, no injuries or fatalities relating to these defects have been reported. If the front crash sensors become inoperative in these vehicles, the driver will be warned by the airbag warning light. However, until the vehicle is repaired, the occupants of the vehicle may not receive protection in the event of a car crash.

Airbag defects can result in devastating injuries or even death. Thanks to modern vehicle technology, airbags are an important safety feature in all vehicles today and if they function the way they are supposed to, they definitely offer enhanced protection to the vehicle's occupants. The most common airbag defects in vehicles are failure to deploy and unintentional deployment – which means they deploy when they are not supposed to deploy. Both of these occurrences may result in serious injuries.

If you suspect an airbag malfunction caused your serious injuries or caused your car accident, please contact a reputable Seattle auto accident law firm. Make sure you preserve the vehicle in its current condition, in tact, so it can be examined by an expert for any evidence of product defects. Doing away with the vehicle may destroy the only evidence you may have in an auto products liability case.

]]> If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a defective auto, please contact the reputed Washington personal injury lawyers with The Bernard Law Firm to find out about your legal rights and options. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com to schedule your FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure about Washington auto product defect cases, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100224/ts_nm/us_chrysler

Seattle Toyota Auto Accident Victim's Case Raises Questions

2010-03-02T17:00:00Z

Toyota has recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles over auto product defects – primarily sticky gas pedals, defective floor mats that can slip and jam the accelerator, and brake issues. Based on news reports, outside experts even speculate that electromagnetic interference may have caused several incidents of unintended acceleration in recalled Toyota models. Now, the auto maker is facing a government inquiry over whether it tried to delay or avoid a recall in the first place.

Parents of a Seattle resident are one of many who are asking questions about how and why their son died. According to a KOMO News report, like many injured victims or grieving families, the bereaved parents are wondering whether sudden acceleration caused by a sticky gas pedal in the victim’s Toyota Tundra may have caused the fatal car accident on Oct. 17, 2007. The crash occurred when the pickup truck inexplicably crashed head-on into a tree.

Recently this victim’s parents found out that his Tundra was on the recall list as well. They now rightly believe that had Toyota paid attention to the problem, recalled the vehicles and fixed the defects, their son would have been alive.

Toyota's recall comes too late for those in situations similar to this family’s. It is too little too late for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries potentially as a result of the unintended acceleration problem. It is too late for those drivers who have been sent to prison because their car went out of control and injured or killed someone. Seattle personal injury attorneys understand that there have been several car accident cases nationwide where drivers tried convincing juries that it was not them, but their car that was to blame. But no one believed them. Some of those cases are now being reviewed by local prosecutors in different parts of the country.

]]> What can you do if you own a Toyota? Please make sure it is not on the recall list. Even if it is not, have it completely checked out by a trusted mechanic. If you get in an accident and suspect that it was caused by an auto product defect, please make sure to preserve the vehicle in its current, crashed condition so it can be carefully examined for any malfunctions or defects.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a defective auto, please contact the reputed Washington auto products liability lawyers with The Bernard Law Firm to find out about your legal rights and options. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com to schedule your FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure about Washington auto product defect cases, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/85024242.html; http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-02-23-Electromagnetic23_CV_N.htm?csp=34

Two Pedestrians Injured in Federal Way Auto Accident

2010-03-01T23:27:54Z

Two people sustained serious injuries in a Washington auto accident after they were struck by a car while walking on Southwest 356th Street in Federal Way. According to a news report in the Seattle Times, the driver who struck and injured the pedestrian tried to leave the scene, but was apprehended by police and arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run. One of the victims was airlifted to a Seattle hospital due to suffering life-threatening injuries. The other victim, a 50-year-old man, was also transported to a local hospital, but his injuries are not believed to be as serious as the other pedestrian. Officials are also looking into whether alcohol or drugs were involved in this major injury collision.

Several motorists and skilled Seattle car accident lawyers know that leaving the scene of an accident is a serious violation of Washington State Law. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 46.52.020: "A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary."

]]> Motorists in Washington State have a responsibility under this law to stop irrespective of whether or not the accident was their fault. The driver is not only required to exchange information with the other parties, but also obtain assistance for the injured victims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in Seattle, please contact the skilled Seattle personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful educational information about pedestrian accident cases that will help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his dedicated legal team today.

Source: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011111605_webhitandrun18m.html?syndication=rss

Seattle Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Help With Your Washington Medical Negligence Case

2010-02-26T20:13:36Z

Washington residents, who go to the doctor or to a hospital to receive required medical treatment, expect a high standard of care. Patients never believe or imagine that in getting the help they need, a procedure or surgery would leave them with greater injuries. However, this is the reality of medical negligence. Although mistakes made by medical professionals do not always result in serious injury, several incidents of misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose a condition, incorrect dosage of medication, or surgical error, do end up severely harming a patient.

Some of the most catastrophic of medical negligence incidents cause patients to suffer grave injuries. Far too many patients experience unnecessary surgery, pain and suffering, and additional treatment because of a doctor's error or negligence. Birth injuries may also occur, leaving a baby, and potentially the mother, with debilitating injury.

Whatever the nature of the medical negligence that has negatively affected you and your family, you need the help and guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney who will help protect your rights. Please remember that you need to choose an attorney carefully. You must choose a Seattle medical malpractice lawyer who is not only experienced and knowledgeable in these types of cases, but also one who has access to resources and experts in the medical field to help bolster your case. Such a lawyer will help secure the compensation you rightfully deserve for the injury, and the pain and suffering you have had to experience as a result of someone else's negligence.

]]> If you have been a victim of medical malpractice in Washington State, please contact the reputed Seattle medical malpractice attorneys at The Bernard Law Firm to find out about your legal rights and options. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com to schedule your FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure about Washington medical malpractice cases, which has useful, educational information to help you understand your rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Shoreline Auto Accident Involves 23 Vehicles

2010-02-25T17:00:00Z

At least 23 cars were wrecked and one person was injured in a Washington auto accident on the Interstate 5, King5 News reported. The chain-reaction car accident occurred near the NE 145th Street onramp in Shoreline, Washington. Washington State Patrol officials said the accident was caused by a mix of the rain, the brightness from the sunshine and cars following the vehicle in front of them too closely. Troopers say they expect to issue several citations in connection with this auto accident.

Auto accidents involving multiple vehicles and several parties can be extremely complicated. How do you deal with such an accident? Experienced Seattle car accident lawyers will tell you that if you are in an accident, the first thing you need to do is get as much information as possible. Get photographs of the accident scene. Make sketches of the vehicles' positions when your memory is fresh. Collect insurance, vehicle license plate and driver's license information from the parties involved. If you find eyewitnesses on scene, do get their contact information and statements as well. Eyewitness statements can be invaluable in any auto accident, especially in one where a number of vehicles and victims/parties are involved.

After the accident, please remember not to talk to insurance adjusters or attorneys for the other parties before first, consulting with your own attorney. Remember that insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They are certainly not looking out for you. Do not sign any papers or agree to any monetary settlement before speaking with your attorney.

]]> If you have been injured in a Seattle car accident, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys with The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure, which has useful, educational information about Washington auto accident cases to help you understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source: http://www.king5.com/news/Multiple-car-collision-blocking-southbound-I-5-at-Shoreline-84257167.html

Toyota and Federal Government Knew about Product Defects for Years

2010-02-24T23:07:02Z

State Farm Insurance Company officials are saying that they alerted federal safety regulators as early as 2007 about an increase in reports of unintended or sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles. According to a news report, State Farm insurance said it noticed a rise in reports of such acceleration in Toyotas and notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency in fact received warnings about sudden acceleration in Toyotas as early as 2003. It is not clear whether the agency completely missed these warning signs. That is an issue congressional investigators are exploring.

Toyota, over the recent months, has recalled over 8 million vehicles for faulty gas pedals and floor mats, which are believed to have caused the sudden acceleration problems. Most recently, the auto maker recalled about 437,000 Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix a braking problem caused by a software glitch. The auto maker also stopped producing and selling eight vehicle models including the top-selling Corolla and Camry models. Federal officials said they are also looking into complaints from Corolla owners about steering problems. So far, consumers and Seattle personal injury attorneys are shocked by the fact that NHTSA has received 80 complaints from drivers of 2009 and 2010 Corollas.

]]> If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington auto accident involving a vehicle model included in Toyota’s recalls, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product can be held liable for personal injuries or wrongful death caused by the product defect.

If your loved one has been seriously injured by a defective auto, please contact the reputed Washington auto products liability lawyers at The Bernard Law Firm to find out about your legal rights and options. Please call us at 1-800-418-8282 or e-mail us at info@bernardlawgroup.com to schedule your FREE, comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE brochure about Washington auto product defect cases, which has useful, educational information to help you better understand your rights. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.

Source report: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/02/09/business/main6190998.shtml