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Archive for September, 2022

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Seattle

Posted on: September 26th, 2022 by Marcel Colon
Truck accidents are more common that many realize, and they are often the source of devastating injuries.

Truck accidents are more common that many realize, and they are often the source of devastating injuries.

Almost every day, trucking collisions occur in Seattle and the surrounding areas. These collisions can have devastating consequences, as we have observed over the years at Cunnane Law.

The occupants of passenger cars generally sustain the most severe injuries in collisions because tractor-trailers are larger and heavier than normal passenger cars. The following are a few of the more typical injuries caused by truck accidents.

Injuries to the Back and Neck

The victims of trucking accidents frequently sustain strained muscles, tendon damage, and ligament injuries. Vertebrae, which are bony structures, protect the spine. Discs, the cushions of rigid cartilage filled with a gel-like substance, are located between each vertebra. These discs provide flexibility and ease of motion by acting as a shock absorber between the spinal column’s bones. However, when a disc is injured, it may leak, swell, or even completely herniate, causing it to collapse. Nerve bundles are compressed as the space between the vertebrae gets smaller, resulting in debilitating symptoms.

Injuries to the Head and Brain

Head and brain injuries are among the most prevalent injuries caused by large truck collisions. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as blunt head trauma, concussions, and scalp or facial lacerations, are common. TBI symptoms might include headaches, memory and mood disorders, and difficulty sleeping or focusing. While they are not visible to the naked eye, head trauma injuries are serious and can have a devastating impact on a person’s life.

Spinal Injuries

One of the most serious injuries a person may sustain is a spinal cord injury. It happens when the spinal cord is injured or severed in some way. These injuries can cause whole or partial paralysis above and below the location of spinal cord injury. Essentially, all messages must be transferred from the brain to the rest of the body via the central nervous system, which means they pass through the spinal column. As a result, spinal cord damage is comparable to a kink in a hose. It blocks communication after that point. Some of these injuries leave patients unable to walk, while others might become quadriplegic, a condition resulting in the loss of all extremities.

Lacerations

Broken glass, jagged metal, vehicle frames, hard plastic interiors and dashboards, can all result in serious lacerations and puncture wounds. Many people who survive truck accidents have severe pain for a very long time as well as irreversible body scarring. Due to their visibility and the fact that the head and face are the most exposed, facial lacerations are often the most severe.

Wrongful Death

When a person has died in a trucking accident, the family can seek restitution by filing a wrongful death claim. This can assist the victim’s family in obtaining funds for burial expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support and income, as well as the pain and emotional anguish that comes with the loss of a loved one. These cases, however, are complex and frequently include multiple court proceedings.

Get Help from a Washington Truck Accident Attorney Today

When you contact Cunnane Law, WA, we will begin an investigation into the truck accident immediately. Insurance companies and trucking companies move quickly and often conceal evidence. You need a team of experienced investigators on the scene as quickly as possible. Our law firm can determine what caused your trucking accident and who should be held accountable.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney at Cunnane Law, WA. There is no risk or obligation involved in making the call.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.

Does Washington State Have a Good Samaritan Law?

Posted on: September 23rd, 2022 by Marcel Colon
Good Samaritan laws make it more likely people in danger will get the help they need.

Good Samaritan laws make it more likely people in danger will get the help they need.

Most people’s instincts encourage them to assist a person in danger when they are hurt or unconscious. However, many people are reluctant because they do not want to be held responsible for more injuries or fatalities in the event that they worsen the situation. These circumstances give rise to the Good Samaritan law, which has the ability to save another life. It is in your best interest to speak with an experienced Cunnane Law attorney if you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident so that we can work together to determine the best course of action for your case.

Though you may be hesitant when helping those who are in peril because you fear liability, there are laws in Washington that protect Good Samaritan efforts and can help save lives.

The Good Samaritan Law Explained

A Good Samaritan is understood as any everyday person who helps someone injured or unconscious and doesn’t expect to be paid for their services. Of course, helping in an emergency is commendable, but many people have concerns. Will they be held liable if the person is injured further? What if they die?

Those valid concerns often lead to people deciding not to help. But in Washington, you don’t have to worry about liability when you rescue someone. As long as you aren’t willfully negligent or reckless when helping, you have no civil or criminal liability.

Washington state also has a Good Samaritan Law where if a person seeks medical assistance for someone experiencing a drug overdose, they won’t be charged with possession of a controlled substance. The Good Samaritan law protects anyone who is making a good faith effort to seek medical attention for an overdose, whether it is caused by opioids, alcohol poisoning, or another substance. Calling 911, asking a friend who works in medicine for help, or taking someone to the emergency room are examples of good faith efforts.

The Good Samaritan Law and Volunteer Services

According to the new law, which was passed in April 2021, a volunteer will not be liable for civil damages while giving non medical treatment at the scene of an emergency or disaster unless the act is “gross negligence” or “willful or wanton misbehavior.” For example, a volunteer breaking down a door or window without fear of personal liability when trying to help someone escape from a flood.

When a person is fighting for their life, the last thing they need is a bystander questioning whether or not they should help. Washington state has made it easier for those who need help the most to receive it in a timely manner. You have immunity to come to the aid of others without fear of being held liable. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it’s important that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced person injury lawyer can help you with your case. Contact the office of Cunnane Law online for a free consultation.

Note: This information was provided not for any specific claim and is written in broad and general terms and may not be the right path to follow for a particular claim or case. This information is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. It is always best to receive direct legal counsel for your legal issues. It is never too early to call the attorney, but it can be too late.

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