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Is Washington an At-Fault State for Car Accidents?

Posted on: February 22nd, 2023 by Marcel Colon
In Washington, the driver at fault pays for the damages. Here’s what that might mean for you after a car accident.

In Washington, the driver at fault pays for the damages. Here’s what that might mean for you after a car accident.

How will your insurance handle the situation if you’ve recently been in a car accident in Washington state?

Washington is known as an “at-fault” state. That means, in the state of Washington, the person at fault for an accident must cover the costs of the harm that was done. Ideally, each driver should have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage to cover their own medical costs and wage loss up to the policy limit.

Now, let’s discuss exactly what that means for you, your insurance policy, and your wallet after a car accident.

What Exactly Is “PIP” Insurance?

PIP coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses and lost wages resulting for your car accident injuries, regardless of who caused the accident. Even if you were the cause of the accident, PIP will pay the reasonable and necessary medical expense for injuries related the accident.

In Washington state, the person who caused the accident is liable for paying the injured party’s medical bills, or both if both are at fault. Working with a local Edmonds car accident lawyer is especially crucial if you reside in Washington state, where the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your expenses.

After a Car Accident, How is Blame Assigned?

Most car accident cases in Washington do not go to court with a car accident lawyer. Instead, the insurance company investigates the evidence provided by the police report and the reports of the people involved in the accident, and then uses that information to determine who was at fault in the accident.

After the car crash, if a person has injuries, they should go see a medical doctor as soon as possible. Even if they do not believe they have injuries, it would be good protection just to get check out by a medical professional. Injuries like a concussion or TBI can be hard to detect.

Typically, the insurance company of the person at fault usually offers the other party a settlement, but the amount is variable depending upon the nature and the extent of the injuries. It is very important to have solid medical professionals help you with your medical care.  In any case you should contact Cunnane Law’s Edmonds car accident attorneys with over 50 years’ worth of experience to get the compensation you deserve.

How Can an Edmonds Car Accident Attorney Assist You?

As soon as you are in an accident, (after going to see a medical professional) certainly within the first few days, you should contact an attorney at Cunnane Law in Edmonds, WA to discuss your case and ensure that you’re being treated fairly. If you are offered a settlement after a car accident, you should consult with an attorney to ensure that you are receiving a fair offer. When it comes to getting the compensation you deserve after a car accident, the representation of a car accident attorney can be well worth your time.

Ready to talk to the car accident experts? Contact us today.

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.

How Are Car Accident Cases Settled?

Posted on: January 24th, 2023 by Marcel Colon
Most car accident cases don’t make it to court. But the settlement process can be complex. You need an experienced attorney to help.

Most car accident cases don’t make it to court. But the settlement process can be complex. You need an experienced attorney to help.

Most cases involving auto accidents are resolved outside of court. This is beneficial to accident victims because it means they will receive the compensation they require without having to wait for a trial. However, the procedure can be challenging, and errors could cost you a sizable portion of the money you require to rebuild your life. Even if you do not want to go to court, Cunnane Law can assist you in settling your case fairly and quickly.

Firstly, Contact the Insurance Company

Notifying the insurance company of your claim is the first step in the settlement process. This alerts the insurance company that you intend to file a claim. This step can be difficult because the insurance company will question you extensively about your accident. Some of these questions are relatively harmless; the insurance company will need your contact information, the make and model of your car, and the location and time of the accident.

Other questions may pose difficulties. They may inquire as to whether you have been injured and seek your opinion on the cause of the accident. How you respond to these questions could very well jeopardize your claim in the future. The best course of action, if you have been hurt in a car accident, is to call Cunnane Law and let us deal with the insurance company on your behalf.

Secondly, Do Your Homework

Collecting all of the accident-related documentation is the next step in the settlement process. This will consist of the following:

  • A copy of the police accident report
  • Copies of your medical records detailing your accident-related injuries, prescribed treatment, prognosis, and any limitations caused by your injuries.
  • Copies of all bills, including medical bills, estimates for repairing or replacing your vehicle, documentation for lost wages, and any other monetary losses
  • Photographs of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
  • Any other records or notes you may have that detail how your injuries affect your day-to-day activities, such as your inability to care for your family, engage in hobbies and other activities, or perform basic daily tasks.

If you are in pain and finding it difficult to get through each day, this step may be challenging. An Edmonds car accident lawyer can assist you with this step, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Third step: Calculate the Value of Your Claim

After gathering your documentation, you must determine the value of your claim. In other words, you are estimating how much compensation you will require to be made whole. Your damage claim will include the following:

  • Your out-of-pocket medical costs, such as co-pays and deductibles, as well as any medical expenses that are covered by your health insurance.
  • Your lost earnings if you are unable to work as a result of the accident or must take time off to attend doctor’s appointments and physical therapy.
  • The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
  • Your emotional pain and anxiety.

The majority of non-attorneys settle their cases for much less than they are worth, which leaves them with unpaid bills. An experienced Edmonds car accident lawyer can estimate the total value of your claim and then ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses.

Fourth step: Submit the Demand Letter

Once you’ve determined a reasonable estimate of the compensation you deserve, send a letter to the insurance company demanding that they pay that amount. There is no set format to follow, but the letter should include enough detail and supporting documentation to back up your claim. An Edmonds car accident lawyer can draft an effective demand letter that makes a strong case.

Fifth step: Negotiate the Claim

Insurance companies never really pay the full amount demanded. Instead, they will make a counter-offer. You now have the option of accepting the counter-offer or making a fresh offer. Working with an Edmonds car accident lawyer in this situation can be very beneficial because they can use both their negotiating skills and their knowledge of auto accident claims to help you get the best possible settlement.

Car Accident Injured? Contact Edmonds Car Accident Attorney Joe Cunnane for Assistance Settling Your Claim

It is more complicated than you might expect to settle your claim. Contact Cunnane Law for assistance in protecting your right to fair compensation. Call 425-672-7100 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you.

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.

Resolutions for a Safe New Year

Posted on: December 27th, 2022 by Marcel Colon
Stay safe, and know that if things go wrong and you need legal help, Cunnane Law will be there for you.

Stay safe, and know that if things go wrong and you need legal help, Cunnane Law will be there for you.

Happy New Year – Welcome 2023

Do you currently have any New Year’s resolutions? Many people have had a really difficult year in 2022, so for lots of us this time around, making resolutions feels a little different.

The Big Three, reducing weight, saving money, and exercising more, as well as less stress and more travel, are the most popular New Year’s resolutions that people make when the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

So here are some goals for 2023. Taking control of the things within your control is one strategy for dealing with it. If you believe that establishing a resolution feels like a positive step, then go for it, regardless of whether you’re studying, working, parenting, transitioning to a new stage of life, or just trying to keep your head above water. Additionally, don’t impose arbitrary restrictions on how to achieve it.

Make an effort to avoid setting a goal that is so rigid that you fear failing. Aim to advance toward your objective and recognize your success along the way.

Stay Safe in 2023

We all have a responsibility to maintain our health and safety. As we approach a box-fresh New Year, it can be helpful to review some of the non-negotiables for driving or riding safely on the road, especially in the winter.

  • Never drive when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs;
  • Never drive while distracted. Turn off your cell phone or put it somewhere out of sight and earshot
  • Check the weather for your route and slowdown in wet, icy, or bad weather.
  • Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, always buckle your seatbelt and slow down when driving in dangerous conditions.
  • Maintaining your car will keep it reliable and safe on the road.
  • Always use the correct safety gear, including a crash helmet, when riding a motorcycle or bicycle.

There are two things we can say with absolute certainty at this time when everything is still unpredictable. First of all, good, positive things will always occur and manifest throughout the year.

The availability of Cunnane Law at your disposal whenever you need us is the second thing you can count on in 2023. As the leading car crash attorney in Edmonds, WA, we want you to know we have your back at all times. If you need us in any way, please reach out through our contact form.

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.

Here’s to Happy Holidays from Cunnane Law

Posted on: December 6th, 2022 by Marcel Colon
This time of year can be challenging, but we wish you the very best this holiday season.

This time of year can be challenging, but we wish you the very best this holiday season.

The holidays can be hard sometimes.

It is common, given our type of work, for the people we assist on a daily basis to find the holidays to be a trying time. This is especially true if you are ill, confined to a bed, or preoccupied with medical care and physical therapy.

We realize that not working can be stressful, leaving you to wonder what you will do.

It can be tough to imagine even “having” Christmas this year if you are out of work and your employer or insurance provider are making things even more difficult.

We understand that, which is the reason we are here to help.

We can offer you and your loved ones a little more piece of mind, even if we cannot guarantee that your problem will be resolved before the holiday season is through.

Being uncertain about what to do or what your alternatives are, particularly when dealing with a complex legal system, can be very stressful to say the least.

It also doesn’t help to experience times when your paycheck is unpredictable or to worry about how you’ll pay your medical expenditures.

We can provide you with our expertise and guidance while we help you with car accidents and long-term disability claims. In fact, that is what Cunnane Law in Edmonds is particularly good at.

We understand that you might be having a difficult time this year, more than ever, and our wish for you is for strength and peace and a happy holiday season surrounded by your loved ones.

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.

Holiday Decorating Can Result in Injuries

Posted on: November 27th, 2022 by Marcel Colon
Have fun this holiday season, and stay safe and healthy!

Have fun this holiday season, and stay safe and healthy!

Following Halloween, the Christmas season officially starts on November 1st. People start decorating for the holidays from Thanksgiving through to Christmas and New Year’s. To celebrate this joyous season, Christmas trees are set up, wreaths are hung, yard decorations are placed, lights are strewn over the house and landscape, and menorahs are lit. Exercising caution can help prevent common injuries, but decorating has hidden risks that should be considered.

Rushing to Get Things Done Takes a Toll

Almost everyone finds the holiday season the busiest time of year. People are rushing to complete work assignments before the end of the year while also balancing holiday shopping, event planning, family visits, decorating, baking, and a host of other activities. Some people rush through their decorating as quickly as possible due to a lack of time. However, decorating in a hurry can result in shortcuts and safety risks, resulting in minor or serious injury.

Keep Safety in Mind When Decorating

Christmas lights are a popular Christmas tradition, but they also present a very real risk to people’s health and safety. Plugging in lights that are old or with frayed wires can result in electrical shorts that can start house fires or cause serious injury from electrocution. To avoid a short circuit, never connect more than 210 watts worth of light strings at once.  These are less obvious safety precautions to follow, but they can help you stay safe throughout the holidays.

While candles are a common year-round home decoration, they are also popular for the holidays. It takes only a heartbeat for a candle placed next to a dry Christmas tree to become a catastrophe. Blow out candles before leaving the room and keep them away from the Christmas tree and anything combustible. In November and December of each year from 2016 to 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that there were approximately 100 Christmas tree fires and approximately 1,100 candle fires. This led to 30 fatalities, 180 injuries, and annual property losses of around $56 million. While one may believe they won’t experience this, it is wise to rule out any possibilities. Water the tree frequently to prevent drying out and creating a fire hazard. Do not leave a menorah burning unattended if you celebrate Hanukkah. To prevent it from tipping over, place the menorah on a strong surface. Candles and menorahs should be kept out of pets’ and kids’ reach. A house fire caused by a candle or decoration is one of the worst things that could happen.

Unfortunately, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 18,000 Americans are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries brought on by Christmas decorations. Decorating-related lacerations, strains and sprains, fractures, contusions and abrasions, and ingestion were the most frequent injuries seen in the emergency room. Be careful when decorating your home this year to avoid going to the emergency room for any reason.

Do You Need Help?

Holiday decorating should be a joyful family activity that gets everyone in the holiday spirit. Please keep these helpful decorating suggestions in mind to avoid any serious injury during the holidays this year. While we hope this never happens, if you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence or a defective product, please contact Cunnane Law. Our personal injury lawyers are here to assist you with your case and provide free consultations.

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.

Accidents on Thanksgiving Day

Posted on: November 21st, 2022 by Marcel Colon
Having an accident on Thanksgiving can make it a very unhappy holiday.

Having an accident on Thanksgiving can make it a very unhappy holiday.

Thanksgiving Day has been a celebrated family holiday across the nation ever since it was declared a public holiday in 1817. Thanksgiving is a day for getting together with family and friends. It is a time when we are all encouraged to give thanks for what we have and count our blessings. Sadly, Thanksgiving Day tops New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, and St. Patrick’s Day as the deadliest day of the year. According to research, Thanksgiving Day is the holiday with the highest number of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents.

Slip and Fall Accidents on Thanksgiving Day

The hustle and bustle leading up to Thanksgiving Day and during the holiday weekend has an impact on more than just the traffic. You can anticipate more people walking through malls, grocery stores, and their parking lots and sidewalks.

The likelihood of shop assistants being busier with customers and having less time to search for potential risks, is increased in overcrowded shopping centers. Spills, debris, and other dangers probably won’t get cleaned up as soon as they would on a typical shopping day, even if these problems are brought to the employees’ notice. The same goes for potential dangers outside the business, in the parking lot, and on the walkways.

Car Accidents on Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day is the deadliest holiday of the year due to motor vehicle accident fatalities, so it’s important to understand why this is the case and what we can do to help keep our loved ones and ourselves safe this holiday season. According to the National Safety Council, fatal motor vehicle accidents on Thanksgiving Day 2021 were forecast to claim the lives of 515 Americans. The following is a list of some of the factors that Thanksgiving Day dangers include:

  1. Alcohol: Sharing festive drinks at the Thanksgiving dinner table with loved ones can be a fun way to relax and catch up. The risk arises when family members consume a bit more alcohol than they should, then grab their keys and try to drive home. To prevent you and your loved ones from being involved in a drunk driving accident this holiday season, try your best to persuade family members to find alternative transportation if they consume more alcohol than they anticipated.
  2. Fatigue: After Thanksgiving dinner, drowsiness is common. The fatigue we feel on Thanksgiving Day might impair our ability to stay awake while driving, perhaps leading to a devastating motor vehicle accident.
  3. Traffic: The likelihood of a car accident increases significantly on Thanksgiving Day due to the congested roads. Use extreme caution if you must travel. It would be best if you give yourself plenty of time as well because the increased traffic could probably cause delays.
  4. Weather: Winter weather usually shows up around Thanksgiving Day. Even though driving in winter weather is something that many of us are accustomed to, it still tends to surprise a lot of people when it first appears.

Kitchen Accidents on Thanksgiving Day

A Thanksgiving Day article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the kitchen. In addition to injuries like burns, wounds, falls, muscular strains, and smoke inhalation, it has been established that Thanksgiving Day sees the most cooking-related fires of the year.

Were you injured in a Thanksgiving accident in Washington state, or was someone close to you injured?

The accident injury lawyers at Cunnane Law in Edmonds, Washington, have seen firsthand the debilitating consequences that accident victims’ disabilities may have on them and their family. The injured person will face many challenges after a Thanksgiving Day accident in order to recover their health and put their lives back together.

To get the help you deserve, contact the highly regarded and experienced accident injury legal team at Cunnane Law of Edmonds, Washington, right now.

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.

Your Guide to Car Accident Police Reports in Washington

Posted on: October 27th, 2022 by Marcel Colon

You could be entitled to bring a car accident claim against the other motorist to seek damages if you were hurt in a car accident that was their fault. You may need to know how to obtain a police record from an automobile accident as part of this procedure. You must be able to establish liability to make an automobile accident claim.

This implies, among other things:

  • Interviewing witnesses is necessary before they forget what happened
  • Photographs must be taken before injuries heal and damage is fixed
  • Evidence must be gathered before it is gone

To put it another way, you must gather and save the proof necessary to establish that the other motorist (and their auto insurance provider) is responsible for paying for your damages, including your physical injury and monetary losses. To support your vehicle accident claim, a police record is crucial.

Almost all the information you need to submit a car accident claim is contained in your car accident police report, which is the official record of your collision.

A Police Car Accident Report

The car accident police report is one of the most important components of any potential legal claim.

The car accident police report is one of the most important components of any potential legal claim.

If the police are called to your car accident, they will often file a car accident police report at the scene, particularly if a person is killed, suffers a physical injury, or if there is severe property damage.

It is crucial that you have a proficient automobile accident lawyer review the police report as quickly as possible if one was filed in your case. Your accident police report may be useful to the skilled automobile accident attorneys at Cunnane Law as they work to develop a strong case on your behalf.

What Details Are Included in a Police Car Accident Report?

The reporting officer’s unbiased opinions concerning your car collision are detailed in your accident police report.

There is there is no need for you to attempt to fully understand all the information in a police accident report on your own. We will review the report and speak with any witnesses before they are questioned by the at-fault driver’s vehicle insurance company.

Types of Police Reports for Car Accidents in Washington

Everyone is aware that auto accidents are a regrettable fact of life on our state’s roadways and highways. However, did you know that the State of Washington accepts two different types of car accident report forms?

  1. State of Washington Police Traffic Collision Report which is filed with the Washington State Patrol.

The responding police officer uses this form to collect detailed information regarding the accident, including:

  • Time, date, and location of the accident
  • Name and contact information for the vehicle drivers
  • Passengers and witnesses’ names and contact information
  • Type of any injuries and severity
  • Types and number of vehicles involved
  • Damage to the vehicles
  • Name and badge number of the investigating officer

This report also contains the reporting officer’s written account of what caused the accident.

  1. Motor Vehicle Collision Report. Anyone involved in an accident that resulted in injury or death, or more than $1,000 in total property damage and was not reported by a responding police officer is allowed to use this form. It is required to be filled out and filed with the Washington State Patrol within 4 days of the accident either online through the Online Motor Vehicle Collision Reporting system, or alternatively, complete, sign and mail it to the Collision Records Section – P.O. Box 42628 Olympia, WA 98504-2628, or email it to collisionrecords@wsp.wa.gov.

Talk to Cunnane Law About How to Get a Car Accident Police Report

Taking immediate action will improve your chances of receiving full compensation for your losses and injuries if you or someone you care about was injured in a car accident. Call Cunnane Law right away to schedule a meeting with a skilled member of our legal team. We can help you.

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.

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.

In a Yellow Light Accident Who is at Fault?

Posted on: August 31st, 2022 by Marcel Colon
Yellow light accidents are common, but determining fault can be tricky.

Yellow light accidents are common, but determining fault can be tricky.

You are still at risk of being involved in a major accident, even if you are a cautious and safe driver. There are numerous ways that car accidents can occur, with yellow light accidents being one of the more common types of collision. This makes us ask, “In Washington, who is to blame for a yellow light collision?”

Here is a summary by our Edmonds car accident attorneys, of the most critical facts that drivers in Washington should know regarding yellow light collisions.

Understanding Yellow Light Accident Fault

A yellow light is officially a warning light, warning motorists to slow down because the light is going to turn red. Of course, the message that most people receive is more along the lines of “hurry up, get through this light before it turns red.”

While yellow light accidents might take many different forms, the majority of them have one thing in common. One car is traveling straight, another is trying to make a left turn, and both are attempting to get through the intersection before the light changes to red.

Who is to blame for a left turn accident at a red light? The general rule is that the driver turning left is to blame for the accident. All drivers have a legal responsibility to make sure that the road is clear and that they have enough time to safely navigate the intersection before making a left turn.

Despite that, all yellow light accidents must be examined on an individual basis. Other factors, such as speeding, distracted driving, or other reckless driving maneuvers, could also shift the blame. Drivers may even share responsibility for a yellow light crash in some cases.

Evidence is Crucial if Fault is Disputed

It is critical to understand that Washington is a fault-based jurisdiction for car accidents. A plaintiff must be able to demonstrate that the other driver is to blame for the accident.

If the cause of your yellow light collision is disputed, you must consult with an experienced car accident attorney who will be able to assist you in taking action to investigate the collision and obtain all relevant evidence.

Everything from police reports, photographs, statements from witnesses and expert testimony can be included. The sooner you retain the services of an attorney, the easier it will be to collect and present important evidence.

Contact Our Edmonds, WA Based Car Accident Lawyers Today

Our top-rated Washington auto accident lawyers at Cunnane Law have considerable expertise resolving personal injury claims. We are here to assist you if you or a loved one has been injured in a yellow light collision. Please do not hesitate to call our legal team now to schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation of your vehicle accident case.

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.

(425) 672-7100