After being involved in an accident, one of the first things an accident victim should do is report the incident to their own insurance company (insurer). The insurer will then submit a claim, subject to the circumstances of the case, with either their own claims department or the other party’s insurer. Insurance companies give immediate approval in some cases and may help cover the costs of medical bills and repairs. However, accident victims can find themselves with no protection if their insurance company denies their claim. Fortunately, if their claim has been denied they are not without help or protection....[ Read More ]

Being badly injured in an a car crash could result in tens of thousands of dollars in medical care and lost wages. You need to seek compensation from the driver who caused the collision, rather than carry the financial loss yourself. All motorists in Washington State are required by law to carry minimum liability insurance of at least $50,000 per accident, $25,000 in bodily injury liability and $10,000 in property damage. There are, unfortunately, too many people on the road without any insurance at all. What are your options if the other driver is uninsured? Option 1:   Your Personal Injury...[ Read More ]

If you have recently been in a car crash, it is likely that you were contacted by a car insurance company.  Typically, they are very friendly in the beginning when they reach out to claimants. However, as nice as they might be, you need to remember that, as with any company they are in business to make a profit, which means your best interests are not their priority. So, when an auto insurance company tries throughout your claim to use clever tactics to save their bottom line at your expense, you should not be surprised. Lowball Settlement Offers One of...[ Read More ]

What is a personal injury? Does it apply to you? The general premise of a personal injury case is familiar to most people. If a person hurts you, you can sue them for financial recovery of your damages. However, that is a very general definition that does not consider the various subtleties of personal injury law. A wide range of situations, accidents and types of injuries can be included in civil claims and lawsuits concerning plaintiffs seeking compensation for preventable damages. There may be many circumstances in the underlying accidents to impact the viability of the case. But no matter...[ Read More ]

You’ve heard it before – you have to hire a personal injury attorney for your insurance claim! But why? Here are some of the benefits to having a personal injury lawyer handle your insurance claim. Professional Representing yourself in an injury claim will not be easy especially if you must go to court. Keeping your personal feelings and opinions regarding the case out of process will be difficult. The lawyer, however, will handle your case in a very professional and objective manner. Negotiation When it comes to negotiating your case, the lawyer will have experience and is trained in negotiation...[ Read More ]

With our fast-paced society, it is inevitable for most car drivers in Washington state to be involved in a car accident. If you live in the Puget Sound area and have been injured in a car accident, you should know what the laws are for reporting your accident and how the process works to recover damages.  The following Washington state rules should be considered. Your Legal Options To recover damages for your injuries after a car accident, you have at least three options You can file a personal injury claim with the driver-at-fault’s insurance company You can file a claim...[ Read More ]

A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) has found that the proportion of drivers under the influence of alcohol has declined by 30 percent from 2007 to 2014 and has declined by 80 percent since 1973.  In 2014 about 1.5 percent of weekend nighttime drivers had a BAC above the legal limit. While this is a positive trend, drugged driving or driving has actually increased.  In 2014 20.0% of drivers tested positive for at least one type of drug. In 2007 this number was about 16.3 percent.  Some of this increase was due to increase marijuana use....[ Read More ]

With spring upon us the days are getting longer and the weather is getting nicer. It’s time to catch up on all those projects around the house that you put off in the winter. That means trips to the hardware store and in your downtime getting out and about to enjoy the sunshine. However you’re not alone out there. Better weather means more traffic, road construction, and increased chances of automobile accidents. You usual commute may take longer than expected as a result. Spring also tends to be the time for new driver to practice their skills. Changing your driving...[ Read More ]

It is not uncommon now for most of us to have a camera on our phone. While this has been to the bane of many celebrities and makes some social occasions more awkward, this technology can be vital if you are ever in an accident. Use your camera to document everything if you are ever injured in an automobile accident. Take pictures of your injuries, your vehicle, and even the surrounding environment. Note where the vehicles were positioned after the accident has occurred. If the other drive appears intoxicated, take a video of your interaction with them. Documenting the evidence...[ Read More ]

With the somewhat sluggish economy, some of us may have put off some much needed household repairs. While this may seem not to be a big deal, if someone is injured on your property you may be held liable if they are injured while on your property. Household hazards need not be something major like a hole in the roof or floor to pose a danger.  A loose floorboard or an oil slick on the driveway may be enough to cause a slip that results in an injury and a claim against you. As a property owner it is your...[ Read More ]