The Seattle Personal Injury Blog
Posted Friday, July 21, 2023 by
Chris Thayer
An accident with a truck can result in greater injuries and significant damage to your car or truck. The Seattle Times reported two people were seriously injured in a collision between a semi-truck and cars near Burien. Two patients were transported by medics and taken to Harborview Medical Center.
If you have been involved in a car collision involving a truck, talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer may help to understand your legal options.
*Understanding the Laws for a Truck Accident in Burien*Trucking accidents are governed by a variety of laws, including federal and state laws. To familiarize yourself, it may help to gain a basic understanding of Washington laws.According to the Washington Revised Code Title 46, motor vehicles must follow specific statutes. The ones specifically about trucks are Chapter 46.25, which covers the uniform commercial Driver’s license act.
The statutes may take some work to navigate. Talking with an expert legal advisor may help you understand the precise letter of the law.
*Proving Your Case in a Truck Accident in Burien*The main legal concept to understand in a commercial truck accident case is the idea of “negligence.” Legal arguments must show proof that a person injured in a commercial truck accident was negligent.
This may be demonstrated with evidence confirming that the driver or trucking company owed a duty to exercise a reasonable degree of care under the circumstances. The person who is injured must show that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care and that this failure was the cause of the injury.
*Truck Accidents Must Be Reported in Washington*The Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that a truck accident must be reported if a person was killed or injured; or if the accident resulted in $1000 or more of property damage.
*Know the Statute of Limitations in Burien Washington*A statute of limitations is a rule regarding how long you have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Washington. The general guideline is three years, although there are specific details as to when the three years begin. For injury to a person or property damage, the statute is three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death, the clock starts ticking from the date of death. This may be later than the accident, for example, if a person is hospitalized and then dies at a later date.
*Be Alert: State Laws May Change*One thing to be aware of is that state laws are subject to change. Whether it is new legislation, public initiatives, federal decisions, or other factors, state guidelines are not set in stone.
*Speak to a Diligent King County Personal Injury Attorney*Trucking accidents can be complex and challenging. If you have questions about what to do after an accident involving a truck, it may be a good idea to speak with a diligent personal injury attorney. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner they can start to fight for justice.
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Posted Friday, July 14, 2023 by
Chris Thayer
According to a news report on KIRO7, a collision between a car and a semi-truck blocked traffic for several hours on northbound I-5. Unfortunately, along the I-5 corridor, traffic collisions have become almost part of our daily experience.
If you have been involved in a car crash on I-5 or another road, consider talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.
*Understanding What Affects the Outcome of a Personal Injury Claim in Washington*According to a report on Lawyers.com, a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in the outcomes of a personal injury case.
Most people wonder if making a personal injury claim is worth it in terms of handling medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The survey from Lawyers confirmed that the biggest difference in getting a personal injury payout or not was legal representation.
More than nine out of ten people surveyed who had legal representation received a settlement. Contrast this with only about half of those who did not have an attorney. In addition, having a lawyer also resulted in higher amounts of compensation. According to the survey, the average settlement was $77,600 compared with $17,600 for those who handled their cases without representation.
*How Legal Representation Affects Satisfaction*Readers of Lawyers.com who were surveyed were more than twice as likely to be satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Compared to unrepresented claimants, those with representation reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied (37% compared to 17%).This makes sense as clients who retained legal representation generally took home more rewards.
*A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights in Washington*It can be challenging to represent yourself in a personal injury claim. You may consider hiring a personal injury lawyer for several reasons.
Lawyers are familiar with the law, can review evidence in your case, and prepare legal arguments to fight for equitable compensation. Lawyers also know the statute of limitations and various local, state, and federal regulations and can take action on your behalf.
A skilled lawyer can navigate a complex legal system, such as preparing legal motions, conducting discovery, interviewing witnesses, and negotiating settlements. If your case goes to trial, a professional attorney knows how to prepare and build your claim.
*A Personal Injury Lawyer is Your King County Advocate *Throughout the process, a lawyer is your advocate. They can offer support such as insights into the claims process, information about legal steps, and strategies for negotiating settlements.
While family and friends are sympathetic, a lawyer is your confidential advisor. They can advise you on not only immediate issues but also future impacts. For example, if injuries have made it difficult or impossible to return to work, they can help take steps to protect your financial future.
*Reach Out to a Hard-Working King County Attorney*For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in King County, contact Pivotal Law Group, PLLC. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we begin fighting for you.
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Posted Friday, July 7, 2023 by
Chris Thayer
According to the City of Issaquah’s Facebook page, the use and possession of all fireworks is illegal in Issaquah. Fireworks calls can overload 911, and City officials urge the public to only use 911 for emergency assistance, such as from the police, fire, or medics.
If you have been involved in an incident such as an injury from fireworks, consider talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.
*Check the Code for Local Laws in Issaquah*If you live in Issaquah, it can be useful to be aware of local regulations. Check the municipal code to dive into the precise rules and laws.
If you live in other parts of King County, get familiar with the law. Unincorporated parts of King County have similar regulations against fireworks.
*Know the Statute of Limitations in Issaquah, Washington*A statute of limitations is a law that defines the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit. If you do not bring a claim in the timeframe, you may be permanently prohibited from getting compensation for injuries.
In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. This means three years from the date of the accident or injury. The clock is ticking, so getting a claim started within this period is the best action to make sure your case is not dismissed.
*Understand Comparative Fault Rules in Issaquah*In some states, an injured person may be considered fully or partially at fault for the incident. Washington uses a specific approach known as “pure comparative negligence.” What does it mean?
Perhaps the simplest way to understand is with an example. For instance, if you recover $20,000 for an injury claim, and a judge or jury determines you were 25% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $15,000.
*Negotiating for a Settlement*Negotiating for settlements may be more complex and intricate than you have imagined. Legal experts are available to help you get justice if you are not comfortable handling your claim.
You might consider speaking with a legal expert for several reasons. Three of the top situations when people consider talking with a personal injury lawyer are:
- If you have sustained serious injuries, pain, and suffering and are seeking compensation beyond a few thousand dollars. Insurance companies tend to take claims with legal representation more seriously. If you have not engaged an attorney, you may want to consider talking with one.
- If you are claiming future damages such as future medical treatment, and future lost income, these claims can be more complex. An attorney is familiar with the law and can work to outline future impact into a settlement.
- If there is a question of fault or comparative negligence, you may want to consult an attorney. A professional is skilled in understanding how to properly present your argument.
*Reach Out to a Hard-Working King County Attorney*For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Issaquah, contact Pivotal Law Group, PLLC. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we begin fighting for you.
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Posted Friday, June 30, 2023 by
Chris Thayer
According to a story in The Kent Reporter, a 33-year-old Renton passenger was killed in a two-vehicle collision on I-405, just north of State Route 169.
The news release reported that the 39-year-old man driving the vehicle faces pending charges. A one-month-old child in the vehicle did not sustain injuries in the crash. The driver of the second vehicle, a 63-year-old man, was not injured.
We encounter car accidents and vehicle collisions with various results almost daily in and around Renton, Washington. Every vehicle collision is unique.
If you have been involved in a car crash on I-5 or any road, consider talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options.
*What Legal Action Can Be Taken to Recover Damages in Renton?*When you are involved in a vehicle collision as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to take legal action. This action can provide what is legally termed damages. Damages may include injuries resulting from the accident, as well as costs that arise as a result of these injuries.
Costs can include medical bills, medical treatments, prescription drug costs, lost wages, and more. Several additional damages may be involved, which can be discussed with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
*Managing Your Own Case in a Renton Car Accident*You may be wondering about managing your own claim and representing yourself. Some car accidents involve only minor injuries. These may result in a few visits to a doctor’s office and minor damage to your vehicle. If you are satisfied with the insurance coverage you receive from an insurance claim, there could be no need to contact an attorney.
These types of accidents may have been small damage to a fender or a bump at a low speed.
*Handling Serious Injuries in a Renton Vehicle Collision*If you have suffered serious injuries, you do not have to proceed alone. To understand all your legal options, consider speaking with an attorney.
An experienced lawyer can assist in helping you negotiate and maximize what you can recover in damages. A lawyer can also make you aware of the scope of damages which people are entitled to by law. Finally, insurers and defendants often take claims more seriously when a party is represented by a personal injury attorney.
*Represented Plaintiffs Tend to Receive Larger Settlements*The Insurance Research Council analyzed the average settlements received. Based on their 1999 study, the average person received settlements three and a half times larger with legal representation than without representation.
The law can be complicated, and it may take more time than one imagines to get up to speed with all the particulars of Washington Law.
A personal injury attorney is trained in legal procedures, negotiating settlements, and seeking the full spectrum of damages that you may be entitled to. If you are injured and making a claim, you have the legal right to consult an attorney. If you choose, you can have an attorney represent you.
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Posted Friday, June 23, 2023 by
Chris Thayer
After a slip and fall accident on someone’s property in Kent, Washington, it is often a good idea to understand your legal options for getting compensation for serious injury.
*Comparative Fault Rules in Washington*In personal injury cases, one big question often emerges: “Who is at Fault?”
Different states take unique approaches to what is called comparative fault. Washington state law is known as “pure comparative negligence.” This approach means that if a percentage of fault is attributed to you, the amount of damages you may recover will be reduced by the same percentage.
For example, If you recover $20,00 and a judge or jury determines that your fault for the incident was 20%, your recovery would be reduced to $16,000.
*How Comparative Fault Works in Court*If your personal injury case goes to court, applying the comparative negligence rule is required by law.
A judge is required to take this into account. A judge must apply the percentage of fault in awarding damages.
*Shared Fault in Settlement Negotiations*In many cases, cases are settled out of court, in injury settlement negotiations. An insurance adjuster may also raise the issue of shared fault.
*How Property Owners Defend Against Fault in Kent*It can be helpful to understand defense strategies as property owners often argue that a slip and fall is not their full responsibility.
A building owner or store manager may defend themselves vigorously against a claim by relying on one or more of several common defenses, including:
Distract - ion. Visitors or shoppers were not looking where they were going. This can often be the case if people are preoccupied with a cell phone, texting, or other activities such as tending to a crying child. - Obvious conditions. Visitors should have recognized that dangerous conditions were hard to miss or obvious. For instance, a wet floor was wet and slippery. - Warnings were posted but ignored. In some cases, a dangerous area was marked or sectioned off with tape or a rope, but despite posted warnings, people went into the area.Improper footwear. A person may have walked on a slippery surface with improper shoes or without the required footwear.
The general idea to keep in mind is that fault may not be entirely on the property owner. In cases where the accident had contributing factors, a judge, jury, or insurer will examine the evidence. This is where comparative fault comes into play.
*Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in Kent Washington*A statute of limitations is a law that governs the amount of time you have to have a lawsuit heard. In Washington, slip-and-fall lawsuits fall under a larger code of personal injury suits.
The bottom line is that according to the Revised Code of Washington, section 4.16.080, you have three years from the date of the incident to file the initial complaint in court.
*Count on a Skilled King County Attorney*For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Kent, contact Pivotal Law Group, PLLC. You can schedule a visit virtually, at home, at a hospital, as well at our offices in Washington State. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can begin fighting for justice.
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