Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Seattle Personal Injury Attorney Chris Thayer
Handling Personal Injury Claims in the Seattle Area and Throughout Washington Since 1995

My name is Chris Thayer and I am a personal injury attorney practicing in downtown Seattle. I handle personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death claims throughout the greater Seattle area, including Issaquah, Mercer Island and Kirkland.

I am here to help you.

Call for a free consultation (206) 340-2008

The Seattle Personal Injury Blog

Five Mistakes to Avoid if You are in a Burien Car Crash

Posted Friday, August 4, 2023 by Chris Thayer

A man killed in a fatal crash on SR 509 was identified as a 67-year-old Burien man. A report on the B-town blog notes that the man was driving a vehicle that lost control and struck two other vehicles. The other two people were not injured in the crash, according to Washington State Patrol (WSP).

If you or a loved one have been involved in a car crash or collision, talking with a Burien Personal Injury Lawyer may help you identify your legal options.

*Crashes are the Second Leading Cause of Death in Washington*In Washington State, crashes of motor vehicles are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death and the leading cause of major trauma. The first leading cause is poisoning.

According to Washington state experts, motor vehicle injuries are largely preventable. The main causes cited are human behavior. Although many drivers state that the crash was due to poor road design, vehicle issues, or weather, Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) identifies that driver and occupant behavior is responsible for the majority of all motor vehicle crashes.

*Five Mistakes to Avoid if You are in an Accident in Burien*Sadly, accidents are an all too frequent occurrence in Washington. If you are involved in an accident in Burien, it is useful to understand several common mistakes that you can avoid.

*Never Neglect to Call The Burien Police*After a car crash, it is important to call the police. The police will help to clear the accident and help traffic return to normal.

*Do Not Leave the Scene in Burien*Leaving the scene is not legal or responsible. According to Washington law, you are required to stay at the scene of the accident. Park your vehicle as close to the scene as possible.

*Do Not Forget to Gather Evidence in Burien*While you are waiting for police or first responders, gather evidence. Take time to get the names and contact information of other people involved. If possible, gather names and contact details from witnesses. You may be able to document the scene with photos using a cell phone.

*Do Not Forget to Get the Badge Number of the Officer*When you get a copy of your accident report, be sure to get the badge number of the officer who filled in the report. This is the person who will have an accurate record of the events as you described them.

*Do Not Admit Fault in a Rush to Apologize*After an accident, it is easy to say things that could be considered an admission of fault. These may be simple phrases that people say almost automatically out of politeness.

Some comments to avoid are: “I’m sorry.” “I only looked down for a moment.” “I was texting.” “I tried to slow down.”

While you may be attempting to show care and empathy, simple phrases can be used against you if you decide to file a lawsuit.

*When to Talk With a Burien Personal Injury Attorney*If you have been involved in a car crash or collision, you may be uncertain about legal options and the best course of action. Talking with a Personal Injury Attorney may provide peace of mind.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Bellevue Washington

Posted Friday, July 28, 2023 by Chris Thayer

Washington state law requires that you take specific actions following a car accident. If you have never been involved in an accident or are unfamiliar with the law, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with these steps. Most laws that Washington drivers should know can be found in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington. These laws cover the basics of licensing, registration, and road rules.

Washington has been considered one of the safest states in the United States. In 2019, there were 0.83 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles. This makes Washington the 7th safest state for drivers across the country.

However, serious car collisions are still all too frequent. If you have been involved in a car collision in Bellevue, Washington, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer.

*Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Bellevue*First, stop your vehicle. It is advised to stop at the scene of the accident. Alternatively, stop as close as possible to the scene.

Second, provide your name, address, and insurance company information. Give your insurance policy number and vehicle license number to anyone involved in the crash.

Third, render reasonable assistance to anyone who is injured. While these steps may seem like common sense, it is important to recognize that you are following the law and acting with human decency.

*Steps to Take After an Accident with an Unoccupied Vehicle in Bellevue*If you collide with an unoccupied vehicle, you must take two steps. First, stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident. Next, locate the owner of the vehicle. Alternatively, leave a written note with your name. Provide your contact information.

*Three Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident in Washington*If you are in a car accident in Bellevue, Washington, experts note that there are several typical mistakes that it is wise to avoid.

*Never Handle a Car Accident Claim Yourself*Experts note that the single biggest mistake people make is handling a car accident on their own. It may be because people are reluctant to contact a lawyer. Some people have a belief that the process for handling a car accident claim is simple.

Negotiations can be intricate and challenging. A legal expert is skilled in understanding the landscape of insurance claims, negotiations, and lawsuits.

*Avoid Posting on Social Media*While it can be tempting to post insights, outings, and emotions on social media, this is not a smart action. Photos, texts, and comments may be used as evidence should you decide to take legal action.

*Do Not Apologize to Anyone Involved in the Accident*You may be trying to be polite. You may feel obliged to apologize profusely for the accident. Legal experts advise against apologizing to anyone involved in the accident. Your polite comment may be taken as a sign that you admit guilt or fault. This could show up on a car accident report and could work against you in a legal case.

*When to Speak to a Dedicated King County Personal Injury Attorney*If you have been involved in a car accident in Bellevue, it is normal to feel confused or overwhelmed. You may want to talk with an experienced Personal Injury Attorney to understand how to protect your legal rights.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Burien Washington

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.

Car Crash on I-5: What You Need to Know

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.

Stay Safe in Issaquah Without the Fireworks

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.