The Seattle Personal Injury Blog
Posted Friday, May 13, 2022 by
Chris Thayer
If you were injured in a single-vehicle crash in Bellevue, you might be dealing with serious injuries. Perhaps you require months of hospital treatment, and you might be facing a long stint of missed wages. These financial concerns may make your future seem bleak, and you may be looking for any possible method to deal with these issues and recover some kind of compensation. But can you sue after a single-vehicle crash in Bellevue?
In order to answer this question, you will probably need to book a consultation with a qualified personal injury attorney in Bellevue. With help from our legal professionals, you can strive for compensation for your losses. Although suing after a single-vehicle crash can be tricky in Washington, there may be certain steps you can take to recover compensation. The only way to find out for sure is to meet with a lawyer. Internet research can only get you so far.
*An Example of a Single-Vehicle Crash in Washington*On May 24th of 2022, it was reported that a man had been seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash in Bellevue. The crash was so intense that the vehicle’s engine was ejected from its housing before being hurled across two lanes of traffic. The engine was eventually found on the complete opposite side of the road. As you might expect, the driver also suffered serious injuries and had to be cut out of the vehicle by firefighters. Although it was initially reported that no other vehicles were involved in this incident, a full investigation was nevertheless launched.
*Washington is an At-Fault State*Washington is considered an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. Because of this, it can be difficult to recover compensation if you were injured in a single-vehicle crash. In order to sue, you first need to hold someone else liable for your injuries. This also means that you have to prove negligence. If there was no one else involved in your crash, then you cannot hold anyone else accountable for your injuries. In other words, you cannot sue for a single-vehicle accident.
*When Can You Sue for a Single-Vehicle Crash?*With that being said, there may be a few instances in which suing could be possible. For example, you might have crashed due to poorly maintained roads or confusing road signs. In this situation, you could theoretically sue the government for your crash. You might also sue another driver if they were driving erratically, causing you to swerve and crash without actually hitting any other vehicles.
*Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today*If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in Bellevue, look no further than Pivotal Law Group. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs in Washington. We know that car accidents can be especially traumatic, whether there were other vehicles involved or not. You deserve the chance to explore your legal options, so book your consultation today and get started with an effective action plan.
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Posted Friday, May 6, 2022 by
Chris Thayer
When you get into a crash with another driver in Issaquah, the process is relatively straightforward. Since Washington is an at-fault state, you would get in touch with an attorney and sue the negligent driver who caused your crash. What happens if your accident was caused by a government agency rather than another driver like you? This can complicate matters considerably, and you need to approach this situation carefully, and with some help.
The best way to do this is by getting in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney in Issaquah. With our help, you can strive for a settlement for everything you have been forced to endure. Although suing the government is not easy, the various hurdles can be overcome with the right legal assistance. Once you receive a settlement, you can pay off medical expenses, lost wages, and many other damages.
*An Example of an Injury Involving a Government Agency*On April 15th of 2022, it was reported that a woman had been killed after a collision with a Department of Transportation trailer. The individual apparently drifted onto the shoulder while driving on Interstate 90. Before she could react, her car impacted a WSDOT work trailer. The woman was instantly killed in the collision. WSDOT workers witnessed the incident while working on the shoulder, although no one else was harmed.
*When Can I Sue a Government for a Car Crash?*The most obvious example of a government-related auto accident lawsuit is when your car is hit by a vehicle operated by a government agency. This might be a police vehicle, an ambulance, a fire truck, a postal truck, or any other vehicle that fits under that general category.
You might also have the ability to sue if you can prove your accident was caused by unsafe, improperly maintained, or confusing roads. For example, a road filled with massive potholes may have caused you to lose control and hit a tree. Or perhaps a confusing sign directed you into incoming traffic.
*Issues Related to Suing Government Agencies*As previously alluded to, the process of suing a government agency for injuries is slightly more complex compared to a typical lawsuit between two normal drivers. In order to move forward with your lawsuit, you must first file a claim with the Washington State Office of Risk Management – otherwise known simply as the “ORC.” You then must wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit. During this 60–day period, the government will investigate the matter, most likely offering you a settlement for your damages.
*Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today*If you have been searching the Issaquah area for a personal injury attorney, look no further than Pivotal Law Group. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs in Washington, and we know that auto accidents can cause life-changing, devastating injuries. With our assistance, you can strive for a fair, adequate settlement that covers medical expenses, missed wages, and a range of economic damages. Book your consultation today to get started on an effective action plan.
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Posted Friday, April 29, 2022 by
Chris Thayer
In the State of Washington, only certain individuals can file wrongful death lawsuits. These types of lawsuits are not filed by the victims, but instead by their close family members and loved ones. The reason for this is obvious — the victim is no longer alive to file a lawsuit on their own behalf. But it is worth pointing out that not just anyone can file a wrongful death lawsuit. In Washington, there are very strict rules regarding these matters. So, can you file a wrongful death lawsuit after losing a loved one in a fatal accident – such as a car crash?
If you believe you might have the opportunity to file a wrongful death lawsuit, the first step is to get in touch with a personal injury attorney in Burien at your earliest convenience. During an initial consultation, your lawyer can assess your situation and determine whether or not you can sue. From there, you can work towards a fair, adequate settlement in a highly efficient manner.
Fatal *Accidents are Common in Burien*Fatal accidents occur on a fairly regular basis in Burien. In April of 2021, it was reported that two people had lost their lives after their vehicle was hit by a pickup truck. They had been forced into oncoming traffic after being hit by a speeding car. The reckless driver who caused the accident was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. He initially tried to escape the scene of the crash, and so he was also charged with hit and run.
Who Ca*n File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Washington State?*In Washington State, there is only one person who can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased victim: The “personal representative” of their estate. In almost all cases, this is the same person as the executor of their will. If the victim passed away without a will in place, the court will likely appoint someone to act as the personal representative.
But what happens if the executor does not actually need the money from a settlement? What if the victim’s spouse and surviving children are desperately trying to make ends meet, having lost the primary breadwinner of the family? It is important to understand that although the personal representative actually files the lawsuit, the damages go towards the deceased survivors. So while you might not have the ability to file the lawsuit yourself, you will almost certainly benefit in some way if you are considered a beneficiary.
*Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today*If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in Burien, look no further than Pivotal Law Group. With our help, you can hold negligent parties accountable for the death of your loved ones. Although no sum of money can bring your family member back, a wrongful death lawsuit can provide you with a sense of closure. This may help you move on. Of course, your financial settlement can help you pay for things like funeral expenses and unpaid medical bills. Book your consultation today to learn more.
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Posted Friday, April 22, 2022 by
Chris Thayer
Losing a loved one is never easy, but this loss can be especially tragic if you know someone else was to blame. Pedestrian accidents are often caused by negligent drivers. The drivers may be intoxicated, distracted, or simply reckless. Unfortunately, many pedestrians struck by vehicles do not survive, as there is little that can protect them from the impact. On the other hand, drivers suffer virtually no physical injuries after striking a pedestrian. If you have lost a loved one in a Renton pedestrian crash, you may need to file a wrongful death lawsuit. But what exactly is this, and how can it help you pursue justice?
Questions like these are best left answered by legal professionals, such as personal injury attorneys in Renton. Our lawyers can assess your unique situation during an initial consultation, during which you will have the opportunity to ask important questions. From there, we can recommend the best move. It is best to get in touch as soon as possible, as needless delays can prevent you from suing due to the statute of limitations.
*An Example of a Fatal Pedestrian Collision in Penton*On May 21st, it was reported that Renton police were investigating a fatal collision that left a pedestrian dead. The incident began when a driver decided to get behind the wheel of a car while intoxicated. This driver then struck a pedestrian near Valley Medical Center at approximately 2 AM, killing the victim. Police arrived and quickly declared the victim deceased, while the driver was arrested for a DUI. They then closed off the area and began to investigate the crash in more detail. It is unknown whether the victim’s family members will file a wrongful death lawsuit, but it seems like a likely outcome.
*What is a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?*A wrongful death lawsuit is in many ways quite similar to a normal personal injury lawsuit. The only real difference is that the victim is no longer alive, and the lawsuit is instead brought forth by their surviving family members. This could be the victim’s spouse, their children, or their parents. The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to provide compensation for both non-economic and economic damages.
Economic damages might include the medical expenses incurred by the victim on their deathbed, lost future wages, and funeral expenses. Lost future wages are especially crucial for single parents who are left to raise their children alone on a limited income. Non-economic damages involve the obvious mental and emotional losses associated with a loved one’s passing, including grief, PTSD, anxiety, and loss of consortium.
Where Can *I Find an Attorney Near Me?*If you have been searching the Renton area for a personal injury attorney, look no further than Pivotal Law Group. With our assistance, you can pursue justice and fair compensation for your loss. Although your family member may no longer be around, you can take legal action on their behalf. Doing so can provide a sense of closure for the entire family. Book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options.
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Posted Friday, April 15, 2022 by
Chris Thayer
A hit-and-run is an especially egregious crime in the state of Washington, and for good reason. Fleeing the scene of the accident is not just illegal – it shows a blatant disregard for the value of human life. However, some criminals care more about saving their own skins rather than helping those who are injured or dying in car wrecks. If you have managed to survive one of these hit and runs, you might be intent on holding the guilty driver accountable. But how can you do this if the driver is nowhere to be found?
If you have been injured in a Kent hit-and-run, your best bet is to get in touch with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. With help from one of our legal professionals, you can strive for the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. With this compensation, you can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and much more.
*An Example of a Hit-and-Run in Kent*Hit-and-runs occur on a fairly regular basis in Kent. On May 3rd of 2022, it was reported that state troopers were searching for a driver who had committed a hit-and-run in Kent. The incident began when a motorcyclist crashed his motorcycle. The motorcyclist then rose to his feet but was immediately struck by a car. A driver in a third vehicle saw the collision and attempted to block the other car from getting away.
However, the car that had hit the motorcyclist managed to ram straight through and get away from the scene. This guilty driver then apparently abandoned their vehicle outside an apartment complex before fleeing on foot. As of May 3rd, the police were unable to locate this hit-and-run criminal. In addition, it should be noted that the motorcyclist was arrested on a DUI.
*What to Do After a Hit-and-Run*If you have been involved in a hit-and-run, it is best to simply trust the police to catch the criminal. Their methods are very sophisticated, and there is a strong chance the individual will either turn themselves in or be brought to justice. Since Washington is an “at-fault” state, it is very important to find the guilty party and prove they were negligent. That being said, you may still have the opportunity to recover compensation by turning to your own insurance provider if all else fails.
*Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today*If you have been searching for a qualified personal injury attorney in Kent, look no further than Pivotal Law Group. With our assistance, you can strive for the best possible outcome – even if your situation seems especially dire. Hit-and-runs are utterly unforgivable, but the truth is that most criminals who commit these crimes are eventually held accountable. Book your consultation today and strive for a fair, adequate settlement.
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