Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A 17-year-old Seattle girl was killed in a Maple Valley car accident on Tuesday night reports The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

According to the report, three teenagers were riding in a 1991 Ford Escort driven by an 18-year-old Renton man when the driver lost control of the car on a curve, hit a fire hydrant and the vehicle rolled. The single-car accident occurred at around the 22600 block of Sweeney Road Southeast around 10:15pm.

The 17-year-old girl died en route to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Two other passengers, a 17-year-old boy from Ravensdale and a 16-year-old girl from Renton along with the driver were injured, and taken to Valley Medical Center for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.

Police believe that excessive speed may have contributed to the car accident but they do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved.

In 2009, there were 3,466 teenagers killed in motor vehicle accidents. This number was 60% less than in 1975 and 15% less than 2008. The graduated driver's license has had a big impact on mortality rates.

Washington State like many other states has a graduated driver license program. Under Washington's program, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited for driving with passengers under the age of 20 for the first six months after they receive their license, are not allowed to drive between 1am and 5am unless driving with a licensed driver age 25 or older and are prohibited from using wireless devices while driving.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents and the family of those killed.

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A 21-year-old driver was killed in a Federal Way car accident when an apparent drunken driver ran a red light and broadsided the man's Honda. The man died at the accident scene.

The Olympian reports that the car accident occurred around 2:30am when the victim, who was driving westbound on South 320th Street, was T-boned at Pacific Highway South by a Chevrolet Suburban driven by a 35-year-old driver.

Witnesses told police that the Suburban ran a red light. Traffic cameras installed at the intersection confirmed that the Suburban had indeed run the light.

The driver of the Suburban was not injured in the car accident and police took him to a local hospital for a blood draw. He was booked into jail on suspicion of Vehicular Homicide. Washington state vehicle code RCW 46.61.520 VEHICULAR HOMICIDE states that a driver can be charged with Vehicular Homicide if a person is killed in a motor vehicle accident and the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving recklessly or driving without regard to the safety of others.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been the victims of drunken drivers and the family of those killed.

Washington State has a wrongful death statute which allows the family of a person who was killed due to the negligent or wrongful act of another obtain civil justice.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent victims of drunken drivers and their families.

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A 6-year-old Aberdeen, Washington, girl -- Kiahna Howard -- has been killed in a Aberdeen-area two-car accident when the mini-van she was riding in and driven, by a 52-year-old woman who has been identified as either her grandmother or her aunt, collided with a truck.

The Seattle Times reports that the minivan had veered out of its lane and the driver over-corrected and went into path of a truck.

The Kiahna was ejected from the van in the motor vehicle accident; she did not appear to be properly restrained. Washington State's child restraint law (RCW 46.61.687) holds the driver responsible for properly securing all children under the age of 16. Children under the age 13 are to ride in the backseat where it is practical and children under the age of 8 or under the height restriction of 4'9" must use a child restraint.

The driver was also ejected from the minivan in the accident and she is in satisfactory condition at a hospital.

Police believe that the minivan driver may have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. If it is determined based on a blood test that she was impaired, she may be charged with Vehicular Homicide. Washington state vehicle code RCW 46.61.520 provides that a driver can be charged with Vehicular Homicide if a person dies of their injuries received in a car accident and the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly or driving without regard to the safety of others.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent victims of drunken drivers and their families.

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A construction worker who was driving drunk who was responsible for the car accident death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two other people has been sentenced to 51 years to life in prison.

Gallo was convicted of second-degree murder, hit-and-run driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and causing great bodily harm.

Andrew Gallo, 24, had a blood-alcohol content of three times the legal limit when he ran a red light and T-boned the car carrying Adenhart and his three friends. Also killed in the car accident were Courtney Stewart, 20, Henry and Pearson, 25. Jon Wilhite, was severely injured in the accident.

Gallo was on probation for felony drunken driving when he caused this car accident.

Every year, approximately 500,000 people are injured and nearly 18,000 people killed in drunk driving car accidents.

In Washington State nearly 45% of all fatal car accidents were alcohol related.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been the victims of drunken drivers and the family of those killed. We represent drunk driving victims on a contingency basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a drunk driver, please contact The Farber Law Group today to arrange for a free consultation.

See our Victims of Drunken Driving Resources.

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John Fisher, his wife Maureen, and there two children were driving on Interstate 20 in Alabama when the car ahead of them hit a pothole, launching a piece of concrete like a missile through Fisher's windshield. The chunk of concrete hit Maureen in the head causing a head injury so severe that the young mother died the next day.

Fisher was driving at the speed limit and the family was wearing safety belts. The car that hit the pothole driven by Crystal Marie Dick, was also traveling at the speed limit. No one was ticketed in the accident.

The pothole that caused the car accident had been fixed at least once but the repair broke down. Because of poor maintenance of the highway, A pothole and the lack of highway maintenance killed this young mother of two.
Said Fisher's father:

"It was the state of Alabama's fault for not maintaining their roads," he said. "It was a terrible thing, and we will never get over it."

Road hazards and defects both in maintenance and design cause accidents. Many times something like a pothole can cause a motor vehicle accident, truck accident or motorcycle accident because the drivers involved don't have much warning to take preventative measures. Common road hazards which can cause an car accident include:

• Potholes
• Lack of safety barriers
• Missing, misleading or inadequate signs
• Shoddy road construction
• Poor road drainage causing flooding in poor weather
• Blind spots
• Improper lane configurations
• Potholes

If your car accident was caused by a road defect, you should contact the experienced personal injury at The Farber Law Group. At The Farber Law Group, we will review your claim and determine who the liable parties are so that you can bring suit against them for a just and fair compensation. While We have more than 30 years experience representing car accident victims and their families.

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Continue reading " Young mother dies in car accident caused by poor highway maintenance " »

The Seattle Times reports that three people were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after an out-of-control Subaru hit them in a car accident near Pike Place Market on Thursday morning.

The three injured pedestrians are:

• A 57-year-old man who was seriously injured when he was hit while crossing the street. The force of the impact threw him up on the hood of the Subaru.
• A 54-year-old woman who suffered minor injuries
• A 25-year-old woman who was seriously injured when she was pinned between the Subaru and a produce truck.

The driver of the Subaru did not appear to be hurt in the car accident but he is being evaluated for driving under the influence. He may be charged with Vehicular Assault. Washington State Vehicle Code RCW 46.61.522 states that a person can be charged with Vehicular Assault if a person is seriously injured in a car accident and the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving recklessly, or driving without regard to the safety of others.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in pedestrian accidents and the family of those killed. We work hard to help pedestrian accident victims receive compensation for their damages including medical costs, loss of wages, and for pain and suffering.

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A speeding car crashed into a Lacey mobile home early Tuesday morning around 12:30am and killed Austin Blankenship, 16, who was sleeping inside at the time of the car accident.

The Seattle Times reports that the driver fled the scene of the hit-and-run accident and is being sought by police. A passenger in the car has arrested a passenger in the vehicle.

One neighbor reported that there was a power outage at the time of the car accident but Lacey Police Lt. Phil Comstack said that speeding not the lack of streetlamps was the probable cause of the accident.

The driver of the vehicle most certainly faces felony charges; Washington State vehicle code RCW 46.52.020 states that it is a driver's duty to remain at the accident scene of any car accident which resulted in the injury or death to a person.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been killed as a result of car accidents. We have more than 30 years experience representing families with their wrongful death claims.

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A 52-year-old man suffered a serious head injury in a Federal Way pedestrian accident around 1:30am on Sunday morning.

According to a report in the Seattle PI.com, the unidentified man was found injured in the road in the 400 block of Southwest 312th Street. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where his injuries are thought to be life-threatening.

Police are asking any witnesses to the pedestrian accident or information regarding the collision to call Federal Way police at (253) 852-2121.

It is a serious crime to leave the scene of an accident that resulted in the injury or death of a person. Washington State vehicle code RCW 46.52.020 states that the driver could be guilty of a class B felony which has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in pedestrian accidents and the family of those killed. With our help, you may recover civil damages.

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The number one cause of death to young children is motor vehicle accidents. In fact the statistic is chilling: five American children are killed every day in a car accident.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NHTSB) held a forum this week to provide recommendations on child car seat safety.

Studies have shown that small children in rear-facing car seats are five times safer than children in forward-facing car seats yet parents are not getting this message. In addition, poorly designed car seats, improper installation and poor seat fit can effect how well a car seat protects in a car accident.

In other countries like Sweden, children remain in rear-facing car seats until they are 4-years-old.

Car Safety for Children:

• All children under the age of 13 should ride in the rear seat.
• Car seats should be placed in the center of the rear seat.
  
• Infants should be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 1 or weight at least 20 pounds. Though this is a minimum requirement, studies suggest children should be in a rear-facing seat as long as possible.
  
• Children should remain in forward-facing car seats until they are at least 4 years of age and are at least 50 pounds.
  
• Children between the ages of 4 to 8 should be placed in booster seats.
  
• After children are 8 years old and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, they should remain in the rear seat and be required to always wear seat belts.

For great information on car seats and booster seats, see The Car Seat Lady web-site.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in Seattle Motor Vehicle Accidents and the family of those killed.

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Three people were injured in a White Swan single-car accident around 2am this morning reports The Yakima Herald. Police suspect that alcohol may have been a factor in the motor vehicle accident. White Swan is a a town of about 3,000 south west of Yakima.

The report said that Lonzell Luei, 22, of Wapato went off of Signal Peak Road just south of White Swan. The vehicle rolled and Luei was thrown from the vehicle. He was initially taken to Toppenish Community Hospital with unknown injuries.

Luei's two passengers, Joseph Smiscon, 31, of White Swan, and Elizabeth Benson, 26, of Toppenish were also injured in the car accident. Both were taken to to Toppenish Community Hospital.

If Luei was intoxicated, he may be charged with Vehicular Assault. Washington State vehicle RCW 46.61.522 provides that a driver can be charged with vehicular assault if he or she seriously injures someone while driving recklessly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving without regard to the safety of others.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent victims of drunken drivers and the family of those killed.

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Eight Italian bicycle riders were killed and four people were injured when a speeding car ran head-on into a pack of bicyclists. Police say the driver of the car had been smoking marijuana prior to the horrific bicycle accident.

According to a report in The Seattle Times, the driver of the car along and a young boy in the vehicle were among the injured.

The bicycle accident occurred on a Sunday morning in the Calabrian area of Italy. The cyclists were riding on a small state road at the time of the accident.

The driver of the vehicle faces charges of multiple homicide. One report said that he was attempting to pass another car and speeding when the accident occurred.

Reactions to the death of cyclists has moved many. The Seattle Bike Blog summed it up in five short words. "So much death. It's overwhelming."

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in Seattle bicycle accidents and the family of those killed. We help bicycle accident victims obtain civil justice.

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Four people were injured in a Cle Elum two-car accident when one driver made an improper U-turn, causing a collision.

The 2-car accident occurred on State Route 9720 near State Route 10. According to the Yakima Herald-Republic, Bruce L. Rockoff, 43, of University Place, attempted to make a U-turn in his Honda CRV and collided with a Toyota 4-Runner driven by James O. Kukuk, 44, of Cle Elum who was following him.

Injured in the car accident were Rockoff who suffered a hand injury. Kukuk suffered neck, back and shoulder injuries. Two of Kukuk's passengers were also injured including Tatyana I. Hommell who suffered arm and leg injuries and Linda M. Cromheecke who suffered arm and neck injuries.

Rockoff was charged with making an illegal U-turn. Washington state vehicle code RCW 46.61.295 "U turns" states that the driver of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents cause by the negligence of another person. With our help, you can obtain civil justice.

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Seattle police say a man suffered a serious head injury in a Seattle hit and run pedestrian accident.

Though details are unclear, it appears that the man was attempting to get into a taxi cab but the door was shut on him. The taxi cab then drove away and the man was either dragged by the taxi or he unintentionally got hung up on the taxi. In either case, the taxi cab did not stop to render aide to the man and police are calling it a hit-and-run.

If you have information on this hit and run accident, please contact the Seattle Police Department.

Washington State vehicle code RCW 46.52.20 prescribes the duty of a motorist in case of personal injury or death. It says:

A driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in the injury to or death of any person or involving striking the body of a deceased person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close thereto as possible but shall then forthwith return to, and in every event remain at, the scene of such accident until he or she has fulfilled the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

Source:
Seattle police searching for taxicab in Ballard hit-run
The Seattle Times
Posted: December 5, 2010

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in Seattle pedestrian accidents and the family of those killed.

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A 51-year-old Port Angeles man was critically injured in a motorcycle accident when a Saturn driven by a 40-year-old Port Angeles man crossed the centerline on State Route 112 and hit his motorcycle head-on.

The motorcyclist was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with head, wrist and internal injuries.

The car-motorcycle accident occurred on State Route 112 approximately west of Port Angeles in Clallam County around 5:30pm on Friday evening. The Saturn was headed westbound when the driver swerved into the eastbound lane near Nordstrom Road.

The driver of the Saturn was taken to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles with head, neck and rib injuries.

Tacoma's The New Tribune reported that the Washington State Patrol said neither drugs or alcohol were involved but that charges are pending against the Saturn's driver. The article did not say what charges were pending.

Head injury is a serious injury and often fatal injury to motorcyclists. Helmets are 37% percent in preventing motorcycle deaths and approximately 67 percent effective in preventing traumatic brain injury according to significantly effective in preventing deaths according to a DOT report "Motorcycle helmet effectiveness revisited."

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents and the family of those killed. We help motorcycle accident victims obtain civil justice.

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The Washington Court of Appeals released an opinion last week that gave citizens the right to access motor vehicle accident records collected by the Washington State Patrol and provided to the Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) under the Public Records Act.

The case came before the court when a bicycle accident victim sued to see DOT records concerning Seattle bicycle accidents on the Ship canal bridge but the state refused the records release unless the accident victim certified that he would not use the data in a lawsuit against the state.

The bicycle accident victim, Mickey Gendler, argued that under the Public Records Act citizens have a right to access the records and obtain information about unsafe road conditions.

Washington States Public Records act is RCW 42.56 and you can view it here on the Washington State Legislature web-site. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=42.56

It can be argued since State can obtain identifying information from citizens when they are using the roadways by acquiring information from red light cameras and transponders then the citizen has a right to obtain information about those roadways and their accident rates. "People will be able to get these kinds of records and pressure the state to do something about an unsafe condition," Gendler said. In our opinion, the State should be using information gathered about unsafe road conditions to ameliorate the problem, not to shield itself from a potential lawsuit.

Source:
Court: You can see accident reports even if you plan to sue
By SCOTT GUTIERREZ for the Seattlepi.com
Posted December 1, 2010

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in Bellevue car accidents and the family of those killed. With our help, you may obtain civil justice.

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Evidence

Admissible Evidence

Continue reading " Courts to allow access to State Patrol and DOT accident records " »