Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Avoiding car accidents in snowy conditions

2009-01-05T22:21:20Z

Clark County reported between 10-15 accidents yesterday during snowy conditions. Many drivers slid off the road and were waiting for tow trucks. Accidents occurred on Highway 14 at Cape Horn, another on Interstate 205 and another on state Highway 502. This was all reported in the Columbian.com, the news service serving Clark County.

Why so many accidents? Aren't people in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest used to driving in the snow?

More accidents occur in snowy conditions because people do not adjust their driving to suit the conditions. Here are some tips to avoid an a car accident:

Tips for Winter Driving

Decrease your speed
Allow lots of stopping distance -- three times the normal distance between you and the car in front of you
Insure your tires are of good condition and have a decent amount of tread
Use traction tires and chains when recommended
Keep your headlights turned on to increase your visibility
Use low gears on hills
Never use cruise control
Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses because they tend to become icy and freeze first
Watch for black ice in shady areas
Never pass snow plows and other heavy equipment doing work on the road
Avoid driving in blizards and white-out conditions

This information is brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have suffered serious personal injuries due to car accidents caused by the negligence of another driver. If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a car accident including whiplash, fractures, a visit to the hospital, you need to contact the personal injury attorneys at The Farber Law Group. With our help, you may be able to recover your medical costs and property damage.

Contact The Farber Law Group today.

Driver arrested for vehicular assault after Seattle car accident injures 3

2009-01-05T02:37:53Z

The Seattle Times reports that three people suffered serious injuries in a car accident when a speeding BMW slammed into a Subaru that was stopped at a stoplight on Lake City Way Northeast at Northeast 95th Street around 2am. Two people in the Subaru and one in the BMW were taken to area hospitals with life threatening injuries.

According to the report, the driver of the BMW may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. The driver was jailed on suspicion of Vehicular Assault.

Vehicular Assault (RCW 46.61.522) can be charged if a person is seriously injured when a motorist was driving recklessly, under the influence of alcohol or drugs and or driving without regard for the safety of other people. If a person is killed while someone was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then the driver can be charged with Vehicular Homicide.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, or a loved one killed due to the reckless actions of a drunken driver, you should contact The Farber Law Group. A personal injury firm with a track record of recovering millions of dollars in compensation for the victims of the negligence, we will work to help you recover compensation for your damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group today for a confidential and free case evaluation.

Drinking and speeding blamed for car accident that injured two in Ocean Shores

2009-01-05T01:31:36Z

A 1993 Lexus that was speeding in the 100 block of Point Brown Avenue SW in Ocean Shores, crossed the center line, smashed into a van parked in front of a residence, throwing the driver and passenger out of the car and severely injuring both. The impact was so intense that the car split in half and flipped over at least twice.

The 43-year-old driver was taken to Grays Harbor Community Hospital. The passenger was also taken to Grays Harbor Hospital and then transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Komo News.com reports that Deputy Chief Russ Fitts of the Ocean Shores Police Department believes that alcohol and excessive speed were believed to be factors in the crash.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We have represented victims of drunken drivers for more than 30 years. Contact us if you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries due to a drunken driver and we will work to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Insurance Institute car crash testing of small cars

2009-01-03T02:57:27Z

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently published their report rating small cars in crash tests. With more people looking to purchase smaller cars because of high gas prices, it is important to look at what cars are going to be the safest in a car accident. All of the cars that were tested had high ratings in frontal crashes. However, many of them did not do as well in the side evaluation and rear crash protection.

Of the cars tested, the Suzuki SX4 and the Toyota Matrix had good ratings in both front and side crashes. The Ford Focus, Mini Cooper and Chevrolet HHR were given good ratings in front crash tests and acceptable ratings in side crash tests.

The Hyunda Elantra and Saturn Astra had good results in front crash testing but marginal results in side crash testing.

Of all of the cars tested, the Chrysler PT Cruiser performed the worst. While it had good ratings for front crashes, it has poor ratings in both side and rear crash tests.

The car makers still have some work to do when it comes to rear crashes in small cars. The Mini Cooper and Ford Focus both got good ratings in rear crash tests and the Hyundai Elantra and Saturn Astra got acceptable ratings.

To see the complete report, click here.

This information was provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have serious injuries such as whiplash, brain injury or spinal cord damage due to car accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, contact the personal injury firm with more than 30 years experience, The Farber Law Group.

Call us today for a confidential and free case evaluation.

Percentage of fatal accidents among older drivers declines

2009-01-01T21:43:23Z

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released a report stating that while the number of older motorists -- ages 70 and older -- has increased about 10% the number of fatal accidents in this age group has decreased by 21%. The report covers a period of 10 years, 1997-2006. The report compares the age 70+ group with drivers between the ages of 35-54 years of age and said the 70+ age group had a greater decline in fatal car accidents in the same time frame.

Statistics show that per mile traveled, car accidents and fatal crashes begin increasing around 70 years of age and rise considerably after 80 years of age. This is due to slower reaction times, decreased cognitive ability, vision impairments and medical conditions.

One or the largest decreases in fatal accidents among the elderly were multiple car accidents in intersections. Statistically, this is an area where the elderly tend to have more accidents.

The report speculates that the reasons fatal accidents have declined among the elderly may be partially due to newer and safer automobiles along with the elderly self-limiting their driving including:

Driving fewer miles
Making fewer trips
Avoiding night driving
Driving shorter distances
Avoiding interstate highways
Avoiding driving in adverse weather conditions including snow and ice

This information has been brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We are experienced personal injury attorneys with offices in Seattle and Bellevue. We represent people who have been seriously hurt in car accidents.

Contact The Farber Law Group today to discuss your case.

Passenger seriously injured in Bremerton single-car accident

2008-12-31T23:51:36Z

A man who appears to be in his 20's was seriously injured in a single-car accident in Bremerton on Tuesday evening reports The Kitsap Sun. The man, who was not identified, was in a Ford Mustang when it spun out of control and into a light pole. The Bremerton Fire Department had to cut the man out of the car before they could transport him to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The driver of the car, another man who appeared to be in his 20's, was taken to Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton with minor injuries.

This information was provide by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in car accidents and the families of those killed. We work to help our clients recover compensation for their medical costs, loss of wages and for pain and suffering.

Contact The Farber Law Group today for a free case evaluation.

Dram shop liability

2008-12-31T23:36:55Z

DRAM SHOP LIABILITY:: Dram shop liability refers to laws governing bars, restaurants, taverns, pubs, bowling alleys or any commercial or private establishment where alcoholic beverages are served to a person who is intoxicated and subsequently injures or kills another person due to their intoxication.

The Farber Law Group represents people with serious personal injuries and the families of those killed due to motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, bicycle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. We also represent the victims of drunken driving.

motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, bicycle accidents, car accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. We also represent the victims of drunken driving.

Contact The Farber Law Group today.

Kitsap County car accident kills two drivers in head-on collission

2008-12-31T22:23:23Z

The Kitsap County Sheriff's office is investigating the cause of a head-on car accident that killed two drivers. Mark Thoman, age 25, of Silverdale and Steve Cockerham, age 47, of Poulsbo were both killed when their vehicles collided head-on near the Kitsap County treatment facility on Tuesday morning around 9:30 am reports The Seattle Times.

Apparently, Thoman was headed north in a 2002 Volvo in the 12300 block of Brownsville Highway when his car crossed the center line on the curve and collided with Cockerham's pickup trip.

Kitsap County Sheriff's spokesman Scot Wilson in the Kitsap Sun said they are looking into the following factors in determining the accident cause:

Speed of both vehicles
Seat belt use by both drivers
Weather and road conditions
Shifting loads in the pickup truck.

Heartfelt condolences go out to both men's families.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident or a loved one has been killed, you should contact the law offices of The Farber Law Group. We have more than 32 years experience representing clients during a very difficult time in their life dealing with the aftermath of an automobile accident.

Contact The Farber Law Group to discuss your case.

Two injured on Highway 97A near Chelan when woman crosses centerline

2008-12-30T23:19:02Z

Kristin M. Rieb, 27, of Brewster, suffered injuries to her left side and a cut to her head after she crossed the centerline on Highway 97A three miles north of Chelan and was broadsided. She was taken to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee where she is listed in "satisfactory condition" according to The Wenatchee World.

The report said that Rieb was driving her 2001 Ford Explorer too fast for the snowy and icy conditions and she lost control and went across the centerline. Rieb's SUV was broadsided by a 2002 Ford F150 pickup truck driven by Byron R. Webster, 50, of Chelan. Webster suffered shoulder injuries and he was taken to Lake Chelan Community Hospital.

Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The State Patrol will probably cite Rieb for her part in the accident.

The information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people all over Washington State and the Pacific Northwest in automobile accident cases.

Contact The Farber Law Group to discuss your case.

Twice as many Washington State Patrol cars hit by drunk drivers in 2008

2008-12-30T23:02:43Z

The Washington State Patrol issued a media release reporting that twice as many of their vehicles were hit by drivers who were impaired by alcohol in 2008 than in 2007. In 2007, 11 Patrol vehicles were hit but in 2008, 25 trooper vehicles have been involved in alcohol-related car accidents. Luckily, no officers have been killed in the accidents.

More than 50% of the vehicles that have been hit were parked along side a road or highway while the officer was dealing with another traffic accident or traffic violator.

WSP Chief John R. Batiste said, "How drunk do you have to be to run into a marked police car with its lights flashing?"

On Christmas Eve, we reported a Patrol officer who was injured on the I-90 when he was stopped to perform an accident investigation and a driver slammed into his car pushing him into the parked car that had been involved in the previous accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, or if a loved one has been killed, contact a personal injury attorney to insure your rights are protected. At The Farber Law Group, we have more than 32 years experience representing people who have been seriously injured by drunken drivers. With our help, you may recover compensation for your injuries.

Interstate 5 tanker truck accident kills driver

2008-12-30T02:34:19Z

A tanker truck carrying 10,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline owned by Reinhard petroleum of Federal Way, Washington, crashed and burned on Interstate 5, killing the driver. According to Seattle's KOMONews.com, the driver, William Neil Adams, age 56, of Scappoose, Oregon, was driving the truck from Linton, OR to Salem when the truck went off the road, hit an ice berm, rolled and then caught fire.

Adams had only been with the company for about a year but according to reports, he had a long career in trucking. He was the father of two teenage children. The family recently lost their home in a fire and were reportedly living with relatives.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident lawyer, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been killed in motor vehicle accidents and represent families in wrongful death suits.

Contact The Farber Law Group today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Remove snow and ice from car top to prevent accidents

2008-12-26T19:38:22Z

Western Washington, including Seattle, Bellevue, Everett and Kent have been inundated with snow this past week making roads slippery and treacherous for all motorists who venture out. West of the Cascade Mountains, people don't seem to take the necessary precautions when driving in snowy conditions. As I drive around town, I see people driving around with sometimes up to a half a foot of snow on top of their car. Ice and snow covered cars are can cause serious problems and car accidents.

Police officers see ice and snow on top a car a safety concern and they see that it causes accidents. Flying ice from the roof of a car has been known to hit the following vehicle and crack a windshield. In other cases, flying snow and ice can cause other motorists to swerve, causing an accident. Ice from the top of a car can also slide down onto a driver's windshield impairing visibility.

Before you drive:

Clear the snow from your hood and car top
Clean your headlights
Fill up on windshield fluid
Defrost your windshields

Take a few extra minutes to prevent that accident. While police officers may not ticket you for driving around with snow piled atop your car, you are liable if it causes an accident or damages some one's car.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured and the families of those killed in auto accidents due to the negligence of another person.

Contact The Farber Law Group today for a free and confidential case evaluation. With offices in Seattle and Bellevue, we are here to help you with your case.

Semi-truck driver seriously injured in Kelso truck accident

2008-12-24T23:51:17Z

The driver of a semi-truck was seriously injured in an accident when his truck crossed the median and slid down onto the street below the Interstate-5 highway, crashing into a retaining wall. The truck accident occurred at in Kelso at Allen Street and the I-5.

The truck driver was taken to St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington after he was extricated from his truck. According to Seattle's KOMONews.com, the driver was trapped in his truck for almost an hour.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in car accidents, trucking accidents, bus accidents and motorcycle accidents.

Located in Seattle and Bellevue, we will provide you a free and confidential case evaluation. We represent people on a contingent fee basis; that means you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement for you.

Washington State Patrol trooper injured in I-90 accident near Issaquah

2008-12-24T23:33:45Z

A 8-year veteran of the Washington State patrol, a 32-year-old-man, was injured in a car accident when his patrol car was hit by an out-of-control pick-up truck on Interstate 90 east of Issaquah. The officer was parked alongside the highway investigating a previous accident when his patrol car was hit.

According to The Seattle Times report, the driver of the pick up truck, a 2005 Dodge Dakota, was driving too fast for the icy and slushy freeway conditions. Apparently, the driver lost control and the truck slid across three lanes of traffic, slamming into the rear of the state patrol car. The force of the accident pushed the patrol car into the parked Volvo that was involved in the accident the officer was investigating.

The patrol car has serious damage from the accident with the entire rear end of the car crumpled.

The State Patrol is investigating the driver for driving too fast for the conditions. A motorist must exercise due care and caution when driving during winter conditions. Often this requires the driver to drive under the posted speed limit.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. At The Farber Law Group we have 32 years experience in representing people who have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another person.

With offices in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, we will work to help you recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us for a free case evaluation.