Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Seattle's KOMO News.com reports that John U. Leoni, age 35, of Seattle was killed on Wednesday night in a bicycle accident on Highway 99 in Seattle.

According to the report, the Leoni collided with a car, a Porsche, a little after 10pm in the southbound lanes near the Dexter Avenue exit. The driver of the car, is suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the accident. The driver was taken to the hospital with injuries.

If the driver is determined to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, he or she could be charged with Vehicular Homicide, RCW 46.61.520. This Washington State statute provides what if a person succumbs to injuries as a result of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, the driver can be charged.

In addition, the family of the person killed as a result of Vehicular Homicide, can bring a suit for wrongful death.

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

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com. We provide a free and confidential case consultation and have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The Tacoma News Tribune reports that A 23-year-old Tenino man was killed in a single-car accident in Thurston County on Saturday evening.

According to the report, Bryant E. Yale was driving his Honda Accord southbound on Johnson Creek road when he crossed the road and ran into a tree. His passenger, a 22-year-old Tenino man was injured and taken to St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia.

Police that alcohol or drugs were a factor in the accident.

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 car accidents and the families of those killed.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Wrongful Death

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A 22-year-old Lacey woman, Natalie J. McLaughlin, was tragically killed early Sunday morning when the car she was driving was involved in a head-on car accident on Highway 12 near Rochester. Rochester is about 25 miles south of Olympia, the state capitol.

According to a report in The Seattle Times, McLaughlin was driving her Chevrolet Aveo eastbound near Forstrom Road when a car driven by David W. Comfort, age 27, of Chehalis crossed the center line and hit her head-on.

McLaughlin was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Comfort was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment. He will likely be charged with Vehicular Homicide.

Vehicular Homicide, statute RCW 46.61.520, can be charged if someone dies in a car accident and a driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly or driving without regard to the safety of others.

In addition to criminal charges, the family of the deceased may sue the driver under Washington's wrongful death statute which allows the family of a deceased loved one to file a suit against a person whose negligent or criminal act caused a family member's death.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The National Safety Council along with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has chosen May as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." Motorcycle safety should be paramount for both motorcyclists and motorists. Across the United States and Washington, there has been a dramatic increase of motorcycle related injury accident and deaths.

In 2007, there were 5,154 fatal motorcycle accidents. This was an increase of nearly 7% over the previous years. Per mile, the likelihood of a fatal motorcycle accident is 35 times more than for drivers of cars and light trucks.

A breakdown of fatal motorcycle accident statistics shows that:

• In 36 of the accidents, speed was involved
  
• In 27% of the accidents, alcohol or drugs were involved.
  
• Over 90% of fatal motorcycle-car crashes occurred on non-interstate roadways.
  
• More than 50% of two-vehicles accidents involving a motorcyclists and a passenger vehicle where the motorcyclist was killed occurred in intersections.

• Avoid riding in poor weather
  
• Wear bright colored protective gear
  
• Wear a U.S. Department of Transportation approved helmet
  
• Use turn signals for every turn or lane change
• Be aware of other motorists blind spot.

For more motorcycle safety information, see the "Share the Road" 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 motorcycle accidents and the families of those killed due to another motorist's negligence.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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Posted In: Auto Safety , Motorcycle Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries , Wrongful Death

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The Tri City Herald reports that three Moses Lake residents were injured, one seriously, after a rollover car accident on Interstate 90 at Moses Lake.

Robert R. Tindall Jr., age 22, was the most seriously injured in the car accident. He was a passenger in the Jeep and was thrown from the vehicle in the accident; he was not wearing a seat belt. He is in serious condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Dustin G. Upky, age 21, was also taken to Harborview and is listed in satisfactory condition.

The driver of the Jeep, Andria Merrill, age 30, was not as seriously injured and was taken to Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake.

According to the report, Merrill, who was driving, lost control of the 1974 jeep when she took the exit to Westshore Drive too fast and lost control. The Washington State Patrol believe alcohol and speed were factors in the accident.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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A man is under investigation for drunken driving and Vehicular Homicide after running a red-light and running into the passenger side of a Honda, killing a Sedro-Woolley woman and her unborn baby reports The Seattle Times.

The accident occurred around 10pm on Monday evening on State Route 20. The Honda, with the pregnant woman's fiancé driving, was headed eastbound on SR20 when a Ford Taurus driven by a Concrete man ran a red light at West Ferry Street in Sedro-Wooley and t-boned the Honda. The passenger side of the Honda was pushed in 12 to 15 inches.

The woman's fiancé suffered minor injuries in the accident. The suspected drunk driver and his female passenger also suffered minor injuries.

Vehicular Homicide can be charged if a person was driving under the influence, driving recklessly or driving without regard to the safety of others and someone is killed in an accident. In Washington State the legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08%.

In addition to criminal charges, the family of the deceased may recover damages in a wrongful death civil suit. Wrongful death suits are brought on behalf of the deceased by a spouse, child or parent.

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 and the families of those killed in car accidents by drunken drivers. We have more than 30 years experiences in the greater Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma Metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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A Superior Court Judge has sentenced Michael David Vaudrin,age 28 of Spanaway, to two years, 10 months in prison for the drunk driving car accident that killed Robert Adam Hawkins, age 51. Hawkins was a retired Army veteran and a devoted family man.

Vaudrin plead guilty to one count of Vehicular Homicide reports Tacoma's The News Tribune.

According to the report, Vaudrin was drunk when he ran a red light and hit Hawkins' car.

Vehicular Homicide, RCW 46.61.520, can be charged if a person dies and the operator of the motor vehicle was driving under the influence, driving recklessly or without regard to the safety of others. In Washington State, the blood alcohol content (BAC) for drunk driving is .08%.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent the victims of drunken drivers and their families. We have more than 30 years experience in representing families in wrongful death cases.

You can reach The Farber Law Group by calling 1-800-244-9087 or e-mailing attorney@hgfarber.com.

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The Tacoma News Tribune reports that a man was killed when his pickup truck was hit by an Army Stryker vehicle on Highway 507 near Spanaway. Killed in the motor vehicle accident was Gregory G. Wood, age 55. Spanaway is a city located approximately 10 miles south of Tacoma.

According to the Washington State Patrol, two Fort Lewis Stryker vehicle turned onto Highway 507 from Eighth Avenue South around 4:40pm. The second vehicle hit Wood's truck, demolishing it and killing Wood.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

This information is provided as a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have serious injuries due to car accidents and the families of those killed. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group today. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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One man was killed and two people were seriously injured when a suspected drunken driver ran his car off the road near Ocean Shores. All three were passengers in a Subaru, whose driver was not injured and has been arrested on suspicion of Vehicular Homicide.

Tommy G. Underwood, age 43, of Taholah, was killed in the car accident.

An unidentified Hoquiam man, age 33, and a Forks woman, age 28, were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and have serious injuries.

The motor vehicle accident occurred around 1am on Sunday morning approximately 15 miles north of Ocean Shores. According to KOMO News.com, the Subaru driven by Hudson was headed north on State Route 109 when Hudson swerved into the southbound lane, apparently over corrected and ran the vehicle off the road, rolling it. No one was wearing a seat belt.

Vehicular Homicide can be charged if a person is killed in a motor vehicle accident and the driver was under the influence, driving recklessly or without regard to the safety of others. Vehicular Assault can be charged if someone is seriously injured under the same conditions.

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, and the families of those killed, in car accidents. Drunk driving victims often have very serious injuries including skull fractures, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. We will work hard to help you recover compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering.

Contact The Farber Law Group today at 1-800 or e-mail

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A wrong-way driver killed two and herself on State Route 167 near Kent in an early morning car accident on Sunday reports The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Killed in the car accident were Marina Martinez, age 69, of Kent and Cesar Martinez, age 72. The wrong-way driver, a 21 year-old Kent woman, who also died, has not been identified.

Police say the wrong-way driver, entered the highway at the South 277th Street on ramp around 1:35 am in a Mazda Protégé. She crossed three lanes of traffic before colliding head-on with a Honda Accord driven by Marina Martinez.

According to the report a third car, a 1999 BMW 740, was also involved in the accident but its occupants were not seriously injured.

Police are investigating the accident but they do not believe alcohol or drugs was involved.

This information has been provided 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 car accidents. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or email attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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The Seattle Times reports that Carol Salomon, age 60, died of injuries she sustained in a bicycle accident while riding her bicycle in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle on Wednesday morning. Salomon, who was an assistant professor of languages at the University of Washington, was riding her bicycle on North 56th Street and First Avenue Northeast when she was hit by a Toyota Prius around 10:30 am.

Salomon was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where she died of her injuries. Police said she was not wearing a helmet.

The driver of the Prius, a 37-year-old man, had two passengers in his vehicle at the time of the bicycle accident. No one in the car was injured.

No information about the cause of the accident was provided.

This is the second fatal accident involving a staff member of the University of Washington. In February, Kevin Black, a molecular neurobiologist, was killed in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

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 car accidents and the families of those killed. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing accident victims in the Pacific Northwest. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

Call the Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries , Wrongful Death

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The Omak Chronicle reports that Ginni L. Torres, age 44, of Omak was killed in a head-on car accident on US Highway 97 near Chelan.

The car accident occurred around 6pm. Torres was riding in a car driven by Oval K. Hourtz, 67, headed northbound near BeBee Bridge. Hourtz collided with a pickup truck driven by Humerto Rodriguez Espino, age 30, of Brewster. It is reported that Espino crossed the center line and Hourtz was unable to avoid the collision.

According to the report, Torres died at the accident scene. Hourtz suffered head and hand injuries and suffered a broken rib. He was taken from Lake Chelan Community Hospital and then transported to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. Espino suffered chest and arm injuries and he was treated at Lake Chelan Community Hospital.

Both vehicles involved in the car accident were totaled.

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 car accidents and families whose loved ones have been killed. Washington State has a wrongful death statute which allows the family of a deceased family member bring a lawsuit against the person whose negligence caused their loved one's death.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com.

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A Redmond woman, Gretchen Forsman, age 32 was killed and the driver of the Honda Civic she was riding in, David Forsman, age 33, is in serious condition after their car hydroplaned, left its lane and went into oncoming traffic on State Route 202 near Ames Lake Road in Redmond reports The Seattle Times.

The Honda Civic the Forsman were riding in was hit by a Kia Sedona driven by Caroline Robinson, age 38. Also in the van were Brian Robinson, age 35 and two children, ages 8 and 6. Three of the four passengers of the Sedona were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where they are listed in satisfactory condition.

The car accident occurred around 4:30pm and police believe road conditions and speed were the cause of the accident; they are investigating.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We reprsent people who have been seriously injured in car accidents and the families of those killed. With offices in Seattle and Bellevue we are here to help.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or email attorney@hgfarber.com.

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The Washington State Patrol (WSP) reports that they arrested a Monroe, Washington resident not once but two times in the month of February for extreme drunk driving. In both arrests, the woman's Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was measured at above a .300%. In Washington State, a BAC of 0.08% is considered legally intoxicated.

In a media release, the WSP says they first arrested Martha Hernandez, age 26, on February 6th on State Route 522 and she had a BAC of .310%. Hernandez was admitted into the King County Detoxification Center after being processed for DUI.

About three weeks later, on February 24th, found Hernandez passed out in her car. She apparently passed out while driving eastbound on Interstate 90 at mile post 49. Her BAC was measured at the time of her arrest at .357%. She was again booked into King County Jail for Driving Under the Influence.

In Washington State, approximately 45% of all car accident fatalities are alcohol-related. Victims of drunken drivers often suffer horrible injuries including traumatic brain injury, paralysis, or spinal cord damage.

Hopefully, the WSP can convince Ms. Hernandez to stay off the road before she kills or maims someone.

This blog is from Seattle Car Accident attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent the victims of drunken drivers and their families. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, or a loved one has been killed, due to a drunken driver, contact us. We will aggressively work to insure your rights are protected and you obtain the compensation for your injuries that you deserve.

Call us at 1-88-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to assist you.

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It's only February 22, 2009 and Washington State has already had its fifth fatal motorcycle accident. In a press release, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) says that they are "alarmed over the high number of fatal crashes occurring so early in 2009." They are hoping this not a trend. Over the last few years, they have seen an increase in motorcycle fatalities: 66 fatal accidents in 2007 and 75 in 2008.

Last year, the WSP investigated 584 motorcycle accidents and issued citations or warnings to 4,409 motorcycle riders for excessive speed.

When the WSP and the Washington Traffic Safety commission analyze motorcycle accident statistics, they find that in accidents involving just a single vehicle, excessive speed is the number one cause of accidents followed by driving under the influence and the inability to stay in the lane. In fatal motorcycle accidents, around 40% of the riders were found to be under the influence of alcohol.

In Washington State, motorcycle riders are required to have a motorcycle endorsement. The WSP found that in 34% of motorcycle fatalities, the rider did not have the required endorsement. To get an endorsement a motorcycle rider must:

• Pass a motorcycle knowledge test and pass a motorcycle riding test. Or,
  
• Complete an approved rider course at a motorcycle training school.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com to set up a free and confidential case consultation. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue and, if your injuries are so severe you can't come to us, we will come to you.

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Posted In: Motor Vehicle Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries , Wrongful Death

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King5.Com reports that Brandon J. Harris, 35, of Olympia was killed in a pedestrian accident on Monday afternoon.

The pedestrian accident occurred on 183rd Avenue in Olympia. According to the report, Harris had parked his car on the right side of the street and crossed the street to talk to a family member. When he crossed back to his car, he was hit by a small car driven by a Rochester woman.

Harris was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle♦ where he was pronounced dead.

Police are investigating the accident but they believe no charges will be filed.

This information is provided by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people with serious injuries due to car accidents and the families of those killed. We have more than 30 years experience representing people in injury and wrongful death cases. With offices in Seattle and Bellevue, we are here to help you with your case.

Contact The Farber Law Group today for a free case evaluation. Call us toll free at 1-800-244-9087 or e-mail attorney@hgfarber.com.

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The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that a Granite Falls man was seriously injured and later died of his injuries after he was hit by a car on State Route 92 while riding a lawn mower. The motor vehicle accident occurred around noon on Sunday at 75th Street NE. The man was struck and injured by a small car and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he died.

Granite Falls is a small town north east of Marysville and about 43 miles north east from Seattle. It is located in Snohomish County and has a population of about 2,200. Granite Falls is a small town where it is not unusual for someone to ride a riding lawn mower on the highway in order to mow a neighbor's yard. Police said drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the accident.

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 and the families of those killed in motor vehicle accidents. Serious injures can include whiplash, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, cuts and lacerations and traumatic brain injury.

Contact The Farber Law Group today at 1-800-244-9087 or email attorney@hgfarber.com. We have offices in Seattle and Bellevue to serve you.

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A 32-year old Seattle man was critically injured and his passenger was killed on the northbound Interstate 5 in Seattle near the NE 50th street exit in a roll-over car accident.

A report in The Seattle Times said that police were responding to a call about erratic driving when they came upon an SUV engulfed in flames. Witnesses had seen the SUV, a Chevrolet Blazer, speeding shortly before 2am. Apparently, the driver lost control of the Blazer, it hit some light poles, rolled and ended up on its top. The driver was able to extricate himself from the vehicle. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with life threatening injuries. His passenger died at the scene.

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 and the families of those killed in motor vehicle accidents.

Contact The Farber Law Group at 1-800-244-9087. We have an office in Seattle and one in Bellevue to serve you.

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King5.com reports that a Burien taxi cab driver was killed early this morning on State Route 509 and South Street.

According to the report, the taxi driver's car spun out and when he got out of his tax, he was hit by three other vehicles who could not stop on the icy road.

This information is 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 car accidents and pedestrian accidents. With offices in Seattle and Bellevue, we work hard to help our clients obtain compensation for their damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group today.

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A 15-year-old girl was killed and an 18-year-old man was injured in a single car accident in Everett around 12:45 am this morning.

Police had received 911 calls about two vehicles racing and when they arrived in the area they found a severely damaged 1994 Honda Civic. Apparently, the driver of the car lost control, the car went airborne and hit a guardrail according to the report on Seattle's KOMONews.com. The auto accident occurred in the 800 block East Marine View Drive.

The two victims were first taken to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett where the girl was pronounced dead of her injuries. The young man was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and his condition is unknown at this time.

Everett Police are investigating the car accident and ask for witnesses or anyone with information about the accident to call them at their tip line: 425-257-8450. They believe that the other vehicle involved may have been white or yellow. There have been no charges filed at this time but the driver could be charged with Vehicular Homicide if it is found that he was driving without the regard of safety to others.

This information was provided 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. With more than 30 years experience and offices in Bellevue and Seattle, we will work to make sure your rights are protected.

Contact The Farber Law Group today.

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Matthew N. Ellmers, 24 of Eugene, Oregon is being charged in a drunk driving accident that killed four people and seriously injured another on Friday night. Police who arrived at the accident scene are calling it the worst accident they have seen. According to The Seattle Post Intelligencer, Ellmers, who had a blood alcohol limit that was three times the legal limit -- 0.21% -- was traveling at a very high speed when he ran a red light and broadsided a Toyota Highlander with five people inside. The Toyota was knocked off the road and into a pole.

Killed in the accident were Heather Mulgrave, 36, who was driving the Toyota, and her passengers Connie Vermilyea, 34, Jaziah Vermilyea, 10, and Nima Gibba, 11. Jakoba Mulgrave, 10, is in serious condition at Dorenbecher Children's Hospital with a brain injury, broken bones and internal injuries.

Ellmers suffered multiple injuries including broken bones. He is charged with first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. He will be moved to the Lane County jail as soon as he can be transported.

According to an article in The Register-Guard, five Eugene police are investigating the accident. The article said police were called after a disturbance at The Nile bar involving Ellmers. They were trying to track Ellmers down when the crash occurred.

The Register-Guard's comment page is pretty heated. This senseless loss of loss of innocent people has the community very upset. One person who posted to the comment page, showed a screen shot of Ellmer's MySpace page that read "If you don’t wreck you're not going fast enough!!!!"

In Washington State, about 45% of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Drunken drivers who have been involved in an accident where a victim died within three years of their injuries can be charged with Vehicular Homicide.

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 and the family of those killed by drunken drivers. In drunken driving cases, we investigate whether a bar or restaurant served an obviously intoxicated patron who later caused the accident. If this was the case, the restaurant or bar can be held liable as well.

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

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A one-year-old toddler was killed and her father, Leon C. Schooler of Soap Lake, was seriously injured when the car they were riding in was involved in an accident involving a suspected drunken driver.

According to The Wenatchee World, the accident occurred on Highway 17 near Soap Lake. The toddler was in the back seat and her father was driving their 2001 Pontiac when they were involved in an accident with a pickup truck driven by Douglas McGowan, age 39, of Spokane. The little girl was killed at the scene and her father was airlifted to Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane for treatment of his injuries.

The Washington State Patrol believes that McGowan was driving under the influence at the time of the accident and they have booked him into Grant County Jail and may charge him with Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide.

Vehicular Assault can be charged if a person is seriously injured in a car accident and the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Vehicular Homicide can be charged if a person was killed or dies within three years of their injuries and the driver was under the influence. In such cases, the injured parties and the family of the victim may also claim damages in civil court under wrongful death statutes.

This information is brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent the victims of car accidents and their families.

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

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The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has issued a media release asking anyone who might information about a pedestrian accident that occurred on January 1 at 2:30 am in Seattle on northbound Interstate 5 around the mid Boeing Field area.

The WSP believes a 2005-2008 white Toyota, possibly a RAV4, may have hit and killed a pedestrian on the highway. They are asking anyone with information about the pedestrian accident or anyone who has seen a white Toyota with damage to the driver's side mirror and fender area to call Detective Medeiros at 425-649-1530.

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

With offices in Bellevue and Seattle, we are here to help you. Contact us today.

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James A Kernodle, 56 was killed in a single car accident two miles of south of Tenino around 10pm last night reports The Olympian. Tenino is a town 15 miles south of Washington's capitol, Olympia. The driver of the car, Karen L. Clark, 57, was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia with an arm fracture and possible chest injuries.

According to the report, Clark was driving eastbound on 180th when she over corrected and her car went off the road and into a tree. Kernodle was pronounced dead at the accident scene.

Police suspect that Clark was driving under the influence (DUI) at the time of the accident. In Washington State, 0.08% BAC is considered intoxicated. Clark may be charged with Vehicular Homicide. A driver can be charged with Vehicular Homicide if a person dies as a result of a car accident and the driver was found to be driving recklessly or under the influence. In addition, the family of a person killed as a result of Vehicular Homicide can bring a suit for wrongful death.

This information was brought to you by the 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 due to the negligence of another person.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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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.

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Prosecutors have filed a warrant for Scott Michael Buskeness, 31, who they believe was responsible for a head-on car accident on Route 7 in Spanaway that killed Jamie Reinford, 33, and Richard Pennington, 34. Another person suffered a fractured ankle in the car accident. Buskeness is charged with two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of vehicular assault according to The Tacoma News Tribune.

According to reports, Buskeness crossed over the median while driving on State Route 7 near 146th Street around 1:35 am on Monday night. He ran head-on into a Dodge Colt with Reinford and Pennington and another passenger inside. Reinford was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma where he died late Tuesday night. Pennington was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he died. The passenger of the Colt was also taken to Harborview for treatment of injuries.

Buskeness admitted to police that he he had smoked methamphetamine on the day of the crash and marijuana within the past week. Police did not arrest him but took him to Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis with a hand injury. Police said that they thought he was so impaired that he would remain at the hospital for a few days. Instead, he was released the next morning and police have been looking for him since then.

It is curious why police did not arrest him at the time of the accident as he currently faces a DUI charge in Thurston County and has 19 convictions for felony traffic offenses and violent crimes.

Vehicular homicide can be charged if a person dies while a person was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (RCW 46.61.520) and vehicular assault can be charged if a person sustains a serious injury while a person was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (RCW 46.61.522).

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to an automobile accident or if a loved one has been killed, contact The Farber Law Group. Our personal injury attorneys have more than 30 years experience in car accident and wrongful death cases.

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The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that a bicyclist was killed in an accident while biking to work on Thursday morning around 6:30am in Skyway, Washington, south of Seattle.

According to one report, the man was riding his bicycle near 130th and Renton Avenue South when he was struck by a car driven by a man in his late 70's. Police said that alcohol or drugs were not a factor.

John Urquhart of the King County sheriff's office said the man was "riding legally" at the time of the accident.

Every year approximately 540,000 bicyclists are injured in accidents and more than 700 are killed. There is no state law requiring bicyclists to wear helmets but Snohomish, Pierce and King Counties do require them. It is unknown whether the cyclist in this accident was wearing a helmet.

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

Contact The Farber law Group today for a free and confidential case evaluation. We handle bicycle accidents on a contingent fee basis; you pay nothing unless we recover a settlement for you.

See our Bicycling Resources.

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Hendricus MacKaay, 77, and Tryntge MacKaay, 79 a couple from Malakwa, B.C. were killed in a head-on car accident on Highway 97, six miles south of Tonasket around 6am Monday morning.

The Wenatchee World reports that the couple were driving northbound when a '96 Suburban driven by Roger T. Sanne, 74, of Tonasket crossed over the highway centerline and hit a Ford Explorer driven by Sheryl A. Dahl, 54 of Okanogan. After hitting Dahl's car, the Suburban then hit the Pontiac hatchback driven by Mackaay head-on. Hendricus Mackaay was killed at the accident scene and Tryntje Mackaay died shortly thereafter at North Valley Hospital in Tonasket.

Roger T. Sanne was taken to North Valley Hospital for treatment of facial cuts. His passenger, Shirley L. Sanne, 70, was taken to the same hospital for treatment multiple fractures to her foot, wrist and collarbone. Dahl was not injured.

According to the report both the Suburban and the Pontiac were inoperable after the car accident. The Explorer driven by Dahl was drivable.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident.

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. We also represent the families of those killed in car accidents in bringing a wrongful death suit against the negligent party.

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

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According to a Washington State Patrol media release, the patrol has arrested Kelly L. York Jr. on a charge of Felony Hit and Run charge after the Thanksgiving Day collision that killed a 37-year-old mother of four and injured four others.

The car accident occurred on Thanksgiving day around 5:00 pm at the intersection of Branch and Wierman Road near Toppenish, Washington. Investigators believe that York, driving a 1997 Jaguar, ran a stop sign as he was heading north on Wierman Road and broadsided a Nissan Sentra. Rosa Magana, 37, of El Mirage, Az, who was a passenger in the Nissan, died shortly after the accident. The 17-year-old driver of the Nissan and four other passengers, ages 6 to 16, were transported to Memorial Hospital. Three of the victims were later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

According to police, Kelly York Jr., and a passenger fled the scene of the accident on foot. The WSP arrested York on December 2nd at a residence on Weikel Road.

This information was provided by the Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured and the loved ones of those killed in car accidents, bicycle accidents, bus accidents, trucking accidents and pedestrian accidents. With our help, you may recover compensation for your medical costs, lost wages and for pain and suffering.

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

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The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that a 50-year-old man was killed in a car and truck accident on State Route 99 -- Pacific Highway South -- in Federal Way, Washington on Tuesday night.

The motor vehicle accident happened around 8pm.. The man who was killed was turning onto Pacific Highway South from 374th in a Toyota MR2 when he collided with a pick up truck; the driver of the pick up was not injured.

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 car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. With our help you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

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

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We were excited to see an article in The News Tribune.com about a new product on the market called TarpX which is a load control system. TarpX is a product which makes it easy to secure loads in the bed of a pick up truck. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, unsecured loads cause an estimated 25,000 accidents and 100 deaths a year. In Washington State, the State Patrol estimates about 400 accidents a year caused by unsecured loads.

Drivers often do not understand simple laws of physics when they put a load into the back of their pick up truck. They might be transporting furniture or hauling a load of junk to the dump and they don't always realize they need to secure that load. Often, motorists believe that, when hauling a heavy item like a couch or a refrigerator, the item does not have to be secured because it is too heavy to blow out. However, the momentum of heavy objects shifting in the back of a truck can have disastrous consequences and cause an accident. Sometimes the accident is caused when a load drops and vehicles swerve to avoid whatever dropped and crash. Other times, flying debris can come through a car windshield and severely injure or kill the driver or passengers in the vehicle.

Washington State Vehicle Code RCW 46.61.655 is the statue covering lost or unsecured law. It is also known as "Maria's law" after Maria Federicci, a who was blinded and suffered severe facial injuries and brain damage in 2004 after a piece of furniture fell off a truck and a piece of particle board came flying through her windshield.

This brings us back to the TarpX, a product designed and distributed by a Tacoma-based company founded by Dan Kinley, Trevor Colby and Mike Walters. The TarpX is an easy to use tarp system with built in anchoring straps. It packs up small, is easy to use and is engineered brilliantly.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or a loved one killed because of the hazard caused by a lost load, you should contact a personal injury attorney to insure your rights are protected.
The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing people with serious injuries due to the negligence of another person.

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

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In a media release yesterday, the Washington State Patrol announced that they will be targeting state routes and interstate highways in the Tri-Cities area -- Richmond, Pasco and Kennewick -- looking for drivers not wearing their seat belts.

The WSP dubs their initiative "Nighttime Seat Belt Enforcement" (NTSBE). The Patrol will be looking for drivers not wearing seat belts in areas where there has been a higher incidence of automobile accidents and where drivers have a low seat belt compliance. The NTSBE program will be concentrated between the nighttime hours of 7pm - 6 am. The death rate due to car accidents is four times higher at night than in day time night as people comply with seat belt laws less.

There have already been 12 fatalities in auto accidents in the Tri-Cities area in 2008. In seven of the twelve fatalities -- 58% -- the driver was not wearing a seat belt. 67% of the 12 deaths involved a driver who was impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Washington State Patrol Captain Shawn Berry said, “The majority of fatality collisions in this region involve drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and occupants who are not wearing seat belts. We are urging motorists to remember to wear their seat belts and to not drink and drive during this upcoming holiday season.”

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer, 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 are aggressive in the actions we take against motorist who were driving drunk at the time of the accident.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free consultation. With our help, you may recover compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering.

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The Seattle Times reports that a car driven by a 16-year-old girl swerved off of Green River Road and went into the Green River near the Auburn Golf Course during very heavy rain conditions on Friday morning. The driver of the car managed to escape but she was unable to rescue two boys in the car, one 2 and one 14. The car was swept down the river.

King County Sheriff's Office's dive team believe they have located the car but they have been unable to recover it because of current conditions.

Our hearts go out to the driver of the car, the two boys who lost their lives and their families.

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 motor vehicle accidents.

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

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A cross-over crash involving three vehicles killed a Puyallup woman and injured three others on State Route 512 in Puyallup in Pierce County on Monday according to The Seattle Post Intelligencer.

The accident occurred around noon when a 54-year-old Puyallup woman crashed through the cable barrier and collided with a semi-truck. The semi-truck then jack-knifed and collided with a pickup truck. The wrong-way driver was killed, the semi truck driver, a 41-year-old Tacoma man, suffered minor injuries and the driver of the pickup, a 22-year-old Silverdale man, was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma with serious injuries. The pick up driver's four-year-old male passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken to Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.

Wrong-way crashes are a very serious problem. Just last week there was a deadly crossover crash in Federal Way which killed two people and seriously injured three others. The two people killed have been identified as Robert Galaviz, 55, of Federal Way, and Georgina Steele, 61, of Seattle, reports the Washington State Patrol. In that case, a 51-year-old Puyallup man, a youth basketball coach, has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide because police believe he may have been impaired due to alcohol or drugs.

Alcohol or drugs are often a factor in these crashes and they usually result in deaths and very serious injuries because drivers of the cars involved are often going at high rates of speed. In this Puyallup accident, we don't yet know the cause and whether health problems, mechanical problems with her vehicle or road design were factors.

Cable Barriers

This information has been brought to you 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 motor vehicle accidents because of the negligence of another driver. We also represent those who have been injured by drunken drivers.

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

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Two people were killed and two people were injured when a 2004 Suzuki driven by Daniel Geronimo Varela of Burbank crashed into a tractor-trailer driven by James Kooch of Hermiston, Oregon about eight miles East of Pasco on Highway 12 reports The Seattle Times.

Killed in the crash were the two passengers in Varela's car: Jesus Jaime Mendez, 19, and Jorge Mendez, 17, both of Burbank.

Valera and Kooch were taken to Kennewick General Hospital with injuries.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in Washington State representing victims of car accidents and their families.

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

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The victims in Thursday nights' Federal Way cross-over crash have been identified according to The Seattle Times. Killed in the accident were Robert Galaviz, 55, of Federal Way and Georgina Steele, 61, of Seattle. A 66-year-old passenger in Steele's car suffered serious injuries and a 25-year-old Des Moines woman suffered minor injuries.

Washington State Patrol reports they have arrested a 51-year-old Puyallup man, who crossed over the center median near the 320th Street exit and struck four southbound cars. The man is suspected of being impaired at the time of the accident and he may be charged with vehicular homicide.

Vehicular homicide (RCW 46.61.520) is a statute that provides a driver can be charged if a person dies as a result of "negligent" operation of a motor vehicle. A driver is negligent if he/she was driving recklessly, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving without regard for the safety of others.

When a driver is charged with vehicular homicide, the family may also bring a suit for wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has received serious injuries, or a loved one has been killed due to an automobile accident, you should contact The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in Western Washington representing automobile accident victims and families of wrongful death victims.

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Two people were killed in a cross-over car accident in the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Federal Way reports KOMONews.com. The accident occurred around 6pm on Thursday night when a driver headed north on the I-5 in Federal Way crossed over the center line and caused a multi-car crash at south 296th Street. It is not known at this time how many people were injured in the accident.

A "cross-over" crash is when one vehicle crosses over the median or center line and collides with vehicles going in the opposite direction. Barriers are often put in place which prevent a cross over crash. Barriers have been quite controversial in Washington State of late as some people say the cable barriers are not as effective as concrete ones. See the Washington State Department of Transportation Report on the efficacy of cable barriers in one section of I-5.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. Located in Bellevue, Washington, our firm has represented car accident victims and their families for more than 30 years.

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

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We wanted to update you on the blog we posted yesterday about the 70-year-old man who drove the wrong-way on the I-5 in Olympia, Washington, crashing into a pickup truck and killing the driver. The driver of the truck has now been identified as Andy D. Russo Ramjak, 29, of Olympia. Ramjak was married and a father of three children. The Thurston County Coroner, Gary Warnock, determined that Ramjak died as a result of "blunt force trauma from the car crash, not as a result of the fire," according to The Olympian.

The wrong-way driver was Donald Sullivan, 70. The Washington State Patrol are trying to determine why Sullivan made such a grievous error. Was his age or mental condition a factor in the accident? A drug recognition expert have determined that Sullivan was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the car accident.

Police have not decided whether they will press criminal charges against Sullivan.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber law Group. If you are seriously injured in a car accident, or someone you know is injured or possibly even killed, call the personal injury attorneys at The Farber Law Group. We handle personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits that are the result of auto accidents in Washington State every day.

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

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A man was killed on the I-5 after the truck he was driving was hit head-on by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 5 below the Plum Street overpass in Olympia, Washington around 8:30 pm on Monday night. The man who died has not yet been identified. The pickup he was driving was owned by LeMay Enterprises.

The accident occurred when a white Buick driven by 70-year-old Donald Sullivan of Olympia with his wife Udelia, 69, as his passenger, entered the I-5 southbound lanes going in the wrong direction. Johnson reportedly side swiped at least one car before he ploughed head-on into the pickup truck. Sullivan was said to be traveling at a "very high rate of speed."

Several people called 9-1-1 before and after the accident. The truck reportedly burst into flames after it was hit. The identification of the driver will be done by checking dental records.

Both Sullivans were taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries.

It is not known if criminal charges will be filed in the accident or whether alcohol was a factor.

Information for this posting was reported by Jeremy Pawloski in The Olympian.

If you are seriously injured in a car accident, or someone you know is injured or possibly even killed, call the personal injury attorneys at The Farber Law Group. We handle personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits that are the results of auto accidents in Washington State every day.

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

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A Lynnwood, Washington woman, Michelle Sawyer, 29, was killed along with three others when the car they were riding in was rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver on I-84 in Oregon.

John C. Carlgren, 46, 0f Carlton, Oregon has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and driving under the influence. In Oregon, as it is in Washington State, a driver is deemed intoxicated who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent. Any driver with a BAC at or above .08 are intoxicated in the eyes of the law.

Nearly half of the approximately 700 car accident fatalities that occur every year in Washington State are related to alcohol. Drunken drivers leave their victims seriously injured, disabled and cause traumatic brain injury and spinal cord damage.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or a loved one killed due to the actions of a drunk driver, you should contact The Farber Law Group. With more than 30 years experience in representing car accident victims, we will insure that your rights are protected.

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

See our Victims of Drunken Driving Resources.

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The Farber Law Group works with a lot of clients that have been involved in a Washington State automobile accident. Often, a police report is made of the accident and we request a copy of the report for the client's record. Sometimes a local police department will write the report. Other times, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is involved and investigates and reports on a motor vehicle accident. Clients ask us this question, "When does the Washington State Patrol investigate an accident?" The WSP web-site provides that answer and we thought we'd paraphrase it here.

The Washington State Patrol has a Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) and it investigates "catastrophic collisions" within their jurisdiction. Their criteria is based upon the severity of the accident and the following factors:

• Accidents involving an on-duty State Patrol or Department of Transportation personnel.
  
• Fatal collisions involving state owned vehicles.
  
• Collisions with three or more fatalities.
  
• Multi-vehicle collisions with one or more fatalities which involve a commercial vehicle.
  
• Any collision involving a school bus carrying passengers in which a person is killed or sustains a major injury.
  
• Any collision which resulted in a fatality or major injury where a high likelihood of a tort claim against the state exists.

This information was adapted from the Washington State Patrol web-site.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious auto accident which resulted in a serious injury or a fatality, you should contact a personal injury attorney so that your rights are protected. With the help of The Farber Law Group, we may recover compensation for your injuries or for the wrongful death of a loved one.

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

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The Washington State Patrol has asked the Kitsap County Prosecutor's office to charge Cole Riley Satran, of Belfair, with Vehicular Homicide after a car accident which resulted in the death of Thomas Gamblin, 42, also of Belfair. Satran was driving on Highway 3 when he crossed the center line and hit a semi-truck which then hit an SUV driven by Gamblin; Gamblin died at the scene of the accident.

When Washington State Patrol searched Satran's truck, they found a 4-1/2 inch pipe bomb and other explosive making devices. Later when officers from the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives searched Satran's house they found two rifles, ammunition and other gun parts. Satran has a previous criminal record including a conviction for methamphetamine possession. As a juvenile, he has a conviction for a burglary. As a felon, Satran is not allowed to possess weapons.

Troopers said that Satran was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident.

It is unclear why Washington State Patrol is asking that the prosecutor's charge Satran with vehicular homicide. This charge is usually filed when the driver that caused the accident was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly or driving without regard to the safety of others.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured or killed because of someones negligence. With the help of The Farber Law Group, you may be able to recover compensation for you injuries, including pain and suffering.

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

This report was compiled from information provided by The Kitsap Sun.

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A multiple car and motorcycle crash last week on State Route 20 near Sedro-Wooley, Washington in Skagit County killed one man at the accident scene and now a second man has died a week after the accident at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The accident occurred last week when a pickup truck crossed the center line and hit another car. Two motorcycles then rear-ended one of the crashed vehicles.

A Burlington man, Anthony M. Burwell, 21, died at the scene; he was one of the motorcyclists.

Tuesday morning, Shawn R. Tygret, 34, of Concrete died of his injuries at Harborview. He was driving in his Buick Sedan when the truck him head-on.

The driver of the truck has been arrested for vehicular homicide. Investigators believe he may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Vehicular homicide can be charged if a person's negligent operation of a motor vehicle results in a person's death within three years of the accident. Negligence includes being under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving with reckless disregard to the safety of others.

If a you have been a victim of a drunken driver or a family member has been killed, you need to contact a personal injury attorney. At The Farber Law Group, we help victims of drunken driving recover compensation for the damages they have suffered.

We thoroughly investigate your accident and then aggressively pursue compensation on your behalf. We represent drunken driving victims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

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

The accident information was compiled from KOMONews.com.

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A 22-year-old male passenger in a 1990 Nissan Stanza was killed after the vehicle's driver ran a stop sign at a "T" intersection and ploughed into a tree. Police are looking for the driver of the vehicle who fled the car accident scene reports King5.com.

The motor vehicle accident happened at 46th Avenue South and South 352nd Street around 4 am in Federal Way, Washington.

One wonders the reasons why the driver fled. If it was because the driver was intoxicated, he/she could be charged with Vehicular Homicide. Washington State Vehicle statute RCW 46.61.520 provides that a person can be charged with vehicular homicide if a person dies as a result of negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Negligent actions can include driving recklessly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving without regard to the safety of others.

This information was bought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death auto accident cases, the family of the victim may be compensated for the loss of their loved one.

Please contact us for more information and to schedule a free consultation.

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In Washington State, vehicular homicide is considered a Class A Felony. Washington State vehicle code, RCW 46.61.520, provides the penalty for vehicular homicide

Vehicular homicide can be charged if a person dies of their injuries within three years of an accident caused by a driver who was:

• Driving under the influence of liquor or any drug or combination thereof. In Washington State, a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% is considered over the legal limit.

• Driving in a reckless manner.

• Driving with disregard to safety of others.

Vehicular homicide can be charged in car accidents, boating accidents, trucking accidents and motorcycle accidents.

The penalties for vehicular homicide can include the following:

• Revocation of a person's driver's license -- the driving privilege may be withheld until a person has completed an approved alcohol or drug treatment program.
• Jail time
• Electronic home monitoring
• Fines.

Wrongful Death

The family of a victim of vehicular homicide may also bring a civil suit against the driver for wrongful death. In a wrongful death suit, the family may recover damages for the negligent or wrongful act that caused their family member's death. Wrongful death suits are usually filed on behalf of the deceased by a surviving spouse, parent or child.

The Farber Law Group is a Washington legal firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death claims. With the help of The Farber Law Group, you may be able to recover damages for the loss of your loved one.

Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.

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One person is dead and nine people injured after a motor boat collision on Lake Tapps in Pierce County, Washington.

According to the East Pierce Fire & Rescue department, two boats collided around 10:37 pm between Inlet Island and Interlake Island. Witnesses said they saw one boat traveling at an estimated 25 mph before the crash; Lake Tapps has a "no wake" rule after dark which stipulates that no boat can travel more than 5 mph.

From piecing together reports from The Seattle Times, King5TV.com and KOMOTV.com, it appears as if one boat was speeding and crashed into and over the other boat, throwing the driver of the second boat into the water and injuring all the people on board the boat that was hit. Divers later found the driver's body using underwater cameras.

Of the nine people injured, two people are in critical condition and one is in serious condition. The injured were taken to Harborview Medical Centert in Seattle, Tacoma General Hospital, Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup and Madigan Army Medical Center.

The operator of the alleged speeding boat may have been boating under the influence. He was arrested and booked into Pierce County Jail for investigation of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. Vehicular homicide may be charged if someone dies as a result of negligent operation of a vehicle while the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident or if the operator was driving recklessly. Vehicular assault can be charged if someone is seriously injured while a person was driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This is the second boating tragedy with a fatality and multiple serious injuries within the past three days in the greater Seattle area. In the other accident, a beloved Bellevue Middle School Music teacher, Heather DeHart, 38, of Bothell was killed after a speeding boat hit the sailboat that she was on.

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 boating accidents. With more than 30 years experience in Western Washington, we will work tirelessly to insure your rights are protected. While no amount of compensation can ameliorate the pain of losing a loved one, with a fair settlement, you may can secure future of your family.

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

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Aaron J. Robinson, 24, of Shelton has been arrested and booked for investigation of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault after he was involved in a single car accident which resulted in two deaths.

According to a report on KiroTV.com, Robinson was driving a 1991 GMC Jimmy with seven people inside when he ran a stop sign on early Sunday morning. His car eventually careened down an embankment.

Killed were Albert B. Legault, 30, and John Evan Liptak, 21. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other passengers were taken to Mason General Hospital with "non-life threatening injuries." Robinson was treated for minor injuries before he was booked.

Vehicular Assault can be charged if a person was seriously injured while a driver was driving recklessly, under the influence or without regard to the safety of others.

Vehicular Homicide can be charged if a person dies as a result of negligent operation of a motor vehicle or dies of their injuries within three years of the incident.

Suit can be brought for wrongful death by the families of those killed.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. The Farber Law Group is a Washington law firm with experience and knowledge in handling auto accident cases and wrongful death. With our help, you may be able to recover damages under wrongful death statues.

Please contact us for more information and to schedule a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The Seattle Times reports a driver of a Cadillac hit and killed a bicyclist this evening around 8:10 pm in Puyallup and then drove away. The bicyclist is said to be a man in his 50's. He could not be resuscitated and died at the accident scene.

Police are now looking for a late-model Cadillac with possible front-end damage and perhaps broken glass. Some onlookers described the driver as a white male in his 20s.

According to the report, the man had been driving erratically before he hit the bicyclist at the 2600 block of East Main.

This information was brought to you by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer, a service of The Farber Law Group. Located in Bellevue, Washington we represent people who have been seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents and their families.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The Farber Law Group, located in Bellevue, Washington represents people who have been seriously hurt in motor vehicle accidents including car accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, single or multiple truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents and bicycle accidents throughout Western Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

People are often seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents and their injuries can include traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury and whiplash, broken limbs, severe lacerations and internal injuries.

In Washington State, there were 568 fatal car accidents in 2007. Mr. Farber is experienced in representing the families who have lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident through the negligence of another person. While no amount money can compensate for the loss of a loved one, a successful wrongful death claim may help a family through a very difficult time, especially when they have lost the major wage earner.

With more than 30 years experience in Western Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Farber represents cases in Bellevue, Kirkland, Seattle, Renton, Auburn, Spokane, Bothell, Federal Way, Tacoma, Arlington, Marysville, Puyallup, Tacoma and Bellingham. For out-of-state cases, Mr. Farber works with partner attorneys.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries , Train Accident , Trucking Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Our previous Blog Posting reported on the recent pedicab accident that occurred in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. In that tragic accident, a pedicab apparently went through a red light on a steep hill, collided with a car, resulting in the death of a tourist and injuring his wife and the pedicab operator.

We presume that the investigation into the accident's cause is still ongoing and our deepest sympathies go out to the victims of this tragic accident. The question on a lot of people's minds is, "Whose at fault?"

Lingering questions remain:

• Did the pedicab fail to provide proper training for their drivers? Are drivers cautioned about hilly streets and also the amount of weight a cab can carry and shave the brakes function correctly?

• Did the company have approved and non-approved routes? Was the driver allowed to drive on this hilly route with a steep grade?

• Was brake failure the cause? If so, were the brakes rated to work with the load it was carrying? Were the brakes properly maintained?

• Was the pedicab operating the cab in a safe manner? Was he negligent in any way in the operation of the vehicle?

Seattle's, The Stranger, wrote an article entitled The Fall Guy which is well worth reading. In the article, Eli Sanders interviews a former pedicab driver who believes the accident was "caused by shoddy maintenance and lax safety."

The Belltowner also is blog where people are commenting on the accident. You might want to read that too.

For now, we hope the victims are recovering from the injuries.

For the future, we hope the investigation pinpoints the exact cause of the accident and then steps be taken so this tragic accident is not repeated.

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 motor vehicle and bicycle accidents. Our Washington injury attorneys, specializing in personal injury and wrongful death, have more than 30 years experience helping people in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries , Wrongful Death

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The Olympian reports that a car accident on Sunday killed a passenger and injured the driver and another passenger. According to the report, a Honda Civic, driven by Richard A. Littlejohn, 22, of Olympia left the road way near Black Lake Boulevard and Division street and hit a utility pole in the early morning hours. Aaron Pickett, 24, of Lakewood, who was riding in the front passenger seat, was killed. The rear seat passenger, Sebastian Soto, 22, of Olympia was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. His condition is unknown.

The driver of the car, Littlejohn, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he was listed in critical condition.

Littlejohn had been arrested for driving under the influence just two weeks ago. Police believe alcohol may have played a factor in this accident and they are awaiting toxicology results.

Littlejohn has had a history of traffic infractions. He has been cited for speeding six times and also for negligent driving. If he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of this accident, he may be charged with Vehicular Assault and Vehicular Homicide.

According to vehicle code RCW 46.61.522, Vehicular Assault can be charged if someone is seriously injured while the driver is driving recklessly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving without the regard for the safety of others.

RCW 46.61.520 states that Vehicular Homicide can be charged if a person dies from the negligent operation of a vehicle including driving recklessly, driving under the influence or driving without the regard of safety of others.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to a drunk driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney to insure your rights or protected. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience representing the victims of drunk drivers. With our help you may be able to recover damages for your injuries or for the wrongful death of a loved one.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Wrongful Death

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The Seattle Times reports that a tourist was killed and five people were injured when a pedicab ran a red light and collided with van in Belltown. Peter Dzioba, 60, of Watertown, Connecticut was killed in the accident. His wife, Mary Dzioba, was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where she listed in satisfactory condition. The pedicab driver, a 23-year-old Seattle man was also listed in satisfactory condition.

The Dzioba's were visiting Seattle to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary and were scheduled to take an Alaskan cruise.

The accident occurred in the Belltown section of Seattle on Cedar Street between First and Western. This area of Seattle has a steep grade. According to the report, the pedicab may have ran a red light and hit a scooter and then crashed into a minivan. Peter Dzioba was crushed under the van and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A pedicab is a tricycle with a rear seat for passengers. They are not regulated in Seattle. This is the first pedicab related death in the area. The pedicab involved in the accident is owned by Cascadia Cabs. The owner of the company, Ryan Hashagen, owns a fleet of 46 cabs and operates them in cities from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, B.C. The 17 that are operated in Seattle mostly traverse a route along the waterfront and around Seattle Center and the Sodo district.

The cause of the accident is being investigated. Speculation on the cause is that the brakes on the pedicab failed or that they were not designed for the load it was carrying on such a steep grade.

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 or killed in pedestrian accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents and motorcycle accidents. We handle most auto accidents on a contingent fee basis. This means that no attorney's fees are charged unless we recover a settlement for you.

With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington law firm specializing in personal injury and wrongful death, we may recover a settlement for you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Seattle's KiroTV.com reports that Nicole Lehtinen, 16, was killed in a car accident on Saturday morning. The accident occurred on 61st street in Kenmore. Lehtinen was a passenger in a car that swerved onto a sidewalk and hit a fence. One of the fence poles was protruding from the fence because a tree had fallen on the fence previously. Lehtinen was impaled and died of severe injuries.

Friends of Lehtinen's said that if the fence had been properly maintained by the city of Kenmore, then Lehtinen would be alive today. They say the city is partially to blame for Lehtinen's death since the fence was on city property was not properly maintained.

Lehtinen is survived by her sister Taylor Lehtinen, 18 and a brother. The two sisters had previously lost their parents.

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 or killed in car accidents or because of the negligence of another.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Posted In: Wrongful Death

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