Washington Injury Attorney Blog

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that, while daytime seat belt use has increased to almost 86% over the past ten years, nighttime seatbelt use is much lower than daytime use, especially among teenage drivers and their passengers.

In 2006, 4,842 teenage passengers died in car accidents. Of the teenagers killed at night, 68% were not wearing seat belts. Among fatal accidents during the daytime hours, 57% killed were not wearing seat belts.

The NHTSA will focus their efforts this year on increasing nighttime seat belt use, especially among teenage drivers and their passengers. Citing their successful "Click It or Ticket" campaign, the NHTSA will concentrate on media campaigns and law enforcement especially during the months of May and June. This year the campaign will bee "Day or Night -- Buckle Up or Pay Up."

This information is brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have sustained serious injuries in car accidents through no fault of their own. With our help, you may be able to recover compensation for your property damage, medical costs and for pain and suffering.

Call us at 1-800-244-9087 (toll free) or (425) 455-9087 to set up your free and confidential case evaluation.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents

Bookmark:

Bob Calkins, Community and Media Relations Officer for the Washington State Patrol says that the patrol can ticket motorists for "unsecured loads" if a motorist fails to clean the snow off of their car reports King5.com.

After a snow storm, it is not uncommon to see a vehicle with several inches to a foot of snow on their car. Motorists don't realize that ice and snow on top of a car can pose a serious hazard and cause car accidents.

It is not unknown for snow and ice from a car top to fly off and crack another motorist's windshield. Sometimes, motorists swerve to avoid flying snow and ice and cause an accident.

While you may or may not get a ticket, you are liable for any damages that snow falling from the top of your car causes. You can be found negligent and have to pay for another person's damages.

If you have been involved in a car accident due to another person's negligence, you should contact The Farber Law Group. We represent people with serious injuries due to car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.

Use the contact form or call The Farber Law Group today.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents

Bookmark:

The Washington State law banning the use of cell phones while driving without using a blue tooth or hands-free device went into effect July 1st. According to a report in The Seattle Times, a little more than six months later, many drivers are ignoring the ban. Currently cell phone usage is a "secondary offense" meaning that police can only give you a ticket if they catch you doing something else wrong.

Police are enforcing the ban: the Washington State Patrol has issued 746 tickets for illegal cell phone use and they have also given 1,345 written and verbal warnings. Here in Seattle, 247 tickets have been written.

Even though the ban is being enforced, many motorists mostly just ignore the law. I was walking around town after a snow storm and saw half a dozen motorists with their phone to their ear even though road conditions were icy and driving was treacherous.

Some motorists, however, have taken heed of the law and the State Patrol says that car accidents are down 11% since the ban. Although the State Patrol admit that this decrease might also be attributed to motorists driving less when gas prices spiked.

If you have been involved in a car accident and you believe it was caused by the other driver using a cell phone, be sure to ask the police officer to check the person's cell phone for the their number and the times of the last calls made. After you have been treated for your injuries, contact a personal injury attorney who may ask the court to preserve the cell phone records of the motorist whose negligence caused your accident.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been injured in car accidents due to another driver's negligence. If you have serious injuries or severe whiplash, you are going to want to contact an experienced lawyer.

Call us today for a free case evaluation.

For more information read, What if my accident was caused by someone using a cell phone?

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents

Bookmark:

The Washington State Department of Licensing along with the Traffic Safety Commission and State Patrol announced in a press release that the state's new alcohol ignition interlock law is slated to go into effect on January 1st. The law allows drivers who have been convicted of a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or those charged with the offense to continue driving under some circumstances if they pay to have an interlock device installed on their vehicle.

Chapter 204-50 of the Washington State code provides for ignition interlock breath alcohol devices.

A breath alcohol ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer which is installed on an automobile. Before a driver can begin driving, they must breathe into the device which analyzes their blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If the device detects alcohol, the vehicle will not start.

Drivers who have been found guilty or have been charged with Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide will not be eligible to install the device.

The Legislature and State Patrol believes that the technology will save lives. It deters drivers from drinking and driving while allowing people to resume some activities such as driving to school and work. The Patrol believe it is a useful tool to and will reduce the number of people injured and killed in alcohol related traffic accidents.

Drivers who have been found using another drug besides alcohol will not be allowed to use this device as it does not detect drugs.

Drivers whom the court imposes the device as a condition on their being allowed to drive must provide proof of insurance and pay for the device and its installation.

Every year in Washington State there are nearly 700 traffic fatalities and nearly 45% of those are alcohol-related. Drunk driving accidents leave victims seriously injured including paralysis and brain damage. Mothers Against Drunken Driving (MADD) endorse the interlock method in reducing the number of alcohol related crashes.

If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one killed due to the actions of a drunken driver, you should contact The Farber Law Group. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injuries, especially those caused by drunken drivers. With offices in Bellevue and Seattle, Washington, we will work to help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (1)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents , Drunk Driving Victims , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries

Bookmark:

Now that the snow in Western Washington and Seattle is abating, motorists are digging their cars out of snow banks, ditches and even their own driveways. It's important that people take care in doing so. The following tips can help keep you safe and avoid an auto accident.

• Dig your tail pipe out -- you don't want to be overcome with carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to extricate your car while its exhaust system is clogged.
  
• Clear the snow from atop your car, windshield and rear view mirrors. Obviously snow on your mirrors and wind shield will prevent visibility, but snow slipping from your car top while your are driving may also prevent visibility and cause an accident.
  
• Wear bright clothing, put up a road flair and use flashlights while digging your car out on a roadside in the evening or after dark. You don't want to become a pedestrian accident statistic.
  
• Take breaks while doing the digging so you don't get a back injury.

This information was brought to you as a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in car and pedestrian accidents.

Contact us if you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another driver.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents

Bookmark:

Sixty police agencies in Washington State -- including the Seattle Police Department -- are looking for drivers who aren't wearing their seat belts while driving at nighttime according to King5.com. The seat belt emphasis patrols hope to catch drivers who aren't wearing seat belts and may be alcohol or drug impaired or engaged in other illegal activities.

Studies show that four times more fatal car accidents occur at night in a good part because night time drivers have a higher incidence of seat belt non-compliance. It is estimated that 4% of all drivers at nighttime do not wear seat belts.

State Troopers and police departments will issue a citation which will costs drivers $125.00 if they find someone driving without a seat belt fastened.

Vehicle Code RCW 46.61.688 requires drivers to use a Safety Belt while operating a motor vehicle.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney 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.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free case evaluation.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents

Bookmark:

With flooding in the Puget Sound region predicted, motorists should be especially careful and avoid flood warning areas. The large majority of deaths during flash flooding is due to people driving through flooded areas; only two feet of water can sweep most vehicles away. Driving in even one foot of water can float most passenger cars.

Flood Terms

Flood Watch

Flooding is possible. Check the NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.

Flash Flood Watch

Flash flooding is possible. Avoid driving in flood areas.

Flood Warning

An area is flooding. Evacuate immediately and do not drive in a flood warning area.

Flash Flood Warning

A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot. Do not drive as your car may be swept away.

-Information from FEMA

On-Line Flood Resources for Drivers

National Weather Service Forecast Office in Seattle Washington:

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service Watches and Advisories for Washington State:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/alerts/wa.html

Washington State Department of Transportation:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/

FEMA Flood Information:

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney 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.

Contact The Farber Law Group for more information.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety

Bookmark:

With gas prices soaring and a weak economy, more people than ever are choosing to ride motorcycles as an economical way to get to work. However, motorcycle riders are the most vulnerable in motor vehicle accidents because there are no seat belts and riders can be thrown in a crash. The death and injury rate for motorcycle riders continues to rise.

In Washington State, motorcycle riders need to obtain a motorcycle endorsement by the Department of Licensing. The endorsement is one way to encourage motorcyclists to have extra knowledge and training before taking their motorcycle on the highway.

Safety Tips:

Wear a helmet

always wear a helmet and make sure it meets the Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. A helmet is of utmost importance and may mean the difference between surviving a crash and dying.

Watch the "No-Zone"

a "No-Zone" is a truck's blind spot. Trucks have blind spots on both side where the driver cannot see you. If you ride in the blind spot, your chances of a crash increase.

Drive as if you were invisible

motorcycles are the smallest vehicle on the road and have no protection. Many times motorists do not see you. Pay attention to brake lights and signals. Be extra careful at intersections.

Drive smart

keep to the speed limit, don't over drive your ability to handle your motorcycle. An increasing number of motorcyclists are getting into accidents because they are driving motorcycles more powerful than they can handle. They also travel at speeds at which they can not handle the motorcycle. An increasing number of motorcyclists are crashing around curves, bends and turns.

Watch speed

motorcycles accelerate faster than other vehicles. Especially watch your speed around trucks at night and in bad weather. Motorcycles sometimes crash into the rear of trucks.

Safety check your motorcycle

safety check your motorcycle every single time you ride it to insure it is in good working condition. Proper maintenance is essential.

Wear proper gear

protective clothing such as leathers, jackets and gloves can really protect you if you are in a crash.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Accident Attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured in motorcycle accidents. Accident victims often receive a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury and sometimes even loss of a limb. If you were seriously injured because of the negligence of another driver, you should contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in motorcycle accidents. At The Farber Law Group, we we will work to help you recover compensation for your damages.

Contact The Farber Law Group today.

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post

Posted In: Auto Safety , Brain Injury , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Spinal Cord Injury

Bookmark:

As cold weather descends upon us, parents tend to bundle up their children in thick winter coats before taking their child out. However, thick coats, buntings and snow suits may make your child's car seat fit unsafe. The straps on your child's car seat must remain fitted to keep your child safe in a car accident.

According to Jen Ellis, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician

"It is unsafe to put a thick coat, snowsuit, or blanket on under the harness of a car seat," Ellis says. "In a crash the coat would compress, making the straps too loose and possibly allowing the child to be ejected from the seat."

To check to see if a coat or a bunting is too thick, put the child in the seat wearing the coat or snowsuit. Adjust the harnesses to fit. Remove the child from the car seat and then remove the coat. Put the child back into the car seat and if the harness is loose -- more than two fingers can fit under it -- then the coat or snowsuit is too thick to be worn in the car seat.

Ellis recommends:

• Tuck a blanket around your hcild after they are in the car seat.
  
• Use a seat cover that fits over the infant and seat after the child is buckled in.
  
• Buckle a child in, then put the child's coat on backwards over their arms.

See the full article about keeping your child safe in their car seat during winter at About.Com.

Inspection stations are available to verify that an infant seat or booster seat is properly installed. In Bellevue, AAA Washington performs the checks. In Seattle, Children's Hospital, Carter Motors, Odessa Brown Children's Clinic , The Car Seat Lady, and Swedish Medical Center perform the inspections. You can also check with The National Highway and Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a list of other inspection stations near you.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured and families of those killed in automobile accidents, pedestrian accidents, bus accidents, bicycle accidents and motorcycle accidents. We travel to the following cities to represent our clients: Bellingham, Everett, Lynnwood, Seattle, Redmond, Kent, Tacoma, Olympia, and Renton.

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

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents

Bookmark:

The months between October and December can be especially hazardous to drivers because motor vehicle and deer collisions are higher during these months because of deer migration and mating. November is the worst month with the most claims reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. While Washington is not in the top 10 states with the highest motor vehicle accident rate involving deer, it is still a common problem especially as drivers cross the mountain passes and drive in rural areas.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), every year 1.5 million vehicles collide with deer and cause 1.1 billion dollars in damages and resulting in approximately 150 deaths and 10,000 injuries. On average, a deer-vehicle collision costs $2,800 per insurance claim. If there is an injury, the claims average $10,000. In the past 15 years, the incidence of auto-deer collisions has doubled.

Motorcyclists are most at risk when colliding with deer. In only about 2% of car-deer collisions there is a fatality. However, 85% of motorcycle-deer collisions result in a fatality to the human.

Does Insurance Cover Deer Collision?

A lot of people don't know this but most comprehensive automobile insurance polices cover automobile-deer collisions. Here's what you need to know about insurance policies and deer collisions:

• Make sure you have comprehensive coverage
• Most policies cover a rental car
• Many policies provide "gap" coverage if your car is totaled
• Report your damage as soon as possible
• Know what your deductible is, usually they range between $100 and $300
• Use a reputable company to repair your car.

Tips to Avoid Deer Collisions:

• The highest risk time for a auto-deer collision is between sunset and midnight and the hours before sunrise; be especially attentive while driving at these times.
• Pay attention to deer crossing signs and in areas where there are a lot of deer.
• Use your high beams as much as possible while driving at night; do not "over drive" your head lights.
• Slow down and blow your horn if you see a deer to frighten it.
• If you see a deer in your path, brake firmly but stay in your lane. The most severe injuries to drivers occur when the driver attempts to avoid the deer. Some people veer into the path of an oncoming car or lose control of their car when they attempt to avoid hitting the deer.
• Wear your seat belt. Most people injured in a car-deer collision were not wearing theirs.
• If you hit a deer, do not touch it. A wounded deer may harm you or further injure itself. Pull off the road, turn on your flashing lights and call police.

(Adapted from The Insurance Information Institute -- Avoiding Deer/Car Collisions.

You might want to read Defenders of Wildlife - Driver Tip Sheet.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have been seriously injured and the families of those killed in automobile accidents. With our help, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.

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

Posted by The Farber Law Group | Permalink | Email This Post | Comments (0)

Posted In: Auto Safety , Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents

Bookmark: