Washington Injury Attorney Blog

The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that two suspects have been arrested in a case of "road rage" after a someone fired three shots into an Acura driven by Ismael Mejia of Mount Vernon, Washington on I-90. No one was seriously injured in the incident but a 5-year-old girl from Warden was cut by flying glass.

Mejia called 9-1-1 after the incident and troopers stopped a Toyota in Easton and arrested a 31-year-old Tacoma man and a 20-year-old Malaga woman. A gun was found in their car. They are in custody for investigation of assault.

According to the Washington State Patrol, road rage and aggressive driving are becoming more common place. The incident that occurred on I-90 is an extreme example but some cases of road rage can result in an accident involving serious injuries or even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines road rage and aggressive driving:

Aggressive Driving

a driver commits two or more moving violations which are likely to endanger other persons OR, a driver commits a single moving violation that requires another driver to perform a defensive maneuver. Aggressive driving can include:

• Tailgating -- following another vehicle too closely
• Speeding
• Honking the horn when not necessary
• Flashing head lights at other motorists to annoy them or to make them move over or get out of ones way
• Braking suddenly to annoy the following driver
• Passing traffic and then slowing down to annoy other drivers
• Speeding to beat a red light

Road Rage

an assault with a motor vehicle or another weapon by an driver or passenger or one motor vehicle against the driver or passengers for another vehicle because of an incident that occurred while driving.

If you are a victim of aggressive driving or road rage, you should call 9-1-1 immediately to report the other vehicle. In addition, you can report unsafe drivers to the Washington State department of Licensing (click here for more information). You can also report aggressive driving to the Washington State Patrol on-line (click here for more information).

If your vehicle accident was caused by a driver that was aggressively driving, they are considered negligent. If you have serious injuries you should contact an auto accident attorney immediately. The Farber Law Group is experienced and knowledgeable in handling auto accident cases and we will insure your rights are protected. Please contact us for a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents

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Tuesday afternoon, a four-car collision caused Seattle police to temporarily close the Battery Street tunnel according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The accident occurred at 1:45pm reported Jeff Kappel, Seattle police spokesman. There were no reported injuries.

If your or a loved one has been seriously injured in an automobile accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma or in Western Washington, you should contact The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in representing car accident victims and we will provide a free case consultation. Call us today.

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The Longview Daily News reports that Wionnia Granillo (age 17) from Scappoose, Washington was injured in a three car accident Interstate 5 near Castle Rock. Washington State Patrol says that Granillo was taken to St. John Medical Center for treatment of back and neck injuries.

A Washington State Patrol news release reported that the accident was caused by Zachery Lowe, 20, of Olympia who made an unsafe lane change and ran into Granillo. Granillo's car then hit the concrete barrier and blocked traffic on I-5 for about a half hour.

After the impact with Granillo's car, Lowe then hit a pickup truck and trailer driven by Larry Danielson, 55, of Chehalis.

The State Patrol is investigating the accident and says it was caused by Lowe's unsafe lane change and speeding.

Most car accidents are caused by some one's negligent or reckless action. In this case, the driver was speeding and changing lanes in an unsafe manner. Sometimes injuries due to a car accident are significant involving disabling whiplash, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or fractures. Sometimes these injuries can disable a person or cause them pain for years.

The Farber Law Group represents people with serious personal injuries due to automobile accidents. We generally handle auto accident cases on a contingent fee basis. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington law firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling auto accident cases, you may be able to recover the full amount of your damages. Please contact us for more information and to schedule a free consultation.

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On May 10th, we blogged about a severe car accident on the Mercer Street off-ramp that sent one vehicle off the off-ramp, crashing upside down 30 feet below. The other vehicle, an SUV, had substantial damages to it. When this story was first reported by KOMO TV news in Seattle, Washington, the son of the driver of the SUV was quoted as saying that he thought his father had only sustained "scratches and bruises." Subsequent reports by KOMO TV, however, say that the driver has significant injuries, "a collapsed lung, a fractured rib, broken ankle and injuries to his back."

This anecdote illustrates the point that an accident victim and his or her family, should be careful in talking to reporters and claims adjusters before the full extent of injuries are known. Many times insurance adjusters want to take a victim's statement while they are in the hospital or just returned home. They may ask the victim to sign medical authorization to release their medical records, including those taken before the accident.

One should use caution in speaking to anyone but your attorney because statements you make may be admitted as evidence in a courtroom and they may harm your case. One never knows when an accident occurs whether a "broken ankle and injuries to the back" might mean that the victim has a permanent limp, is unable to perform the functions of their job and their injury might lead to severe arthritis in the back and permanent disability. (Read "Should I talk to a Claims Adjuster?")

Personal injury attorneys work for the victim. They insure that the victim's rights are protected and that the victim receive compensation for damages, loss of current and future wages and for pain and suffering. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing victims of car accidents. We typically represent clients on a "contingent fee basis". That means that the attorney's fee is contingent on the outcome of the case. If the client does not win their case, then The Farber Law Group is not paid for professional services rendered.

Contact The Farber Law Group for a free case consultation.

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KomoTV.com in Seattle, Washington reports that a pickup truck traveling north on Highway 99 on the Mercer Street off-ramp crashed into an SUV and the pickup flew over the guardrail and landed 30 below onto Broad Street. Miraculously, the driver of the pickup walked away from the accident. Click here to view the story on KomoTV.com.

The drivers of both vehicles were taken to Harborview Medical Center with "non-life threatening injuries."

The accident occurred around 6pm. Police officers said that the driver of the pickup truck may have been speeding.

This information has been brought to you by the Washington Injury Attorney Blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. We have more than 30 years experience in representing people with serious injuries due to automobile accidents. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

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The Bellingham Herald reports that a rental car driven by a 70-year-old Texan man crashed through a plate glass window at a local Starbucks store, injuring five people. The accident occurred at the Starbucks on 1031 W. Bakerview Road. The driver, Clinton Felmley, of Arlington Texas was parking his rental car when he says it accelerated.

Four victims were taken to St. Joseph's hospital and a fifth person went to the hospital on her own after medics treated her at the scene. None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening.

The driver was not seriously injured. He said he did not know what caused the vehicle to accelerate and crash through the window. Police have not yet decided whether to charge Felmley.

This information is brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. We represent people who have suffered serious personal injuries. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that Chanthea Prak, 21, a soldier stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington was killed in a head-on crash near Roseburg, Oregon. Oregon police reported that Prak was eight months pregnant. The accident occurred around 3:15 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-5.

Prak was a passenger in a car driven by Andrew Cajita, 21, of San Mateo, California when a car driven by Cheryl Rowe, 40, or Albany, ran into them head-on as Rowe drove the wrong-way on the I-5. Rowe was also killed in the crash and Cajita was critically injured. Cajita was airlifted to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Police said that the car driven by Cajita had swerved to avoid Rowe and the passenger side of Cajita's car received the full impact of the crash.

It is not known whether Rowe was intoxicated or impaired at the time of crash.

In this tragic case, the driver who caused the accident is also deceased. However, Prak's family may still be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The living victim is also entitled to compensation for his serious injuries. With the help of The Farber Law Group, a Washington firm experienced and knowledgeable in handling wrongful death cases, we would thoroughly investigate whether Rowe had illegally been served alcohol when she appeared to be intoxicated, whether she had any previous DUI charges or whether she was in the course of her employment. Contact us today 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 Post Intelligencer reports that a Yelm Man, Thor Aksdal, was arrested after he drove his car the wrong-way on the Interstate-5 near Olympia. The State Patrol said that Aksdal drove his Mercury Mystique north into the southbound lanes, hitting a Chevy Tracker and seriously injuring the driver. The State Patrol arrested Aksdal, who was also injured, for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The State Patrol closed the I-5 for nearly three hours after the accident.

In Washington State, almost half of all traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. All DUI offenses are gross misdemeanors. RCW 9A.20.021, 46.61.502(5) & 46.61.504(5).

If you have been injured or had a loved one killed due to someone driving while under the influence or alcohol or drugs, you should contact The Farber Law Group. We ill aggressively gather the facts including whether the driver had previous DUI charges, whether a bar or a restaurant illegally served the person or whether the drunk driver was in the course of their employment.

Contact us today for a free case review.

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

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The Seattle Times reports that Chase Anderson of Bellevue, Washington was killed while skateboarding near the University of Washington. Anderson apparently left his studies around 1:30 am in the University District to grab a bite to eat. Traveling westbound on 45th, he ran into the side of an articulated bus at University Way and fell under a wheel. He was pronounced dead at the scene after "suffering crushing head injuries," reports the medical examiner's office. The bus had a green light at the time.

Anderson was a freshman at the University of Washington where he was on the Dean's List and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 2007 where he was a leading member of their basketball team. Bellevue High School will hold a candlelit vigil for Anderson in their football stadium tonight at 8:30 pm.

This information was brought to you by Washington Injury Attorney, a service of The Farber Law Group. Located in Bellevue, Washington, we represent people with serious personal injuries and wrongful death. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

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

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As cell phones become more and more common, some States have enacted laws regulating their use while driving. In Washington State, text messaging on a cell phone has been banned starting in July 2008 and violators are subject to a $101 ticket. That is because tests show that people talking on a cell phone or text messaging are as impaired as someone who has been abusing drugs or is under the influence of alcohol. In other states, laws regarding the use of the cell phone while driving vary and you can check them at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Often, the use of a cell phone can cause a driver to be inattentive and the cell phone usage can be a significant cause in any accident.

If you are in an accident and you believe that the other driver was talking on a cell phone at the time, here are some steps you should take:

• As in any accident, try to stay calm and then start collecting the facts. Note the time of the accident because this is important if your lawyer needs to look at the other driver's cell phone records. Be sure to mention to the police officers when they arrive at what time the accident occurred.

• Ask witnesses if they saw the driver on the cell phone. Or, when you talk to the other driver, you might ask, "Were you using a cell phone?" If they admit they were, your witnesses may be able to testify to that fact.

• Ask the police officer to check their cell phone, record their cell phone number and the last few calls made and received and note the times of these calls. If the person refuses to let the officer see their phone, then ask the officer to obtain their cell phone number.
  
  

  
  
• After you receive medical attention, be sure to contact an experienced automobile accident attorney who may be able to legally preserve the person's cell phone records and connect them with the time of the accident. This can help you prove your case in court.
  

The Farber Law Group is a Washington law firm with more than 30 years experience in handling auto accident cases. Contact us if you have received serious personal injuries or severe whiplash. We are happy to meet with you and provide a free consultation.

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On Friday, two Newport High School students from Bellevue, Washington were involved in a three car collision as they returned from visiting Washington State University reports KIROTV.com.

Taryn L. Gillies, an 18-year-old Newport High senior was killed along with the driver of the car, 56-year-old Matthew Andresen. Injured in the crash were mother and daughter, Deborah K. Turner, 55 and Callie B. Turner, 17. Both Turner women were taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. One other driver was treated at Ritzville Rural hospital but he was not admitted to the hospital.

The accident happened on Highway 26 in Adams County, Washington around 2 p.m.

The cause of the collission has not been specified.

This news has been brought to you by the Washington Injury Attorney Blog, a service of The Farber Law Group. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact us immediately. We have more than 30 years experience in representing victims of serious personal injuries.

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The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that the Washington State Patrol is making a concerted effort to convince drivers not to carry unsecured loads; they will be ticketing drivers if they catch them on a trip to the dump or moving household goods, etc. if the load is not properly tied down. According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, every year there is an average of 400 accidents in Washington State caused by road debris, and some of these accidents result in serious personal injury and even death. RCW 46.61.655 is the Revised Code of Washington which outlines the penalties for carrying an unsecured load. Drivers can expect fines of $216 for unsecured loads. If an unsecured load injures someone, you may be fined $5,000 and be sentenced to a year in jail.

The case of Maria Federici, a Renton resident, brought the dangers of unsecured loads to the forefront. Federici was awarded $15.5 million by a King County jury after she was blinded and disfigured by furniture that crashed into her car when it flew out of a rented U-Haul trailer.

The State Patrol asks that if you have witnessed or been a victim of objects that have fallen off of a vehicle, you should call 911 immediately.

View Secure Your Load Video which was produced by the Washington State Department of Ecology. It tells the story of Maria Federici and other drivers who have been seriously injured due to flying debris.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed by debris from an unsecured load, you need to contact a personal injury attorney immediately. The Farber Law Group has more than 30 years experience in representing people with serious injuries and wrongful death. Contact us today for a free case consultation. You are entitled to compensation for your medical costs and for consideration of future medical costs.

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Posted In: Car Accidents , Motor Vehicle Accidents , Serious Personal Injuries

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KIRO TV reports that a Washington State trooper and two other people were injured when the trooper's car was rear-ended by a person who was taken into custody for driving under the influence. The accident took place in Pierce County.

The trooper had apparently pulled over an 18-year-old woman for suspicion of drunk driving. The trooper had the woman in his patrol car on the shoulder of north-bound Interstate 5. Also in the car, was a state patrol applicant who was in the car for a ride-along. While the patrol car was parked, it was rear-ended by an another apparent drunk driver. The patrolman and his passengers were all taken to the hospital.

According to the Alcohol Alert! citing US Department of Transportation statistics, every year in Washington state, there are approximately 270 alcohol-related fatalities. In Washington State, all DUI offenses are considered gross misdemeanors. Citation:§§ 9A.20.021, 46.61.502(5) & 46.61.504(5).

Many times, drunken driving victims are left seriously injured with severe injuries like paralysis or brain damage.

The Farber Law Group aggressively represents victims of drunken driving accidents. We investigate whether the victims had previous DUI charges or whether a restaurant or bar illegally served the person or whether the drunk driver was in the course of their employment. We aggressively pursue compensation for your damages. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

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

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KOMO TV reports that Lakewood, Washington police are looking for a 2006 silver Scion which they believe was involved in a hit-and-run accident in the 7400 block of Lakewood Drive on Friday evening around 5:15 pm. Dave Guttu, a police spokesman, said that a 39-year-old-woman was hit and suffered serious injuries by a driver who ran a red light. The injured woman was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma where she is being treated for internal injuries.

Every year, 1,000 people are killed and around 90,000 injured by aggressive drivers who run red lights according to The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running.

If your or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed by a driver who ran a red light, you are entitled to compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. The Farber Law Group has 30 years experience in representing personal injury victims with serious injuries. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

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The City of Bellevue, Washington, is installing red light cameras at some key intersections to catch aggressive drivers who are running red lights. The Seattle Times reports that the cameras will be installed within the next six months at up to six busy intersections. The City of Bellevue also plans to place speed cameras to catch speeding drivers near three elementary schools.

Every day, aggressive drivers run red lights, endangering the lives of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 1,000 people are killed and 90,000 are injured every year by motorists running red lights. The problem seems to be increasing at an alarming rate.

Motorists who run red lights usually site the reason as "being in a hurry." A study done by the California Board of Audits show that the red light cameras reduce the number of crashes. The National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running sites a Charlotte, North Carolina red light camera program for cutting the number of car crashes in the city by 10%.

In Washington State, RCW 46.61.050 -- Obedience to and required traffic control devices, is the code that is relevant to running a red light.

If you or loved one is seriously injured or killed by a driver running a red light, then that person is responsible for your damages, including pain and suffering, because of their negligence. Contact The Farber Law Group so that your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

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Posted In: Bicycle Accidents , Car Accidents , Pedestrian Accidents

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The Washington Department of Labor and Industries and the Washington State Patrol is investigating the death of a construction worker who was hit and killed by a construction vehicle while working on a Highway 304 in Bremerton, Washington. The Kitsap Sun reported that Ricky C. Schaff was hit and killed by a Ford water tank trunk when it was backing up. Washington State Patrol Lt. Ken Noland said the backup alarm was sounding at the time.

Both Schaaf and the 26-year-old driver of the water tank truck were employees of Ceccanti Inc., the contractor on the project. Bremerton Mary Cary Bozeman called the accident a "tragedy."

State troopers said that the driver of the truck voluntarily submitted to a blood test but it did not seem that he was impaired at the time of the accident.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, in 2006, 87 Washington State workers were killed on the job.


Workplace injuries and deaths involve worker's compensation. In addition, a worker's family may be entitled to compensation from 3rd parties if it is found that negligence on their part contributed to a death or serious injury. Click here for a useful list of Construction Accident Resources.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as a result of a construction accident, you should retain an attorney experienced in personal injury. At The Farber Law Group, our lawyers are familiar with worker's compensation laws and laws regarding 3rd parties. While money cannot fully compensate for a serious and debilitating injury or the loss of a loved one, compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings can help insure a stable future for you and your family. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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Bellevue, Washington city officials have been warned in a series of e-mails about a speeding problem along Main Street between 140th Avenue Northeast and 156th Avenue Northeast. The Seattle Times reporter Charles Brown reported that Jim Cox a long time resident of East Bellevue has tradied e-mails with Bellevue for more than a year. Cox say