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May 30
0

Washington State Bike Laws

By | Bike Laws | No Comments

As traffic and road construction become ever more frustrating for commuters, more and more people are using alternate means of transportation, including bicycles. Unfortunately, the rise of bicycle use has also led to an increase in bicycle accidents, which tend to be especially devastating for cyclists who do not have the same protections from impact as motorists. In an effort to combat this trend, the Washington Legislature enacted a series of bicycle laws, with which both motorists and cyclists must comply.

Special Equipment

Although under Washington law, all bicyclists have the same rights and are subject to the same duties as motorists, cyclists are required comply with a few additional safety rules. For instance, when it is dark outside, bicyclists must travel with:

  • A lamp on the front of the bicycle that emits a white light that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet; and
  • A red reflector on the rear of the bike that is visible up to 600 feet.

Bikes must also be equipped with a brake that when engaged, will skid on dry, clean, and level pavement. Although there is currently no statewide law requiring cyclists to wear helmets, many cities and counties within Washington have made it mandatory for anyone riding a bicycle. Cyclists who violate these, and other traffic laws, can be ticketed.

Traveling on Roadways

Some parts of the state’s highway system are closed to bicycles. Local governments are also permitted to adopt city laws banning cycling on certain roads or sidewalks that are within business districts. Although cyclists are generally permitted to ride side by side, no more than two people can ride next to each other.

Cyclists who are traveling on a road at a lower speed than the flow of traffic must ride as far to the right side of the right lane as is safe. Cyclists can also choose to ride in the bike lane, on a bike path, the shoulder of the road, or a regular travel lane. Unless a city code prohibits it, bicyclists are also permitted to ride on sidewalks and when doing so, have all of the rights and duties that apply to pedestrians.

When turning, cyclists must also use the following hand signals before initiating the turn:

  • Left turns are indicated by extending the left hand arm horizontally beyond the side of the bicycle;
  • Right turns are indicated by extending the left hand and arm upward or the right hand and arm horizontally to the right; and
  • Stopping or decreasing speed is indicated by extending the left hand and arm downward.

Schedule a Consultation With an Experienced Seattle Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences for cyclists, who lack the protections offered by seat belts and airbags. Fortunately, injured cyclists can collect compensation for their injuries if a motorist violated a traffic law or was otherwise driving recklessly, so if you were recently involved in a bicycle accident, please call Khan Law Firm at 206-629-9312. Our Seattle personal injury attorneys can also be reached via live chat.  

 

May 30
0

What to do When Insurance Denies Your Claim?

By | Claim Denial | No Comments

One of the first things a person should do after being involved in an accident is report the incident to his or her insurer. Depending on the circumstances of the case, an accident victim will go on to file a claim with either his or her own insurer or the other party’s insurer. In some cases, insurance companies immediately approve the claim and help cover the cost of repairs and medical bills. However, some claims are denied, which can leave accident victims with no safety net. Fortunately, those whose claims have been denied are not without recourse.

First Party Claims vs. Third Party Claims

There are two main types of insurance claims, which are known as first party and third party claims. First party claims are those that are filed with your own insurance company, while third party claims are filed with another person’s insurer. The type of claim that an accident victim files depends primarily on who was at fault in the accident. Although all of those who are involved in an accident should report it with their own insurer, they will generally file the claim with the insurer of the person who was at fault.

The Filing Process

After reporting an accident, the injured party will most likely be required to provide information about the accident as well as the extent of his or her injuries to the insurance companies. The insurer will then investigate the claim by speaking with witnesses, requesting an independent medical examination, and looking at any photos of the scene of the accident. At the end of the investigation, the insurer will either offer a settlement claim or deny the claim altogether.

Claim Denials

Claims are denied for a variety of reasons. For instance, a person may have waited too long to file a claim or may have failed to submit the results of a medical examination. On the other hand, the type of accident the injured party was involved in may not be covered under the policy or the damages may exceed the policy’s limits. Fortunately, when claims are denied, the claimant has the opportunity to file an appeal, although the appeals process will differ depending on each company’s standard procedures. If an appeal is unsuccessful, the claimant can appeal the decision to the State Insurance Commissioner or bring an action against the company if he or she believes that the insurer breached its contract, violated the insurance code, or was involved in bad faith insurance practices.

Finally, claimants who have exhausted all appeals, received an unfair settlement, or were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver have the option of filing a claim against the other party in court. By filing a personal injury suit, the injured party may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and damages for pain and suffering.

Call Today to Speak With a Seattle Personal Injury Attorney

If you were recently involved in an accident and your insurance claim was denied either by your insurer or the at-fault party’s insurer, please contact Khan Law Firm by calling our office at 206-629-9312. Our Seattle car accident lawyers are eager to help you today.

May 30
0

What is a Wrongful Death?

By | Wrongful Death | No Comments

Washington law defines a wrongful death as the death of a person caused by the wrongful act, default, or neglect of another. Because the victim of an accident resulting in a wrongful death is unable to argue his or her own case, the claim must be filed by someone else, usually a close relative. Furthermore, the plaintiff, acting on behalf of a deceased loved one, must be able to provide evidence demonstrating that the defendant failed to use reasonable care or committed an illegal act, which caused the victim’s death. Generally, a wrongful death claim can only be filed if the circumstances of the accident would have supported a personal injury claim if the victim had survived.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Only certain individuals can file a wrongful death claim, including:

  • The surviving spouse or registered domestic partner of the deceased; and
  • The children or stepchildren of the deceased party.

If the deceased party has no surviving spouse, partner, or child, his or her parents or siblings can file the claim, but only if they were:

  • Dependent upon the deceased for support; and
  • Residents of the U.S. at the time of the decedent’s death.

There are also specific rules that apply when a wrongful death claim involves the death of a child. In these cases, either parent can file a claim, although in order to be eligible, he or she must have regularly contributed to the support of the child. Furthermore, if only one parent brings an action, that individual must serve the other parent with a copy of the complaint, explaining that the right to recover damages will be barred unless the other parent joins the suit as a party within 20 days.

Potential Damages

Damages in a wrongful death case are paid to the decedent’s estate and can include compensation for the following costs:

  • The decedent’s medical bills;
  • Funeral and burial expenses;
  • Lost income that the decedent would have earned if he or she had survived;
  • The pain and suffering endured by the decedent as a result of his or her injuries;
  • Property damage; and
  • The loss of companionship and care by the decedent’s loved ones.

When a case involves the death of a child, the parents can collect special damages in addition to those intended to compensate for medical expenses, such as:

  • Damages for the loss of the love and companionship of the child; and
  • Compensation for the destruction of the parent-child relationship.

However, in order to collect any damages, a decedent’s representative must file a wrongful death claim within three years of the date of the decedent’s death. If the decedent’s representative fails to file before this deadline, the case will most likely be barred and the victim’s surviving relatives will miss out on the opportunity to obtain a judgment of liability.

Contact an Experienced Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney Today

Although collecting compensation can never replace the loss of a beloved relative, it can allow families to pay necessary expenses and remain financially afloat while they mourn. To speak with an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney about your own case, please contact Khan Law Firm at 206-629-9312 today.

Apr 19
0

Head-on Collisions

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

Being involved in any type of car crash can leave victims both injured and frightened. This is especially true for those who are involved in head-on collisions because injuries sustained in these kinds of accidents tend to be particularly severe and in some tragic cases, can even be deadly. Although no amount of money can compensate someone for a permanent and debilitating injury or the loss of a loved one, collecting compensation from the at-fault parties can go a long way towards helping accident victims and their families begin the long road to recovery. Unfortunately, filing a claim can be difficult, especially for those who are dealing with serious injuries, so if you or loved one were recently involved in a head-on collision, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can represent your interests.

Causes of Head-on Collisions

Head-on crashes usually occur when a vehicle crosses the centerline or median and collides with an approaching car. While this can be the result of one driver’s attempt to pass another car on a two lane road, most fatal head-on collisions actually don’t occur in passing situations. Instead, these types of crashes are much more likely to occur when a driver inadvertently drifts from his or her lane into oncoming traffic. In fact, most head-on collisions involve at least one party’s negligent actions, which could include:

  • Speeding;
  • Driving while fatigued;
  • Distracted driving; and
  • Driving while intoxicated.

One of the reasons head-on collisions have such serious consequences is that the at-fault driver, due to his or her distraction, does not usually attempt to avoid the accident by braking or swerving. For this reason, head-on crashes usually occur at relatively high speeds and so cause significant damage.

Although less common, head-on collisions can also be caused by:

  • Poor weather conditions;
  • Mechanical problems; and
  • A driver’s attempt to avoid an animal or other object in the road.

Regardless of the underlying cause, head-on collisions can have devastating consequences, including catastrophic injuries.

Typical Injuries

Due to the extreme force involved in most head-on collisions, injuries sustained by occupants tend to be particularly severe and include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries, which are often the result of a person’s head coming into contact with an object in the vehicle. Sudden impacts can lead to swelling or bleeding in the brain, which if not immediately treated can cause permanent damage or death.
  • Spinal cord damage, which often occurs when fractured pieces of the vertebrae come into contact with and damage the bundle of nerves that make up the spinal cord. Spinal cord damage can have permanent consequences, including paralysis.
  • Burns caused by exploded fuel tanks can also cause significant injuries and scarring and often require victims to undergo multiple surgeries and physical therapy.
  • Severe whiplash, which is the result of a driver’s head snapping forward and backward after a sudden impact. This motion causes the muscles and ligaments in the neck to become strained or stretched, which can lead to restricted movement and chronic pain.
  • Fractures to the sternum and ribs, caused by a driver forcefully coming into contact with the steering wheel or seat belt. Broken ribs can make movement and breathing difficult and are known for taking a significant amount of time to fully heal.
  • Crushed legs and hips, which are caused by the sudden impact involved in head-on collisions, but are also often the result of a victim’s being trapped beneath the wreckage of the vehicle.
  • Internal organ damage is usually caused by a person’s torso coming into sudden contact with another object, such as a seat or dashboard and can lead to internal bleeding.

These types of catastrophic injuries are notoriously difficult and expensive to treat. Their severity also requires injured parties to take a significant amount of time off from work. Fortunately, injured parties can collect compensation for these and other expenses if they can demonstrate that another driver’s negligence contributed to or caused their accident. If successful, a plaintiff could collect some or all of the following damages:

  • Past and future medical expenses;
  • Lost wages;
  • Loss of future income;
  • Property damage;
  • Pain and suffering; and
  • Funeral and burial costs.

The last thing a person who was injured in a serious head-on collision needs to worry about is paying medical bills, which makes it especially important that these individuals seek compensation from the responsible parties.

Establishing Negligence

Unlike other types of car crashes, when a head-on collisions occurs, there is no doubt that someone was clearly at fault. However, proving that another driver was negligent can still be difficult and requires the collection of convincing evidence, such as:

  • Measurements of skid marks and gouge marks at the scene of the accident;
  • Photographs from the scene of the crash;
  • Information stored on in-vehicle technologies;
  • Video recordings of the accident;
  • Testimony from eyewitnesses;
  • Medical records;
  • The results of BAC tests;
  • The police report;
  • Photographs of the injuries sustained by the victim; and
  • Photographs of the damaged vehicle.

Collecting this type of evidence is crucial to the success of a case, so if you were injured in a head-on collision, it is critical to contact an attorney who has the resources and experience to conduct the proper investigations.

Comparative Negligence

Fortunately, even if an injured party contributed to the accident in some way, he or she will not be barred from recovery. This is because Washington follows the legal theory of comparative negligence, which means that plaintiffs can still collect compensation even when they were partly at fault in causing the accident. However, the amount that victims are able to recover will be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

At the Khan Law Firm, we understand how stressful it is to be involved in a car accident, especially when the collision was particularly severe. For this reason, we dedicate ourselves to helping relieve our clients of some of their burdens by aggressively representing their interests, whether in settlement proceedings or in the courtroom. To learn more about your rights to compensation, please contact us today by calling 206-430-6096 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney who can evaluate your case.

Mar 14
0

Washington Maritime Accident Laws

By | Wrongful Death | No Comments

Washington is the permanent residence of many maritime workers, who access the water and their vessels from the state’s many ports. While working as a maritime worker may have its advantages, it is a highly dangerous job, leading to countless injuries every year.

Because most of these injuries occur on the “high seas,” understanding who is liable for maritime accidents and who has jurisdiction over these accident types can be confusing. At the law offices of the Khan Law Firm, we help injured maritime workers and their families in Washington seek the compensation that they deserve after an accident. To learn more, please call our law firm today for your free consultation.

Common Types of Maritime Accidents

Working in the maritime industry is inherently dangerous, and every year, numerous workers suffer catastrophic injuries as a result of errors and negligence. Some of the most common types of maritime accidents and injuries include:

  • Oil rig explosions and machinery accidents;
  • Fires;
  • Slip and falls;
  • Drowning and near-drowning accidents;
  • Tugboat injuries;
  • Crush injuries from cargo loading and transport errors;
  • Amputation injuries caused by defective or heavy machinery, equipment, or cargo; and
  • Lacerations and burns from fires, explosions, equipment malfunctions, and more.

These accident and injury types can be severe enough to cost a maritime worker their life, or significantly change it. An affected worker may be unable to return to work, care for themselves, or even do basic things that they once loved, such as go for a walk.

Who Is Liable for Maritime Accidents and What is the Jones Act?

While Washington may have many ports and hundreds of maritime workers, it is important to note that state law alone does not govern liability for maritime accidents, as it does with many other workplace and personal injury types. Instead, the Jones Act, which is a piece of federal legislation, provides some protection for maritime workers who are injured at sea.

One of the biggest differences between the Jones Act and other workers’ compensation laws throughout the country is that the in order for an injured maritime worker to receive compensation under the act, they must bring forth a negligence-based claim against their employer or liable party. In traditional workers’ compensation claims, workers are paid for their injuries regardless of fault, and are barred from bringing forth negligence-based actions. A negligence claim can be brought forth when an employer does anything that is outside of the reasonable standard of care that is required to provide for workers’ safety, such as the failure to properly train workers, provide maritime workers with the necessary equipment to do their jobs, or failure to provide equipment that is working properly and is maintained on a regular basis. A worker only needs to prove that the employer’s negligence played a part in the causation of their accident and injuries in order to hold the employer liable for damages.

Another difference is that while workers’ compensation applies to nearly all workers, the Jones Act only covers maritime workers who are “seamen.” In order to be a seaman, a worker must generally be a worker on a vessel that operates in navigable waters, and must perform work that is directly related to that vessel’s purpose and operation.

Right to Maintenance and Cure

There is another provision of maritime law that more closely resembles workers’ compensation systems of compensation – this is known as a maritime worker’s right to maintenance and cure. An injured seaman is entitled to these benefits regardless of negligence, so long as their injury or illness was sustained during the course of their employment.

The right to maintenance means the right to room and board while the seaman is recovering from injuries. If the seaman is at sea, then the vessel must provide this; if the seaman is not at home, then the employer should pay for things such as the worker’s rent, utilities, and food while they are recovering.

The right to cure, on the other hand, refers to the right of the maritime worker to seek compensation for the full value of all necessary and reasonable medical expenses associated with treating the injury. Both maintenance and cure must be paid to the seaman, by the employer, regardless of fault, until the seaman reached maximum medical improvement, or the point where they will not recover further.

Death on the High Seas Act

Another maritime law that may affect those who have lost a loved one in a maritime accident is the Death on the High Seas Act. This act allows surviving family members of a maritime worker to file a claim against a negligent employer for damages related to the loved one’s death.

Steps to Take after a Maritime Accident

Knowing what steps to take after a maritime accident can help preserve your right to seek damage and recover the full value of your compensation amount. Some things to do include:

  • Seek medical care. You should seek medical care as soon as possible after your maritime accident, and make sure that this care is properly documented.
  • Inform your employer of the accident. You should inform your employer of the accident as soon as you are physically able to do so. This is true regardless of whether you plan on seeking compensation under a no-fault, or negligence-based, system of recovery.
  • Document what happened. Take time to write down exactly what you were doing at the time of the accident and what you believe caused the accident. If anyone witnessed your accident, write down their names and contact information, as well as some notes about what they saw.
  • Contact an attorney. You should contact an attorney immediately. Maritime law is very complicated, and understanding how to recover compensation can be elusive. If you wait too long to file a claim and bring forth an action, you may be barred from damages entirely. Act now.

Call Khan Law Firm Today

At the Khan Law Firm, we are here to help you navigate the waters of maritime law and recover the compensation you deserve. If you are ready to take action, use our online form to schedule your free consultation with our experienced Washington maritime lawyers today. You can also call our offices directly.

Feb 14
0

Side-Impact Car Accidents

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

Any type of car accident may cause serious injury or even death. Side-impact car accidents are especially dangerous because the victim often has less protection than in a head-on or rear-end collision. And in many cases, injuries sustained in a side-impact accident may not be visible immediately after the impact.

What Is a Side-Impact Accident?

A side-impact accident refers to a collision between two vehicles at an approximately 90-degree angle. Unlike a head-on or rear-end collision, a side-impact accident means one vehicle directly strikes the doors on one side of the second vehicle. Such accidents are often called “broadside” or “T-bone” accidents, the latter referring to the shape the two vehicles make upon impact.

Side-impact accidents most frequently occur at intersections. For example, Driver A lawfully proceeds through an intersection. At the same time Driver B, who is traveling in the perpendicular direction, runs the red light at the intersection and hits the side of Driver A’s vehicle.

Why Are Side-Impact Accidents Dangerous?

Modern cars and trucks are designed to withstand much of the impact of head-on or rear-end collisions. In other words, if you are hit head-on, your bumper, engine, and driver’s side airbag–in addition to the “crumple zones” of the second vehicle–will absorb a great deal of the kinetic energy from the accident, hopefully minimizing any injury to you or your passengers. In contrast, there is usually nothing more than the door and window to protect you in the event of a side-impact accident.

Additionally, a side-impact accident may cause the impacted vehicle to spin or roll over. This can lead to additional collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, and even stationary objects such as buildings. You are therefore much more likely to bear the full brunt of a side-impact collision–even if the collision occurs at a relatively low speed–relative to any other kind of accident.

According to the most recent statistics published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, approximately 25 percent of all fatal car accidents are the result of side-impact collisions. In 2015, the last year for which there is complete data, 5,593 people died nationally in side-impact accidents. The majority of these deaths (about 3,800) occurred among car passengers, with the rest divided between trucks and sport-utility vehicles.

What Types of Injuries Can I Suffer?

Even a non-fatal side-impact car accident can produce serious, lifelong injuries. Here are some of the more common problems accident victims face:

  • Neck and spinal injuries. Whiplash occurs when there is sudden, rapid movement of the neck. When you are in a car crash, your head remains stationary at the moment of impact. This means your neck absorbs most of the energy. The ligaments and muscles in the neck stretch. Eventually, your head “catches up” with your neck and pulls it back in the opposite direction. All of this can lead to serious spine damage.
  • Traumatic brain injuries. Whiplash can also lead to a concussion, which is just a nice way of saying traumatic brain injury. Separate from whiplash, any blunt force impact to the head–say, if your head hits the steering wheel or the window during the accident–can cause a concussion. A traumatic brain injury may not be immediately obvious. You may not lose consciousness and the effects of your cognitive functioning may not be known for hours, days, or even weeks after the accident.
  • Injuries to limbs. Broken bones are common in side-impact accidents, as limbs are often slammed into the door, the dashboard, or even other seats in the car. As with brain injuries, some limb injuries are not immediately detected. You may not notice any symptoms until some time has passed.
  • Chest injuries. Finally, a side-impact accident may cause bruising or contusions to the chest. In many cases these are just superficial wounds. But they may also signal broken ribs or even internal bleeding, which may require surgical intervention.

Is the Other Driver Responsible for My Injuries?

The critical question in side-impact car accidents is determining who had the right of way. As noted above, these types of accidents usually occur when one driver ignores traffic signals or the other driver’s lawful and superior right to be in the intersection. In many cases this is actually pretty simple to figure out. Indeed, the responsible driver may even admit fault if it is obvious.

But if things devolve into a “he said-she said” situation, then you must take steps to preserve any evidence that may help prove the other driver’s liability:

  • Call the police. Even if there is no immediate disagreement between you and the other driver over who is at fault, you should always obtain an official police report of the accident.
  • Take pictures. Fortunately just about all of us now carry a high-resolution camera in our pockets via our phones. You should not only take pictures of your damaged vehicle, but also of any skid marks on the road. This can be helpful in later reconstructing the accident.
  • Locate witnesses. If there were other drivers or pedestrians who saw what happened, take down their name and contact information. Make sure they also speak with the police when they arrive at the scene.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

If the other driver concedes liability, his or her insurance company may offer you a quick settlement to avoid a potential personal injury lawsuit. You should always be skeptical of an insurer’s first offer. Remember, the insurer is there to protect their insured and themselves, not you.

Since many serious injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be diagnosed until several weeks after a side-impact accident, it is often a bad idea to settle quickly. Do not let the other driver’s insurance company pressure you into taking a deal that may not fully compensate you for your injuries.

Indeed, aside from the police and your own insurance company, the only person you should speak with following a side-impact car accident is an experienced Seattle injury attorney. Contact the Khan Law Firm, PLLC, if you need to consult with a qualified car accident lawyer who knows how to deal with insurance companies.

Other T-Bone Accident Video’s

Dec 13
0

Whiplash Injuries

By | Car Accidents | No Comments

Whiplash Injuries

Serious injuries can result from even minor accidents, with symptoms that can take days or even weeks to fully appear. This is particularly true with whiplash, one of the most common types of accidental injuries, and while the harm done may not be immediately apparent, the effects could impact your health and well-being, both now and in the years to come. The following provides important information you need to be aware of about whiplash injuries, how they commonly occur, and the actions you as a victim can take to ensure your recovery.

Common Causes Of Whiplash

Whiplash is the name commonly used to describe a neck sprain or strain, which occurs as the result of a person’s head moving back and forth suddenly and with force. According to Healthline, this type of movement causes damage to the muscles and other soft tissues in the neck, and while whiplash is often considered to be a fairly minor injury, it can result in long term pain and discomfort, while limiting range of motion.

Whiplash often occurs as the result of a car accident, in particular those involving rear end collisions. The latest statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that rear end collisions are the most common type of motor vehicle accident, injuring as many as 1.7 million people each year. Other types of accidents that can result in whiplash include the following:

  • Motorcycle accidents;
  • Bicycle and pedestrian accidents;
  • Slip and fall accidents;
  • Recreational or sports related accidents;
  • Accidents involving being struck by or against an object.

When you suffer any type of accidental injury, regardless of how minor it may appear, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, and to follow all your doctor’s instructions. Failing to promptly and adequately address whiplash injuries can have severe and potentially permanent impacts on your health.  

Symptoms of A Whiplash Injury

In the event of an accident, the Mayo Clinic advises victims to be alert for the symptoms of whiplash, which could take anywhere from 24 hours to several days to appear. In addition to neck pain, stiffness, and limited movement of the neck muscles, symptoms of a whiplash injury include the following:

  • Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull;
  • Pain that radiates through your shoulders, upper arms, and torso;
  • Tingling and numbness in the arms or hands;
  • Dizziness and problems maintaining balance;
  • Blurred vision;
  • Excessive fatigue or muscle weakness.

Other, less common symptoms you may experience after your accident as the result of a whiplash injury include problems with memory and concentration, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders, such as depression or increased irritability.

It is imperative to get medical attention right away when you suffer this type of injury, to allow your doctor to rule out conditions such as bone fractures, damaged discs or vertebrae, and muscle tears.

Treatments and Potential Complications of Whiplash

In diagnosing your condition, the Mayo Clinic advises that your doctor will test the range of motion in your neck, arms, and shoulders, while also assessing strength, sensation, and your reflexes in these areas. In addition, your doctor may order one or all of the following tests:

  • X-rays of the neck from multiple angles, to rule out fractures and dislocations;
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan, which can reveal bone damage;
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can detect soft tissue injuries and damage to the spinal cord and disks.

Once your doctor has assessed your condition, a course of treatment will be prescribed. This often includes a required period of rest to allow the muscles and tendons to heal, in addition to the use of both prescribed and over-the-counter pain medications and muscle relaxers. Exercise and physical therapy is likely to play an important role in your recovery, to build up weakened muscles and restore range of motion. In the case of severe whiplash injuries, you may require the use of a soft foam cervical collar, to immobilize the affected area and allow time for it to heal.  

With any kind of soft tissue injury, there is always the risk of reinjury, and complications of whiplash injuries could result in chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, and arms, as well as in permanent impairments. Disabilities resulting from whiplash could make it difficult to continue working in your job or career field, while making it difficult to engage in hobbies and social activities you once enjoyed.

What To Do If You Suffer Whiplash As The Result of An Accident

Accidents happen quickly and unexpectedly, and it is important to know what to do if you are injured:

For Motor Vehicle, Bicycle, Or Pedestrian Accidents

Report the accident immediately to local law enforcement and get medical attention for your injuries. All motorists involved are required to submit their personal contact information, as well as the driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance policy numbers. An accident report will be taken, which should include the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as any witnesses at the scene.

For Recreational Or Sports-Related Accidents And Those Involving Slips, Falls, Or Being Struck By Or Against An Object

Report the accident to the property supervisor or to security personnel at the scene and get medical attention right away. An incident report is taken, again making note of the date, time, place, and circumstances under which the accident occurred, and anyone at the scene who may have witnessed what happened.

Our Seattle Whiplash Injury Attorneys Can Help

If you or someone you care about has suffered whiplash injuries as the result of an accident, contact the Khan Law Firm, PLLC today. Our experienced Seattle accidental injury attorneys can advise you on the best course of action for getting compensation for your injuries, either through an insurance company claim or by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Whiplash injuries can have a major impact on your health as well as your financial security, and you need experienced legal representation to ensure your rights and interests are protected.

Sep 02
0

Accidents Happen: What To Do When You Cannot Avoid a Car Accident in Washington

By | Car Accidents | No Comments
Washington Car Accident Infographic

There are 5,293,568 licensed drivers in the state of Washington, a number only outmatched by 12 other states. Because of the number of drivers on the road, it is critical that Washington drivers take extra precautions when operating a motor vehicle, as there is a much greater chance of causing a car accident than in a state with fewer drivers, such as Kentucky, Rhode Island, or Wyoming. Unfortunately, Washington’s car accident statistics reveal numbers comparable with the amount of drivers in the state. For instance, there were 420,275 speeding citations filed with Washington state courts in 2014, 31,128 DUI cases, and 97,763 individuals involved in car accident fatalities and injuries.

With those numbers to contend with, state officials are working hard to pinpoint the leading causes of car accidents in Washington so that they may work towards eradicating the problems for good.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Washington

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s 2014 Annual Collision Summary, a speeding driver was involved in a car accident every 28 minutes; an inattentive/distracted driver was involved in a car accident every 12 minutes; and an impaired driver killed a person every one and a half days. The highest number of crashes occurred between 5:00 and 5:59 pm on Fridays. The majority of those accidents were due to human error—namely inattention and distraction.

At the Khan Law Firm, PLLC, our Seattle car accident lawyers help clients deal with injuries sustained from a variety of accidents. However, the leading causes of car accidents in Washington are those for which we see the most personal injury claims, and are as follows:

  • Drunk Driving: According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, drunk driving is the leading cause of car accident fatalities throughout the state. As well as criminal penalties for drinking and driving, offenders may face civil lawsuits brought against them by a victim’s family members, or even the victim themselves.
  • Speeding: Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents in Washington, and accounts for nearly two and half collisions per hour of every day.
  • Distracted Driving: From texting and driving to putting on makeup, the most frequent contributing circumstance among all collisions in Washington is distracted or inattentive driving. While the numbers are unclear as to just what extent distracted driving is responsible for the increasing car accident fatality rates in the United States, it is estimated that the number of deaths is more than half a million. Washington is one of many states to take proactive measures against texting and driving and talking on the phone while driving, but distractions can range in nature, and can include eating, playing with the radio, or even talking to others in the vehicle.

Unfortunately, when even one driver is careless on the road, it can lead to negative consequences for several other individuals. At Khan Law Firm, PLLC, our Washington personal injury attorneys advocate for the victims of car accidents in the event that they sustain life-altering injuries that resulted in high medical bills, lost wages, and an overall decrease in quality of life.

What To Do After a Car Accident in Washington

If you have recently been involved in a car accident in Washington, you deserve to be compensated for any injuries sustained during the accident, as well as for emotional pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. However, in order to file a car accident claim, it is important that you understand car accident laws in Washington. A Washington car accident attorney can lend legal knowledge and skill to your case so that you may settle sooner and achieve a more desirable outcome.

Whether you choose to work with a car accident attorney or not, here are some tips that every victim of a Washington car accident should know:

  • The statute of limitations on car accident injury claims in Washington is three years, starting from the day of the crash. However, the three-year limit does not apply if you are filing a claim with your insurance company or with the other driver’s insurance company, as private insurance companies are likely to have their own set of time limitations.
  • Washington is a “pure comparative fault” state, meaning that the victim can share a part of the blame for the accident and their injuries. If the judge rules that the victim is partially responsible, they will reduce your settlement accordingly.
  • Washington requires drivers to carry no less than $85,000 in insurance coverage. If a driver fails to meet Washington’s insurance requirements, they may be unable to file an insurance claim for damages sustained in a car accident.

If you are involved in a car accident in Washington, do the following to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver:

  • Assess your injuries;
  • Take photographs of the accident, including the scene of the accident, the road debris, the vehicles, and your injuries;
  • File a police report;
  • Obtain the names and contact information of eyewitnesses;
  • Hire a Washington car accident attorney; and

Report your losses to your insurance company.

Always remember:

  • Do not give a statement to your own or the other driver’s insurance company without first speaking with your Washington personal injury attorney;
  • Do not sign anything without thoroughly reading it first, and without first letting your car accident attorney read through it with you; and
  • Do not try to settle your own personal injury claim.

Individuals who try to settle their own insurance claim are less likely to achieve a beneficial outcome to their case.

Consult a Washington Car Accident Attorney

At the Khan Law Firm, PLLC, our Seattle car accident lawyers are working hand-in-hand with the state to reduce the number of car accidents that Washington sees each year. However, we understand that car accidents happen, and that at the very least, we can be there to help victims of car accidents receive adequate compensation for their injuries and to move on with their lives. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that resulted in serious damages and/or injuries, do not hesitate, and contact our personal injury firm at 206-430-6096 to consult with one of our knowledgeable car accident lawyers today.