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Stress is a major result of getting into a motor vehicle accident. Aside from the obvious anxiety related to the physical and emotional injuries arising from the accident, there is also the stress of getting compensated. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) gives several suggestions to aid in getting the proper amount of compensation for injuries. These suggestions are helpful for both minor and severe injuries — see below. Document everything. Save every memo, e-mail, prescription order, and receipt that is related to your medical care. Include names and dates on every document. Keep receipts of all injury-related costs. This...

No-Fault vs. Tort Auto Insurance

Jun 24 2013

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Liability insurance is a requirement in all 50 states. There are variations on liability insurance, but the two main categories are no-fault and tort liability. Washington is a tort liability auto insurance (i.e. “fault” liability) state. It is important to understand the distinction between no-fault insurance and tort liability insurance when filing your personal injury claim. Presently, 38 states are tort liability states and the remaining 12 are no-fault. There are certainly pros and cons to both, but, given that the vast majority adheres to the tort liability system, it appears that one is superior. The following breakdown is intended...

The Basics of a Personal Injury Claim

Jun 21 2013

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Personal injury claims are governed by Civil Tort Law. Essentially, a tort is civil wrongful conduct which leads to harm of another. Torts include unintentional wrongs, such as negligence, and intentional wrongs (“intentional torts”), such as trespassing. Personal injury claims are brought on the grounds that an injury has occurred as a result of another’s conduct, and the injured person deserves to be compensated. Negligence vs. Strict Liability There are two ways a defendant can be found liable for a personal injury claim: negligence and strict liability. NEGLIGENCE OUTLINED. A cause of action for negligence occurs when the defendant’s conduct...

Rate of Motorcycle Accidents Increases in Summer Months

Jun 20 2013

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As June comes to a close and July approaches, Washington residents will experience an increase in sunny days and all that it brings: joggers, picnics, swimming and, unfortunately, motorcycle collisions. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the percentage of motorcycle related accidents and injuries significantly increases in the months of July, August and September. The WSDOT reports that in 2011 alone, 2199 motorcycles were involved in a collision. Those collisions resulted in 70 fatalities, 365 serious injuries and 1816 total injuries overall. The great majority of fatalities and injuries are to the driver rather than the passenger....

The Facts About Dog Bite Injuries

Jun 19 2013

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In the United States alone, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur each year. The majority of bite victims were familiar with the dog, and the incident occurred either on the victim’s property or close by. Liability. In Washington State, dog bites are a strict liability crime (RCW 16.08.040). For a strict liability crime, it is not necessary to prove that the defendant acted with negligence or recklessness. A dog bite victim only needs to show that his injury was proximately caused by the defendant’s conduct. Strict Liability for Dog Bites. A dog owner is strictly liable for damages caused by...