Seattle, Washington Personal Injury Law News | Wrongful Death & Car Accident Attorney

Wrongful Death Law in Washington State Can Be Complicated So Hire An Experienced Attorney

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74597 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Seattle wrongful death attorney offers grieving families information about their legal rights.

Wrongful death lawyer Chris Davis is the author of Wrongful Death in Washington State: The Essential Guide To Wrongful Death Law in Washington State. Of course, no amount of money can ever make up for the loss of a beloved spouse or child. Davis wrote the book to help families that are suffering after the untimely death of a loved one understand how the civil justice system can help them recover some financial compensation for the medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and other damages.

After a death family members often want to share their loved one’s story with the media (tv, radio, newspapers) to make sure that no one else will ever have to suffer in the same way. This may or may not be in the best interest of a pending legal action. Sometimes we advise that people don’t communicate with the media after a wrongful death. But when it is appropriate Davis Law Group has experience working with families and the media to share these personal stories in a way that is satisfying to the family without damaging their case.

If you have lost a loved one in Washington state due to the negligence of an individual or corporation contact Chris Davis and the Seattle and Bellevue wrongful death attorneys at Davis Law Group. Call 206-727-4000.

Greg Colburn, Seattle Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Attorney

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74614 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Injury Attorney's Own Experience in a Wheelchair Gives Him a Unique Perspective

Personal injury and spinal cord injury attorney Greg Colburn understands what it is like to be confined to a wheelchair. After a horrible construction accident he spent two years in a wheelchair, had numerous surgeries and had to learn how to walk again—all while attending law school.

His own experience has given him a unique understanding of how an accident can instantly change a life, and how challenging the world can be to one who has lost the use of their limbs either temporarily or permanently.

If you or a loved one has been rendered a paraplegic or quadriplegic through and accident caused by the negligence of another spinal cord injury lawyer Greg Colburn and Davis Law Group founder Chris Davis can help you get the financial compensation that you need to cover medical costs, lost wages, and numerous other expenses. Call 206-727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.

Free Attorney Referral Service

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74634 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Need an attorney referral?

If you have never needed to hire an attorney you may be confused about what type of lawyer to call for your case. You may look to friends or relatives for an attorney referral. Or you may call a law office and ask for an lawyer referral.

If you call Davis Law Group and we cannot help you with your case we’ll do what we can to put you in touch with a top lawyer whose area of expertise is relevant to your case. Call 206-727-4000.

We make attorney referrals every day. Although Davis Law Group is focused on personal injury law we often get calls about criminal matters, divorce, real-estate, workman’s compensation, discrimination, etc. We want every person who calls our office to feel that we helped them in some way---even if that means making a referral to another lawyer.

Local Bellevue Car Accident Attorney Christopher Michael Davis

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74638 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Bellevue-native Chris Davis is a local Bellevue accident lawyer.

Attorney Chris Davis grew up in the Bellevue area and has been serving the community as a Bellevue car accident attorney for nearly two decades. Chris practices personal injury law which includes motor vehicle collisions.

Car and truck accidents frequently happen on Bellevue area streets and roads such as: Bellevue Way, Bel-Red Road, 148th Street, Street Lake Washington Blvd, NE 8th Street and at congested on and off-ramps on I-405, I-90 and SR-520.

Injury victims are often inundated with medical bills and insurance adjustor calls. They often become frustrated with the injury claims process and confused about their legal rights. But if you have been injured in an accident in the Bellevue area you can call Bellevue car accident attorney Chris Davis for a free legal consultation. Call 425-298-3104.

Pedestrian Accident in Kent, WA Leaves One Dead

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74650 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Motorcycle Strikes Pedestrian in Kent

A pedestrian was tragically killed in Kent, WA after being struck by a motorcycle while crossing Pacific Highway South on Tuesday, January 31, 2012.

According to the King County Medical Examiner's Office the man was William L. Smith. Apparently Smith was attempting to cross in the 23400 block of Pacific Highway South on the West Hill, just south of the Kent Des Moines Road intersection when a southbound motorcycle shit him. Although paramedics worked to revive the Mr. Smith they were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Approximately 5,000 pedestrians are killed and 64,000 others are injured in motor vehicle accidents every year in the United States.

Legal Assistance In Kent, Washington

Kent car accident attorney Chris Davis handles all sorts of motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle accidents and pedestrian collisions. If you or a loved one has been injured in the Kent, Washington area call 206-727-4000 for a free legal consultation.

FREE MADD Power Of Parents Training - Washington State Mothers Against Drunk Driving

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74653 — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

What: Free facilitator training in Power of Parents, It’s Your InfluenceTM - Power of Parents is a parent initiative developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Why: Learn how to make 30-minute presentations about underage drinking prevention to parents.
When: Friday, February 17, 2012, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Where: Garfield Teen Life Center, 428 23rd Avenue, Seattle WA 98122

The presenter is Jackie Berganio, Program Manager/Community Coordinator, King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division’s Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program.

Participants in the facilitator training will receive Power of Parents materials, including a manual and the PowerPoint presentation. After becoming a certified trainer, facilitators can then use those materials to make presentations to parent groups such as PTAs.

If interested, please register by completing the form (see attached), save it then submit it by Wednesday, February 8, 2012 to Jackie Berganio by email at jackie.berganio@kingcounty.gov or by fax at (206) 296-0583. A confirmation will be sent to inform you whether your registration has been accepted. For more information, please contact Jackie Berganio by phone at 206-263-8931 or via email.

This training is provided through funding support by: Washington State Liquor Control Board and King County. Co-Sponsored by: Central Seattle Drug Free Communities Coalition, Mercer Island Communities that Care, Neighborhood House, Prevention WINS, and Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse

Million Dollar Personal Injury Settlements and Verdicts

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74251 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Notable Personal Injury Cases With 1 Million Dollars Or More In Settlement Value

Fatal Semi Truck Accident Kills Two - $1 Million Dollar Wrongful Death Settlement

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74262 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Semi Truck Accident Causes Wrongful Death

A violent collision between a semi truck and a passenger sedan ended in tragedy. The distracted driver of the tractor trailer had to make a sudden evasive maneuver to avoid striking another vehicle. The truck veered hard left and the driver lost control. The tractor/trailer flew across the grass median that separated east and west-bound lanes of traffic. The front of the tractor struck the driver’s side of oncoming vehicle. The vehicle was ripped in half lengthwise and the passengers were ejected from the vehicle and died instantly.
The family filed a wrongful death action which later settled for $1 million dollars.
Davis Law Group frequenly represents the victims of semi truck accidents and families that are suffering from the wrongful death of a loved one. If you need a semi truck accident attorney or wrongful death lawyer contact Davis Law Group at 206-727-4000.
Note: names, case details, plaintiffs, defendants, insurance companies, attorneys and other information are not published here.

New Article: U.S. Child Drownings Have Declined

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73278 — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

From 1993 to 2008, the number of children who died from drowning declined 42 percent. Total trips to the hospital after drowning-related incidents declined by 51 percent among children.

"There have been efforts at education from a variety of groups," said study author Stephen Bowman, an assistant professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. "One would think that those messages are getting across."

The second leading cause of death for children in the United States is drowning. The first cause of death is car accidents. Nonfatal drowning often results in brain damage and long-term disability, according to the study.

Click here to read the entire article, Fatal Child Drownings in U.S. Decrease Dramatically

Has Your Child Been Injured in an Accident?

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have handled many high profile cases, resulting in favorable results for their clients. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis wrote a book on child injuries, Little Kids, Big Accidents. Click here to order a free copy of the book. Schedule a free consultation today with Seattle's top attorneys by calling (206) 727-4000.

Multi-Million Dollar Personal Injury Settlements & Verdicts in Washington State

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)74169 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

There are frequently multi-million dollar jury verdicts and settlements in Washington state and neighboring states. Below are just a few recent cases with sizable outcomes.

New Article: Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Problems

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73271 — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Gabrielle Giffords has been a living model of how brain injury can be treated with the utmost care and rehabilitation, to help a near-fatal injury. After the U.S. Rep. was shot in the head, she has fought hard and continued to receive the best care for her brain injury. But, is she getting care that is not available to the average person who is living with traumatic bran injury?

Right now, there is a lack of knowledge and care among medical professionals for treatment of traumatic brain injuries.

The estimated National Institutes of Health funding for research on traumatic brain injuries is $85 million. A single patient with brain injuries can cost anywhere from $2 million to $4 million. According to a report by Lisa McGuire of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, laast year the estimated cost of brain injury was $76.3 billion.

Click here to read the entire article on traumatic brain injury.

Best Brain Damage Lawyers in Washington State

One of the top reasons for brain injury is car accidents. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully advocating for brain injury victims for many years. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis has represented many victims of high profile cases. He is known for her success and knowledge in the field of personal injury. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.

Parents Awarded More Than $9 Million In Daycare Wrongful Death Lawsuit

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73900 — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Daycare Death Case Ends in Multi-Million Dollar Jury Award

A jury has awarded $9.89 million in damages to the parents of a child that died in a daycare facility. The parents had enrolled their child in a daycare run by two individuals who claimed that their facility was state-approved. The child was left unattended, fell into an unsecured pool and drowned.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

In Washington State the child injury and wrongful death attorneys at Davis Law Group serve the family members of children that have been injured or killed due to negligence. Contact Seattle attorney Chris Davis at 206-727-4000.

Suing a College or University for the Injury or Wrongful Death of a Student

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73664 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In 2006 a college freshman died mysteriously in his college dorm in New Jersey. The student’s blood was found around the trash compactor and his body was found a month later in a local-area landfill. A superior court judge recently ruled that the student’s parents are entitled to sue the university for wrongful death because a jury could conclude that the school was responsible for lax security at the dorm which may have led to a stranger gaining access to the student.

Can I Sue the University of Washington or Washington State Univeristy for the injury or death of my child?

Locally, parents of students at colleges and universities in Washington State may be asking themselves if they should sue if their child is injured or killed on campus. The circumstances of every case are different. Parents would be wise to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney who can examine the facts of the case, the school’s policies, etc. to make a determination of liability and decide if a lawsuit is warranted.

Should Every Distracted Driving Behavior Be Illegal?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73285 — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Many states have banned cell phone use while driving, including Washington State. It is now a primary offense to e texting while driving, or to talk on the phone without a hand-held device.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board more than 3,000 people lost their lives in distraction-related accidents.
However, I read an intriguing article recently, describing how cell phone usage has never been proven to cause accidents. Yes, cell phones may be distracting, but so can other features in the car or other distracting behavior.

Do cell phones actually cause accidents?

Of course, cell phone use can be a distraction. The author of this article points out many other driver distractions. He actually conducted many real world behavioral studies on drivers and he found a lot of questionable behavior.

“I observed many drivers who were not wearing their seat belts; a few who seemed under the influence; several who were too focused on their Big Mac’s to pay attention to the road; a few who enjoyed their Marlboro’s a little too much; some who were listening to the radio volume so loudly that they could not have heard a fire-truck directly behind them; several turned around facing backwards as they drove forwards yelling at their children; one who was driving a car so improperly maintained it had to be restarted at every red-light; two women who were applying make-up so intently they almost hit the vehicle in front of them; several drivers who had one arm out the window; and one driver who had both arms out the window driving with one foot on the steering wheel and the other one on the gas pedal. And yes, there were several drivers who were so distracted by their cell-phones that they should not have been driving.”

I found this very interesting. Since phone usage has become strongly regulated, should every other distracting behavior also become illegal?

The other burning question is whether these laws have actually been effective. Many researchers are saying that it has become more dangerous because people are acting more irresponsibly to hide that they are on their phone.

Of course, cell phones can be distracting – but many other things can too. Should every distracting behavior become illegal?

I do not have the answer, but it is definitely a point to ponder.

Click here to read the original article No Evidence Using Cell Phones While Driving Causes Accidents.

Pedestrian Accident on SR 526

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73662 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

One Pedestrian Fatally Injured

One person has died due to a pedestrian collision with a motor vehicle on State Road 526 near Seaway Boulevard at around 5am today. Apparently an SUV eastbound struck a man trying to cross the busy highway. Area police are investigating the collision and they believe that a nearby Toyota Corolla which appears to be abandoned may be the pedestrian’s vehicle. Police think that perhaps the vehicle became disabled which is why the pedestrian was attempting to cross the lanes on foot. Eastbound lanes were closed this morning during the investigation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nationally 4,092 pedestrians were killed in preventable accidents in 2009. That averages to 11 people fatal pedestrian collisions each day. Locally, Washington State Patrol reports a sharp spike in the number of pedestrian fatalities in Washington state.

Seattle pedestrian accident attorney, Chris Davis, offers pedestrian accident victims and their families a free legal guide entitled Right of Way: The Essential Guide to Pedestrian Accident Law in Washington State and when a pedestrian accident leads to death Wrongful Death in Washington State: The Essential Guide To Wrongful Death Law in Washington State offers insightful information on the litigation process, the need to start a probate action, dealing with medical and funeral bills, making sure that the surviving children and family members are fairly compensated, and the necessary legal steps involved in a wrongful death lawsuit. Davis as handled dozens of pedestrian legal actions and wrongful death lawsuits and is widely regarded as one of the most creative and innovative lawyers practicing law in the Seattle area.

Icy Roads Lead to Accidents Across Puget Sound

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73667 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In the aftermath of the record breaking snow storm, icy roads led to the death of a Gig Harbor woman on Monday morning. The 44-year old woman had pulled over to assist other drivers who had spun out when she was struck and killed just after 5 AM.

A state trooper was also helping at the scene of the accident on westbound Highway 16. He was struck by another vehicle while outside his patrol car. He was taken to a hospital and suffered a knee injury.

The victims of the initial accident suffered minor injuries in the multiple-vehicle accident. Due to the collision, the westbound lanes of Highway 16 were shut down for several hours.

This accident was one of many that occurred throughout the Puget Sound area during the ice storm. Seattle accident attorney, Chris Davis, offers accident victims and their families a free legal guide entitled The Ten Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Washington Accident Case and when a car accident leads to death Wrongful Death in Washington State: The Essential Guide to Wrongful Death Law in Washington State. Mr. Davis offers a free legal consultation to accident victims seeking legal representation.

Large Settlements and Verdicts for Seattle Attorney

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73673 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Big Verdicts and Settlements

Seattle attorney Chris Davis and the team at Davis Law Group are well known for their large settlements and substantial verdicts in Washington State personal injury and wrongful death cases. In most of the firm’s largest settlement cases the settlement amounts are so large that the defendant’s insurance company insists on a confidentially clause to discourage other lawsuits—so the firm cannot disclose the settlement amount on their website. To learn more you can visit our Washington State Settlements, Verdicts & Case Results page on our website.

The Legal Aftermath of the Puget Sound's Snowmegeddon 2012

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73540 — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Snowmegeddon Accidents Have Legal Repercussions For Winter Weather Drivers

The LA Times ran a story this week that accused Seattle-area residents of being "snow wimps" that can’t drive in winter weather conditions. Whether or not that is true is up for debate on local news radio talk stations across the region. But what is clear is that there are a lot of people who don’t have very much experience driving on icy roads. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) said it had responded to about 2,300 accidents in a 24-hour period from 9 a.m. Wednesday to 9 a.m. Thursday. That is roughly quadruple the average number of accidents on any given day.
Trooper Guy Gill, spokesman for WSP told the Los Angeles Times, “you can see we're just getting hammered with crashes, and the reason why is folks, number one, are going too fast for conditions, and they're just not able to maintain control of their vehicles, and there's lots of little sports cars and things that really have no business being out in this kind of weather."
Now, in the aftermath of Snowmegeddon, literally thousands of accident victims are asking themselves “Who is at fault for a car accident due to snow, ice or black ice?” Can you blame the weather conditions for your accident? Can the guy that hit you blame weather conditions to avoid liability?
The short answer is ‘no’.
Most people don’t know that they are still at fault if they cause an accident during winter weather conditions. One cannot blame the weather for an accident.
For example, if you are rear-ended by a vehicle behind you in which the driver lost control on black ice, he is still at fault for the accident. Therefore you are entitled to compensation from his insurance company for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
If you have been in an accident during this week don't let the at-fault driver or their insurance company try to blame the road conditions. The at-fault driver had a responsibility to drive safely--no matter what the conditions.

Car T-Bones School Bus, Critically Injures Woman Crossing Street

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73064 — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A car hit a school bus and injured 6 people and critically injured an older woman. The driver was in a Nissan Altima. The driver hit a stop sign and t-boned the school bus. Reports say she nearly hit children crossing the street. She did, however, hit a 59-year-old woman, pinning her between the bus and a house.

The children and driver of the bus were not injured.

The homeowner was not home when the bus crashed into it. The homeowner said that it is not the first time someone has crashed into her home as the intersection is very dangerous in front of her home.

Best Bus Accident Lawyer in Washington State

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully representing injured victims from bus accidents for nearly 20 years. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation, call our office at (206) 727-4000.

Pedestrians Listening to iPods Causing Serious Injuries, Fatalities

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73240 — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A new study shows that pedestrians listening to music on their iPods are causing injuries and deaths. The research from the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine and the University Of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore shows that serious pedestrian injuries have tripled in six years.

The findings show that in many cases, cars and trains are beeping their horns but pedestrians cannot hear them when they have their earphones in. This leads to fatalities in nearly three-quarters of cases.

"Everybody is aware of the risk of cell phones and texting in automobiles, but I see more and more teens distracted with the latest devices and headphones in their ears," says lead author Richard Lichenstein, associate professor of pediatrics at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine.

The study looked at 116 accidents from 2004 to 2011 in which pedestrians were hit by trains or vehicles. They found that in 70 percent of the cases, the pedestrian was killed. More than half of the moving vehicles involved in the accidents were trains and almost a third of the vehicle reported using their horn to warn the pedestrian. More than two-thirds of victims were male and under the age of 30.

"The increased incidence of accidents over the years closely corresponds to documented rising popularity of auditory technologies with headphones," the university says in a statement.

The study was prompted after a teenager was killed crossing railroad tracks while wearing headphones. The train was honking and she did not avoid the oncoming train.

Alert your children and teenagers of the dangers of wearing headphones while walking on busy streets near motor vehicles and/or trains.

Phone Technology to Prevent Teenagers From Distracted Driving

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73243 — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

With the amount of teenagers distracted behind by the wheel, parents are using new technology to ensure that their children are not texting, talking or surfing the web while driving.

Jack Lavender, a father of a 21-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son, is using a product called Cellcontrol, which parents can buy for $7.95 a month for up to six phones, to prevent his kids from using their phones while driving.

"They live so much on the phone and they do so much of their communication using texting. I know how dangerous it is, so for me, it's really reassuring to know that they're not doing it," Lavender said.

Parents believe the technology is making the roads safer since nearly half of young drivers using their cell phone while driving.

There are also many applications that can be downloaded to prevent phone use while moving.

"Driving while distracted is quickly becoming the new DUI/DWI," says Daniel Maier, vice president of sales at Illume Software, based in Needham, Mass. It was founded 3½ years ago to produce the iZup line of distracted-driving prevention products for Android and Blackberry devices.

Another software that is gaining popularity is called iZup, which costs $20 annually. The software blocks all incoming calls, emails and texts to the phone while it is in motion.

If you want peace of mind to make sure your teen is not distracted while driving, there is a lot of great technology out there.

Types of technology:

•Software that uses on-phone GPS or in-vehicle Bluetooth systems to determine when the vehicle is moving.

•Devices that connect with the vehicle's on-board diagnostics port or integrate into vehicle electronics or infotainment platform, shutting off gadgets while the vehicle is moving. They include Cellcontrol, Key2SafeDriving and Taser International's Protector.

•Detection, jamming, monitoring and sensors. They include Trinity-Noble's Guardian Angel, which locks the keys of a cellphone when a vehicle is going over a pre-set speed.

"If you use technology to address distracted driving, then I believe we will create a new generation of safer drivers because they'll never use the bad behaviors in the first place that we brought into the car," says Chuck Cox, senior vice president of Cellcontrol. The company, based in Baton Rouge, was founded in 2009 to develop technology to address distracted driving.

Who is at fault for a car accident due to snow, ice or black ice?

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)73466 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Liability / Responsibility for Accidents in Winter Weather

Many people are surprised to discover that they are still at fault if they cause a car accident during a snow storm, are involved in a collision on icy roads or are involved in a black ice accident. You can’t blame the weather for an accident. Drivers have a duty to drive safely and appropriately no matter what the conditions.

Some people want argue that it is unfair to be found at fault when you are unable to control your car due to the ice. But drivers are well aware of the dangers of driving in winter weather conditions and so the law holds them responsible when an accident occurs. Every time someone chooses to drive in the snow or on an icy road they can be held responsible if they cause an accident.

Injured In A Winter-Weather Accident

For example, if you are rear-ended by a vehicle behind you in which the driver lost control on black ice, he is still at fault for the accident. Therefore you are entitled to compensation from his insurance company for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Medical Malpractice During Labor: What are the Signs of Negligence?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73051 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Medical malpractice can be the start of a total nightmare. Whether it be a misdiagnoses, prescription error, or mistake during surgery, your life can be very affected by the doctor’s mistake. What about when something goes wrong during the delivery of a baby?

Statistics shows that six out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States suffer some form of birth injury. These injuries can range from mile to serious.

Examples of injury during labor include:

• Fractured bones – The most common is a fractured collar bone, which typically heals once the baby is immobilized.

• Facial paralysis – This can be caused by pressure on the baby’s face during birth or the use of forceps. Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged nerves.

• Erb's palsy – This condition occurs when the group of nerves that controls hand and arm movement is damaged during birth. It often happens when the baby’s shoulders hinder its passage through the birth canal. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

• Cerebral palsy – This condition can occur if a baby is deprived of oxygen during birth, resulting in brain damage.

Of course, some of these injuries cannot be prevented, which does not make it the medical professional’s fault. However, those that can be prevented and are caused by the doctor are a result of medical malpractice or negligence. This can be in part by a doctor, anesthesiologist, nurse or paramedic.

In May 2011, a Connecticut family was awarded $58 million after a jury ruled that their obstetrician made several errors during their son's delivery in 2003. The family's attorney argued that the baby should have been delivered two days before he actually was, when the mother's embryonic fluid experienced a significant decline. The son now suffers from a serious form of cerebral palsy and will not be able to perform many daily functions on his own throughout his entire life.

source: http://www.click2houston.com/news/How-medical-malpractice-leads-to-birth-injuries/-/1735978/7905180/-/op0fp0z/-/index.html

Top Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Washington State

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully representing victims of medical malpractice. If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice or negligence – do not hesitate. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Hit and Run Driver Had 15 Drinks Before Killing Man

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73052 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run driver got behind the wheel after a nine-hour drinking session. The driver hit a man and then fled the scene.

The drunk driver drank 15 drinks before driving his Vauxhall Vectra. He hit a man a fled the scene leaving the 33-year-old man dead in the street.

The 46-year-old drunk hit-and-driver will spend 5 years in jail.

Davis Law Group sends sincere condolences to the friends and family of the victim.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Washington State

Feel good about doing the right thing. Anonymously report a hit-and-run accident driver and get a reward. The Davis Law Group Hit-And-Run Reward Program offers up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers through anonymous tips provided to the WeTip Crime Hotline, 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (1-800-644-8678).

Driver High on Meth Nearly Killed Pregnant Woman, Found Guilty

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73059 — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A man high on methamphetamine that crashed into a pregnant woman is found guilty of driving under the influence, assault and reckless driving.

The 54-year-old was arrested in 2010 for hitting a 19-year-old pregnant woman. The crash nearly killed the pregnant woman and put her unborn baby in serious jeopardy. The baby was born premature but did survive.

The driver denied smoking meth before the accident but admitted to smoking the day before. He pleads innocent.
The jury unanimously found him guilty on all counts.

The man also denied crashing into the victim’s vehicle. He also denied representation because he wanted to give his own closing argument in court.

Previously, he pleaded not guilty to several charges including assault, DUI and reckless driving. The driver also has an extensive criminal background. A recording from the day of the accident shows him saying that someone must have “set him up” after officers found a cocaine and meth pipe in his jeep.

The defendant now requires around-the clock care at a rehabilitation facility. The family plans to bring the baby to trial every day so that defendant can personally see who he injured. Since the near-fatal accident, the woman cannot get out of bed or walk on her own.

Top Severe Car Accident Lawyer in Washington State

The attorneys at Davis Law Group are highly reputable for their experience and favorable settlements. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Police Ticket 6-Year-Old For Reckless Driving

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73043 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Police in Mexico are apologizing for ticketing a 6-year-old boy after he drove his miniature motorcycle into an SUV. The police cited him for reckless driving, driving without a license and not having his vehicle registered. His mother, who bought him the mini motorcycle for Christmas, was very upset after finding that the police also impounded the gasoline-powered motorbike.

The boy’s mother went to the media to make the case public, after discovering that he was also fined $183 to recover the motorbike. The authorities have since dropped the fines and gave the family the motorbike back. The police who ticketed the boy are now being punished for acting improperly.
The boy was not injured.

Self-Proclaimed Dog Specialist Under Investigation for Dog Bite Attack

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73047 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A man is under investigation after his Rottweiler mauled a toddle at a beach on Wednesday. He calls himself the “Dog Shaman” and has a website called "Good Dog – join the pack". The dog owners believe that he can rehabilitate dogs.

Yet the dog experts’ own Rottweiler attacked a toddler for the second time.

The man was walking his dogs when his Rottweiler attacked a two-year-old. The same dog mauled a four-year-old just last year.

On his website, it states: “James believes no one should ever be aggressive, hit or yell at a dog to correct its behaviour or stop it from doing something.

Aside from his website, he also is a regular guest on the morning TV show Expresso on SABC 3 and on the Radio 702 Pet Care Line show.

The man is not talking about the matter.

The young girl’s aunt was with her when the dog attack and explains what happened that day.

“When I turned back, I saw three Rottweilers. One grabbed Meeka and dragged her away. I immediately jumped to cover her face because I was so scared it would bite her there,” the victim’s aunt Liska October said. “The dog’s owner came and took the dog away. A lady who said she was a doctor came to help us.”

The doctors said she had 11 bites with bruising. Thankfully, the dog missed a major artery.

The dog was taken to the city’s animal pound until further investigation.

Top Dog Bite Accident Lawyer in Bellevue

Attorney Chris Davis has handled many dog bites cases and wrote a book on dog bite law. He is frequently in the news discussing his high profile dog bite cases. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog attack, call our office at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Woman Who Drove Wrong Way on I-5 Charged with DUI

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73048 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The woman, who drove 18 miles in the wrong direction on I-5, traveling 100 mph, is under investigation for DUI. The woman driving a white Lincoln LS was finally stopped by troopers using spike strips to flatten the tires.

The woman was identified at 60-year-old Pamela Drawsby of Olympia, WA. She was arrested and booked into Pierce County Jail. The next day she was charged with driving under the influence.

The police received several 911 calls regarding the white car traveling the wrong direction. Once troopers located the vehicle on I-5 they were unable to stop Drawsby.

Passing vehicles and troopers said that it was amazing that there were no injuries.

When troopers approached the vehicle, they found a distraught and intoxicated woman, whom they explain to have had “no idea what was going on.”

The woman could face additional charges of reckless endangerment.

Click here to read another article regarding the wrong way driver incident.

Keeping Children Safe on the Road

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72896 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Nearly 63 percent of deaths of children under the age of fourteen are caused by car accidents. Properly utilizing child car seats reduces the mortality rate by 71 percent. Of all the car accidents recorded nationwide, 83 percent of children who were properly restrained in a car seat did not suffer any form of injury.

To keep your child as safe as possible in the event of a car accident, follow the Washington State Child Restraint Law as listed below:

Children under 13 years old should be transported in the back seat where it is practical to do so.

Children up to their 8th birthday, unless they are 4’9” tall (whichever comes first), must ride in a child restraint. For example, a child car seat, booster seat, vest, or other restraint that is federally approved for use in the car.

The restraint system must be used according to the car seat AND vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

Children 8-years of age or at least 4’9” who wear a seat belt MUST use it correctly – never under the arm or behind the back – or continue to use a booster.

Shoulder belts must be used with booster seats at all times! A child is exempt from the booster seat law requirement, only when a child weighs 40 pounds or more and is in a vehicle with lap-only belts.

Best Child Injury Attorneys in Washington State

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully representing families whose children have been victims of accidents. When a child is injured, it can be a life-changing event in a child's life. Our attorneys work hard every days to make sure you are taken care of, in order for your priority to be your child's physical and emotional wellness.

Ford Recalls 490,000 Vehicles Due to Potential Fire Hazards

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72901 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Ford Motor Co. Recall

Ford is recalling about 490,000 vehicles due to defects that can cause fires or loss of power. The recall will affect 205,896 Ford Freestars and Mercury Monterey minivans. It will also affect 244,530 Ford Escape sport-utility vehicles in the U.S. and 40,000 Escapes in various countries.

Ford spokesman Dan Pierce said the company is committed to top quality, assuring this recall will keep their customers safe.

There have been other past recalls involving the Ford Escape. In 2007, there was a recall saying that the vehicles may not have been properly repaired.

The 2001 and 2002 model Escape SUVs may have brake-fluid leaks from the caps of their brake master cylinder reservoirs. This may led to corrosion that could potentially cause a fire.

“Ford has received a few reports of property damage beyond vehicle-only damage as a result of alleged vehicle fires,” Pierce said of the Escape recall. The company isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries caused by the leaks, he said.

Ford is also recalling 2004 and 2005 model Freestar and Monterey minivans.

There have two minor accidents as a result of these auto defects throughout the past eight years.

Best Auto Defect Lawyers in Bellevue, WA

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have a great deal of experience in representing injured victims that have been in accidents caused by auto or product defect. Schedule a free consultation with Bellevue's premier attorneys at (206) 727-4000.

Lindsay Lohan Sued for Hitting Pedestrian in 2010

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72902 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

More bad publicity for Lindsay Lohan - she is being sued by a paparazzo claiming he was seriously injured when a car she was riding in made a fast getaway at a L.A. nightclub and hit him. He was taking picture of Lohan while he was hit on January 10, 2010.

Her assistant was driving the car in which she directed therefore the lawsuit is against her. The celeb photog’s lawyer says he was treated orthopedic and neurologic injuries.

They attempted to settle the claim with insurance company, but the adjuster offered an insignificant amount considering his injuries.

Top Car Accident and Pedestrian Accident Attorneys in Bellevue, WA

This is a very common example of how an adjustor can use deny and delay tactics to get a small settlement. In car accidents, the most appropriate option may be to file a lawsuit if the insurance company is not cooperating. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have represented accident victims for nearly 20 years. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation with our premier attorneys in Bellevue.

Spinal Cord Injury Can Lead to Brain Damage

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72909 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A new study looked at how spinal cord compression can lead to brain damage. According to the results of the study, patients with spinal cord compression have changes in the motor cortex of the brain. The study examined 11 healthy controls and 24 patients with reversible spinal cord compression. The researchers were looking to see which patients are benefitting from the surgery.

"We're looking not only at the mechanisms of the spinal cord, but also, what's happening in the brain and how it responds to injury in the spinal cord, and whether there is any plasticity or ability in the brain to compensate for injury," Dr. Duggal, an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and a neurosurgeon with London Health Sciences Centre said.

The researchers used many techniques to detect parts of the brain that were involved in the damage of the spinal cord. The goals of the tests were to determine the levels of these chemicals were any different in the participants with spinal cord compression.

They found that those with spinal cord compression or injury had a massive change in the brain chemical levels. The researchers are still working to determine whether this change occurs over time. The study will also help discover which patients will benefit from surgical procedures. The next step of the study is to determine if the levels in the brain will change after surgery.

Best Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

The attorneys at Davis Law Group are highly recognized as premier spinal cord injury attorneys in Washington State. To schedule a free consultation, call our office at (206) 727-4000. To learn more about spinal cord injury visit www.injurytriallawyer.com

Snow Causing Accidents, Traffic on the Seattle Roadways

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73246 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Winter has finally hit the northwest and people are starting to panic. While today was not bad on the roads, the storm has yet to hit. Several inches are supposed to hit today throughout the rest of the week.
If you are in a vehicle that cannot handle the weather, it is strongly advised to stay off the roads. It is not worth the injury or damage to your vehicle to drive.
Public transportation was also affected by many routes changing, which stirred up people's commute this morning.
Continue checking the news for weather updates and changing bus schedules.

Click here to see photos of accidents across the state.

Seattle Law Office Closed In Observance of Marktin Luther King Day 2012

blog@www.injurytriallawyer.com (Blog Author)73158 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Davis Law Group office is closed today in observance of Martin Luther King Day.

Seattle attorney Chris Davis and his family, along with millions of other Americans, will today honor the legacy of slain civil rights leader Marin Luther King Jr.

"MLK Day is a chance to start the year off right by making an impact in your community," said Mischelle Davis, Chris' wife. "It's a chance to remind our children that differences are to be valued."

Chris, his family, and the Davis Law Group staff wish to encourage their friends, family, clients and business associates to take pause today to remember Dr. King, his mission and his legacy. And to look for opportunities in their own community to personally support change and make Dr. King's dream a reality.

More On This Topic:
Davis' Share Inauguration of Barack Obama With 3 Year Old Son Jackson - 1/20/09
MLK Quote: How to be a good lawyer according to Martin Luther King, Jr. - 1/18/10
MLK Day Observed at Seattle Law Office - 1/18/10
Law Office Closed To Honor MLK Day 2011 - 1/17/11

New Article: Stereotypes of Motorcycle Riders

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72765 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

We have uploaded a new article in our law library.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

• The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.

• Fifty-five percent of all reported fatal motorcycle crashes occurring nationally in 1998 involved multiple vehicle crashes and 45% occurred in single-vehicle crashes.

• Five crash types account for 86% of fatal motorcycle crashes: motorcycle runs-off-road 41%, motorcycle or other vehicle runs traffic control 18%, head-on collision 11%, car turns in front of cycle 8% and motorcycle goes down in roadway 7%.

• Forty-five percent of deaths in single-vehicle motorcycle crashes in 1998 included drivers with blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.10%.

• Nine out of 10 motorcycle deaths in 1998 were males. Seventy-seven percent of the females who died in a motorcycle crash were passengers and 98% of males who died were drivers.

New Article: Boy Fractures Skull After Serious Accident in Normandy Park

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72835 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Serious Accident in Normandy Park, Nearly Causes Boy Brain Damage

A woman was just charged with reckless endangerment after a serious accident occurred on August 26, 2011. She was driving her SUV and allegedly told her son and two friends to ride on her back bumper, causing one of the boys to fall off the vehicle and fracture his skull.
The 49-year-old Normandy Park resident Carmen Duncanson was driving down her very long and steep private driveway when her 13-year-old son and two of his friends (who are brothers) stood on the rear bumper.

Click here to read the entire story.

Top Brain Damage Attorney in Bellevue

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have a great deal of experience in fighting for justice on behalf of injured accident victims. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis has represented many victims in high profile cases in Washington State. If you have experienced brain injury, call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

A Fatal Motorcycle Accident Killed a Man and Seriously Injured His Wife

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72836 — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Coupeville man was killed and his wife seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on Central Whidbey.

The Washington State Patrol is reporting that the driver died at the scene. The passenger, his wife, was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The accident occurred on Highway 525 and involved a second vehicle.

According to a state patrol, the driver of the truck was heading north and stopped to make a left turn. The motorcyclist and his wife were driving south; they were following behind another vehicle.

The driver of the truck made the left turn after the first vehicle passed and struck the motorcycle. He was not injured.

The state patrol has cited the cause of the collision as inattention and a failure to yield.

Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

The attorneys at Davis Law Group are very experience in representing victims of motorcycle accidents. To schedule a free legal consultation, call our office today at (206) 727-4000.

Is It Safe For Autistic Teenagers to Drive?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72838 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Appropriate Driving Age for Teen with Autism

A study done by researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Child Injury Prevention found that two-thirds of teenagers with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) are currently driving or plan to drive. The amount of children diagnosed with HFASD in the last decade has increased at a high rate meaning many are almost 16-years-old.

Since this is a more recent issue, there is not much known about the driving skill level for those with HFASD. Since car accidents are a leading cause of death for teenager drivers, it is important to take a closer look to better understand the effect this will have on roadway safety and to develop appropriate tools to enhance safety and skill.

Almost 300 parents of teenagers with HFASD were surveyed. They discovered that there were many predictive characteristics among teenagers who are likely to become drivers. This helps a great deal with learning how to handle a teaching program for those with HFASD. It can help create a customized education plan for each person.

“It’s very common for parents of kids with HFASDs to ask how they should handle learning to drive. Knowing these characteristics can help us prepare anticipatory guidance for families,” said lead author Patty Huang, M.D., a developmental pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). “In Pennsylvania, it’s the law for teens to have a doctor’s sign-off before they can get a learner’s permit and that makes it easier to address driving-specific concerns. In states that don’t have those laws, it’s an issue that physicians should be prepared to address with their patients and their parents.”

It is important to make an appointment with a specialist to help determine whether the individual is ready to begin driving, such as a driving instructor or occupational therapist.

Highly Drunk Woman Drove Wrong Way on Interstate 5

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72889 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A woman drove for 17 miles going the wrong direction on Interstate 5 while highly intoxicated. The 60-year-old woman got on I-5 near Tumwater.

"At times she was reaching speeds over 100 mph," Washington State Patrol Trooper Guy Gill said. She was followed on Interstate 5 while troopers flashed light at her but she did not hesitate and continued traveling the wrong direction.

In order to stop a head-on collision, the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in Tacoma were shut down. To stop the woman, troopers placed spike strips along the freeway near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"We had several near-miss head-on collisions," Gill said. "It's amazing that we didn't have a collision at some point. Obviously no one going southbound is going to expect to see a vehicle coming northbound in their lane."

The woman was arrested for investigation of DUI and several other charges.

Gill believes that she had no idea what was going.

Best Drunk Driving Attorney in Bellevue, WA

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have represented many victims of drunk driving incidents. Davis Law Group is also a strong supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). For every DUI case we successfully close, we donate $500 to MADD Washington to help support their mission of eliminating drunk drivers. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation (206) 727-4000.

Professional Skier Sarah Burke Suffers Serious Brain Damage

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72891 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Sarah Burke, a professional skier, is at Salt Lake City’s University Hospital in critical condition suffering from serious head injuries in a crash during a training run at the Park City Mountain Resort.

The CEO of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association, Peter Judge, told the Toronto Globe and Mail that Burke was in a coma. Her publicist said that she remains at the hospital and is still alive. The 29-year-old skier suffered serious injury after making a landing at the bottom of the superpipe.

"She landed a trick down in the bottom end of the pipe, and kind of bounced, from her feet to her head," Judge said. "It wasn’t anything that looked like a catastrophic fall, so I’m a bit mystified."

The ski patrol members at the resort were able to stabilize Burke before bringing her to University Hospital by a medical helicopter.

Burke is considered a pioneer in her sport. She was injured on the same superpipe that snowboarder Kevin Pearce suffered a brain injury.

Davis Law Group is sending prayers to Burke and her family during this time.

Brain Damage Lawyer in Bellevue, WA

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have represented many victims of brain damage in high profile cases. If you have been the victim of a serious accident, call our office today for a free, no obligation consultation at (206) 727-4000.

Award Winning Reporter Richard Threlkled Killed in Car Crash

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)73055 — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Award winning news correspondent Richard Threlkeld was killed in a car accident. The 74-year-old died in New York Friday morning at Southampton Hospital. Threlkeld had a long and honorable career as a reporter, anchor and bureau chief.

There were no further details of the fatal car accident.

Davis Law Group sends sincere condolences to the friends and family of Robert.

Montana Bus Crash | Attorneys Seeking Witnesses

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)72975 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Rimrock Trailways Bus Crashes Near Clinton, Montana Kills 2 and Injures 32

Davis Law Group is currently investigating the Rimrock Trailways bus crash that happed on Interstate 90 west of Clinton, Montana on Sunday, January 8, 2012. We are monitoring developments closely and have spoken to several victims and family members of victims.
Davis Law Group founder Chris Davis has worked on several serious bus crashes and numerous wrongful death cases in the past and is very familiar with the legal issues involved. Davis Law Group associate attorney and Montana native Greg Colburn, who also has extensive experience in this area, is very acquainted with bus route, surrounding the geography, and the crash location.
In order to aid the injury victims that have contacted our office we ask that anyone who was a witness to this tragic Montana bus crash contact our office so we can get a witness statement and collect any additional information that may be helpful to the Montana bus accident victims.
If you have any information about the Montana bus crash call us at 206-727-4000 or (866) 595-3565.

Best Pedestrian Accident Attorney for Your Personal Injury Case

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72762 — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

There was a loss of 4,881 lives in pedestrian/motor vehicle crashes in 2005, almost thirteen people every day of the year (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts). Though the number of pedestrian fatalities fell from 5,584 in 1995 to 4,881 in 2005, the fatalities in 2005 were the highest since 4,901 fatalities were recorded in 2001.

Pedestrians account for about 30% of all traffic fatalities involving children under the age of 15 years. NHTSA estimates that more than 22% of children between the ages of 5 and 9 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Roughly 19% of children involved in traffic fatalities under age 16 were pedestrians. And approximately 8% of all children under age 16 injured in a car accident were pedestrians.

Free Consultation with Top Seattle Attorney

If you have been the victim in a pedestrian accident, you most likely have experienced serious injuries, mental anguish and an overload of stress. How will you pay your medical bills? I haven’t been able to work, how will I pay my monthly bills? These are questions you are probably asking yourself. Thankfully, there are people on your side wanting you to get a fair settlement for what you have been through. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been representing accident victims for nearly 20 years. Founder and principal attorney is widely known as a legal analyst and commentator on major news programs. Call to schedule a free consultation with our team at (206) 727-4000.

Predatory Lawsuit Cash Advance Companies: The Truth About Litigation Financing

blog@www.injurytriallawyer.com (Blog Author)72915 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Financial Institution or Modern Day Loan Shark?

by Mischelle Davis, Client Relations Manager, Davis Law Group, Seattle, WA

After an accident injured people frequently have steep medical bills and are unable to work. The financial burden this creates can be overwhelming. And unfortunately if the victims plan to file a lawsuit or have filed a lawsuit they may have to wait years before the case is resolved and either a settlement or jury award is paid.

There ‘financial institutions’ that advertise heavily on TV and the internet offering pre-settlement funding also known as litigation financing, litigation funding, plaintiff lawsuit funding and lawsuit cash advances. During difficult times it can be very tempting to turn to these kinds of companies for help.
Many promise no upfront costs, no monthly payments, no credit checks, no application fees and promise that if you don’t win your case you won’t owe them anything. But if you do win your case you will owe them the loan amount plus a ‘monthly usage fee’ for each month that the loan was outstanding. You can be left with only a small amount of your settlement after their usage fee is paid.
Or similar companies say that they do not loan money but rather ‘invest in lawsuits’. They give you cash up front and instead of an interest rate or ‘usage fee’ they will take a large percentage of your settlement at the conclusion of the case. Again, you can be left with very little after their fee is paid.

These cash advance and funding/investing promises can be alluring and tempt many to take cash now without any worry or concern for the future consequences.
Beware. Although there are some reputable companies that make loans to injury victims, many of these companies are little more than legalized modern day loan sharks.

Note: It is unethical for your attorney to loan you money or pay your bills for you. You should also beware of lawyers that promise to give you money before your case settles.

Davis Law Group strongly discourages its clients from taking a pre-settlement loan or cash advance. Although times are tuff and money may be tight after an injury accident patience and perseverance can pay off. If you can find a way to make ends meet until your case is concluded then the entire settlement or award will be yours after costs and attorney’s fees are deducted. You can end up with much more money in your own pocket when you don’t have to pay a lending institution costly fees.

Some doctors and clinics will agree to wait until the conclusion of a case before getting paid if they know a reputable attorney is representing you. And family members can be more open to making no-interest loans when they know that a lawsuit is pending. Explore all of your options and speak to your attorney before making the decision to seek a lawsuit cash advance or litigation financing.

Hit-and-Run Driver Injures 5 Cyclists, Sentenced to 2 Years in Jail

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72753 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

In a 2009 crash, a man hit and injured five cyclists and fled the scene. The 47-year-old hit-and-run driver Sommit Luangpakham was found guilty on all 10 charges of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and leaving the scene. He has been sentenced to nine months for dangerous driving and 15 months for leaving the scene of the crash.

The investigation showed no evidence of recklessness in his driving behavior.

The driver made a formal apology to the victims.

In the bicycle accident, five cyclists were riding single file in a bicycle lane in July 2009.

Four of the five cyclists were critically injured.

One of the victims said she thought the sentencing was fair. She did not want their life destroyed because of the accident.
The victims continue to live with injuries from the hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Do you think there should be a stronger penalty for hit-and-run drivers?

Drunk Man Crashed into Garage While Texting

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72755 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 44-year-old man was texting while driving while drunk – seriously. The man is in custody after hitting a garage. There was no one inside the garage at the time of the collision.

As if driving drunk isn’t dangerous enough, adding texting into the mix is a recipe for a fatal disaster. There is absolutely no excuse for this reckless behavior.

Top Distracted Driving Attorneys

If you have been a victim of a drunk driving collision or distracted driver (or both at the same time!), the attorneys at Davis Law Group have the legal experience that you are looking for. In the unfortunate case of a collision, your life can be turned upside down mentally and physically. The team at Davis Law Group works hard every day to make sure your only priority is healing, while we handle everything else. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Child Injured on Carnival Ride at Festival

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72756 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A young boy was injured on a carnival ride while at a Mardi Gras festival. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of the boy against Reed Exposition Midway.

The boy sustained injuries in the March 6 accident as a passenger on a ride. The lawsuit does not clarify how the injuries happened exactly.

The parties have reached a tentative settlement for the child injuries that is to be approved by the court.

Was your child injured at a carnival?

The attorneys at Davis Law Group specialize in personal injury cases, specifically involving children. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis wrote a book on child injury cases. To order a free copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents click here.

Call our offices today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Sports Injuries Can Have Long Lasting Cognitive Effects | Brain Injury Attorney

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72760 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

According to a new study at the University of Toronto, sports injuries can cause head injuries – even if the injury doesn’t occur to the head. The findings showed that even a minor injury like a sprained ankle can impact an athlete’s cognitive performance.

The researchers gave a 20-minute computerized test to 72 U of T athletes. Some participants had concussions; some had pulled muscles and were out of the game, others were well. The study found that students who recently suffered concussions did more poorly on the test. The results showed lower reaction time and impaired memory.

Surprisingly, those who experience minor injuries also lagged compared to the health athletes. The researchers believe that frustration and anxiety could play a part in their low scores. These emotions can be a consequence of a variety of injuries, not just head.

Most people associated these emotions with head injuries and concussions; however that is not always the case, lead author Michael Hutchison explained. Injuries of all types can have a variety of consequences on your physical and mental well being.

Traumatic brain injury is commonly associated with car accidents. Traumatic brain injury can be life altering and have serious affects on your cognitive abilities. If you were a victim, it is strongly advised to hire an attorney who can help you recover financial compensation on behalf of your injuries. Call the attorneys at Davis Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation at (206) 727-4000.

Police Officer in High Speed Chase After Reckless Driver

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72897 — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A Puyallup tribal police officer was involved in a high speed chase in which he crashed in his cruiser and is now recovering.

The officer was trying to pull over a reckless driver last night on Canyon Road when the driver sped off. He slammed his vehicle into a power pole and then ran on foot away from the officer.

The officer crashed his patrol car into a fence and it rolled on its side. He is expected to fully recover from his minor injuries.

The reckless driver got away but a search is still underway.

Learning to Drive After Spinal Cord Injury

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72661 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Spinal cord injuries are very serious and can be life changing. Automobile accidents cause 42.1 % of spinal cord injuries. More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, while some victims will experience a full recovery, others will be completely and permanently paralyzed. Car accidents are also frequently the cause of other serious back injuries such as a herniated disc. In both cases the accident victim may require surgery, years of treatment and physical therapy, and the injuries can completely change the life of the victim.

Many victims of spinal cord injury cannot driver due to their injuries (and some may just not want to!). Of course, every case is different. Depending on the severity of your case, you will most likely undergo a great deal of rehabilitation treatment. Once the individual regains fine motor coordination and strength, it may be safe for them to drive again. However, if physical or cognitive problem still exist, it may be very dangerous to drive again.

If you are a spinal cord injury patient, the first step is getting an approval to drive from your doctors. If you require special needs, there are appropriate drivers that can train you. In order to be cleared to drive again you must demonstrate good vision; adequate muscle strength; range of motion and flexibility; good basic coordination; and proper reaction time. Your doctor will be able to make the right judgment.
If you have been the victim of an accident and sustained spinal cord injury, contact the attorneys at Davis Law Group. We are available at (206) 727-4000 24 hours, 7 days a week to help you. We offer a free, no obligation consultation.

Fatal Bus Accident on Interstate 90, Result of Icy Road Condition

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72749 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A bus accident on Sunday morning left two people killed, eight people in critical condition and injured 32 passengers. The bus crashed while riding on an icy interstate highway. The victims were a 60-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man.

The bus hit a patch of ice on Interstate 90. After hitting the ice, it spun around and went into the median backward before rolling on its left side. There were passengers ejected after it slid on its side, bounced, and broke the windows on the driver’s side. Four passengers were pinned under the bus, two of which died.

The bus was traveling about 65 to 70 mph. In an investigation, it was indicated that the bus was traveling too fast for weather conditions.

The bus driver survived the crash. The 53-year-old man has a good safety record with no problems. There were several other crashes reported along the highway that day as a result of the ice. The bus company was Rimrock Trailways. They have not had any fatalities on their buses for 27 years.

This is a reminder to always drive the speed limit that weather permits. Even if the speed limit is 70, you should not drive that fast if it is not safe for weather conditions.

"The law states you must drive to the conditions, and that's where our investigation is going on this," said Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Scott Hoffman. "We have no other indications of another vehicle being involved. We think he was simply going too fast for the road conditions. We had one passenger state already that they felt the bus driver was going too fast right before the crash.

Best Bus Accident Attorney

The attorneys at Davis Law Group are highly rated and accredited as top personal injury attorneys in Washington State. Founder and principle attorney Chris Davis has represented many injured victims from bus accidents. Call our office at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Honda Waited 4 Years to do Recall for Defected Airbags

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72750 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Another Honda recall is affecting 273,000 Honda vehicles for defective air-bag deployment systems. Since 2008, there have been four major Honda recalls. The airbag defect could be the cause of 18 injuries and 2 deaths, as acknowledged by Honda. It is reported that the driver’s side air bag may deploy too forcefully, sending metal shards into the driver.

There have been more than 2 million vehicles recalled for faulty airbags. This recall will affect:

2001-2 Accords

2001-3 Civic and Odyssey

2002-3 CR-V

2003 Pilot

2003 Acura 3.2 TL

2003 Acura 3.2 CL

There are also other some other models as well. However, Honda waited four years to do the recall. The company had to go back 12 years to examine all the data and the errors regarding the air-bag propellant lots. Even though people’s safety was at risk, they continued to stall.

Top Auto Defect Attorneys in Washington State

The lawyers at Davis Law Group have many years of representing injured victims from auto defects. Auto defects can be very unsafe and life threatening. If you have been a victim, call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Answer the Question: Who is the best attorney for my personal injury case? Seattle Lawyer

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)72764 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Answer the Question: Who is the best attorney for my personal injury case?

Every personal injury or car accident case is unique. And every attorney has different skills, abilities and experiences. So how do you find the best lawyer for your case? One place to start is by reviewing testimonials on attorney websites. Find examples of cases that are similar to yours. Listen to what the accident victims have to say about their injuries and how they were helped by their lawyer. Read reviews. Watch testimonial videos. What attorneys have to say about themselves is not important. The important thing is what customers/clients have to say about their attorney and the law firm staff.
Below are two recent testimonial videos by two former Davis Law Group clients who think that Chris Davis was the best lawyer for their case.

"Best Attorney / Lawyer Experience I Have Ever Had"

"If you need an attorney, hire the best."

Toxic Mold May Have Killed Brittany Murphy, Resulting in a Wrongful Death Claim

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72423 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It has been reported that the wrongful death of celebrity actress Brittany Murphy may have been due to toxic mold in her home. Brittany Murphy died Dec. 20, 2009 followed by the May 2010 death of her husband Simon Monjack. Together, the couple lived in a home in the Hollywood Hills.

Murphy’s mother, Sharon Murphy, did not believe that toxic mold was the cause of death of her daughter and son-in-law until just this past summer, while she was in the process of selling the home. She has now filed a lawsuit against the builders of the home where the actress died, claiming the attorneys failed to inform her about a possible wrongful death lawsuit from the toxic mold in the couple’s home.

According to the report, the Coroner’s office specifically looked for evidence of mold in the autopsies of both bodies. The victim’s mother refused an inspection of the house by the L.A. health department as the coroner requested.
Sharon has filed a complaint for legal malpractice from the law firm Steiner and Libo, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty for not properly informing her that when she accepted the final settlement she was giving up her right to sue for wrongful death.

The lawsuit alleges that the firm had a duty to advise Sharon that she may have a wrongful death claim.

Brittany Murphy’s wrongful death was caused by pneumonia, anemia and an excess of prescription drugs as ruled by the coroner. Just 5 months later, her husband died of pneumonia and anemia.

Woman Turns Herself in After Hit and Run That Killed a 27-Year-Old Man

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72491 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A hit and run driver killed a 27-year-old man and is now facing 60 days in jail. The woman’s sentencing was not as tough because she was not drinking, speeding, and turned herself in three hours later. She also stopped at the scene after the crash.

In most cases, it is unlikely that a hit-and-run driver will turn themselves in.

Hit and run accidents are a growing problem in the U.S. Irresponsible drivers are choosing self-preservation over personal responsibility in many automobile accidents. Hit-and-run collisions are not limited to car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of every 5 pedestrians killed on the roads die from a hit-and-run.

Connecticut Passes Ignition Interlock Device Law for Drunk Drivers

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72497 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A law in Connecticut went into effect Jan. 1, 2012 stating that anyone who is convicted of drunk driving will now have to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This law will affect even first-time offenders. An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that is connected to the vehicle, and in order for the motor to start, a sober driver must blow into it.

This was law was strongly supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The previous law mandates a 1-year license suspension for those convicted of DUI while the new law reduces that suspension to 45-day suspension. It is a driver’s second DUI conviction, they will serve the 45-day suspension but are required to have the ignition device in their car for three years.

"What we do know is the states that have done this have experienced a significant drop in their DUI fatalities," Secretary of criminal justice policy Mike Lawlor said.

The ignition interlock devices cost $100 a month and the offender is responsible for paying the cost.

Should Washington State adopt this law?

Tell us what you think by commenting on this post.

Davis Law Group supports the mission of MADD. For every drunk driving case we successfully close, we donate $500 to MADD Washington. Let's eliminate drunk drivers on our roads.

Just Released: 2011 Dog Bite Statistics

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72502 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

2011 U.S. Dog Bite Statistics

The statistics were released by DogsBite.org, a national dog bite victims’ group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks.
There 31 fatal dog attacks in the United States in 2011. Of the 31 fatalities, pit bulls contributed to over 67 percent of the deaths. Pit bulls are only 5 percent of the total dog population in the U.S.

Rottweilers contributed to 13 percent of fatalities. The remaining attacks were a variety of breeds.

In other pit bull trends, nearly 70 percent of pit bull victims fell between the ages of 32 to 76. In 2011 there was also an increase in pit bulls killing their owners, a total of 7 dog owners were killed by pit bulls.

Another bizarre trend was an increase in the amount of off-property fatal attacks. In 2011, 8 fatal dog attacks happened off the dog owner’s property. On a brighter note, the amount of fatalities involving chained dogs continues to decrease.
California and Texas had the highest amount of dog bite fatalities.

Have you been the victim of a serious dog bite?

Davis Law Group is dedicated to helping you. Attorney Chris Davis specializes in personal injury and has represented many victims of dog bites. Mr. Davis also wrote a book entitled When the Dog Bites: The Essential Guide to Dog Bite Claims in Washington State.

Were You a Victim of Dental Malpractice?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72659 — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Along with surgical mistakes and general medical negligence, there is also dental malpractice. In fact, dental malpractice is very common. A dentist in Massachusetts was put on suspension for failing to conduct and record weekly spore testing. Spore testing is a form of sterilizations for equipment.

The difficult part of dentistry, is that many dentists may try to perform a surgery they are not experienced enough to perform. For example, a general dentist may try to do a surgery that he should be referring out to a specialist. The other common form of dental malpractice is a dentist getting in trouble for doing procedures on their patients that are not necessary.

Examples of dental malpractice include:

Use of defective dental products

Improper use of dental or surgical utensils

Failure to detect an oral disease or malfunction

Improper use of dental or surgical utensils

Performing unnecessary procedures

Wrongful death caused by dental procedure

If you are unsure about a procedure that a dentist or doctor recommends, the most beneficial thing you can do is to get a second opinion. And, of course, always listen to your common sense. If something seems uncomfortable, make sure you bring it to their attention.

If you believe that you have been a victim of dental malpractice, contact an attorney today. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully representing malpractice victims for many years. Call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Bus Company to Pay $9.5 Million Settlement for Fatal Accident

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72493 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A bus company was ordered to pay $9.5 million to the estate of a woman who was struck and killed by a bus. The woman was a surgical nurse who was walking to work when she was hit.

The Atlantic Express Transportation failed to check the background of a driver that fatally killed the woman. He has been convicted 31 times, lived in and out of homelessness and has a suspended driver’s license.

Legal counsel on behalf of the victim explains that the man should have never been given privileges to drive the bus. The driver ran a red light and pinned the woman under the bus’ wheels.

The 34-year-old woman, mother of two boys, died three months later of internal injuries, an infection from skin grafts, amputation of her right leg and surgeries.

“The government, on a federal and state level, must further regulate private bus companies so the public is protected against companies hiring drivers without a proper background check, without appropriate training and qualifications,” Attorney on behalf of the victim’s estate said.

Davis Law Group sends sincere condolences to the friends and family of the victim.

Driver Talking on Phone 1.3 Times More Likely to Crash

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72506 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Texting while driving has been an ongoing problem that has yet to find a resolution. It is a step in the right direction that it is illegal in most states, but this dangerous act is still happening every second on our roadways.

With the many statistics and surveys we continue to see on texting while driving, The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute compiled many statistics and declared that of all distracting behaviors a driver can do behind the wheel, texting while driving is the most dangerous.

A driver of a vehicle dialing a cell phone is 2.8 times more likely to get into an accident than a non-distracted driver.

A driver reaching for a cell phone or any other electronic device is 1.4 times more likely to be in an accident.

A driver talking on the phone is 1.3 times more likely to get into an accident.

For every 6 seconds of drive time, a driver sending or receiving a text message spends 4.6 of those seconds with their eyes off the road.

If you have been the victim of a distracted driver, you may need someone on your side. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully representing accident victims for nearly 20 years. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation. Stay alive. Don't text and drive.

Lawsuit Filed Against City of Auburn, King County

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72521 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A lawsuit was filed against the city of Auburn and King County alleging their liability of a fatal car accident that happened on Nov. 7, 2008.

The accident occurred on a rainy morning when a teenage girl was driving her 13-year-old step-brother to school and the boy’s 2-year-old cousin. The two children died in the Green River in a car accident.

The parents of one of the children sued the city of Auburn and King County alleging that the rain-slicked road was negligently built and maintained.

The 16-year-old girl was driving a VW Beetle when she swerved into oncoming traffic and down the embankment of the Green River.

The parents are suing Auburn and King County for $20 million for damages, stating that the parties “wrongfully, negligently and deceptively designed, constructed and maintained” the road.

The road was narrower than legal standards and covered with debris vegetation, the complaint says. It also includes that the debris obscured the striping between the road and shoulder, making it impossible to know where the road ended and the shoulder began.

Suing the Government

Filing a lawsuit against the state, a county or a municipality is not like suing a corporation or individual. There are special procedures and specific court rules that are required when suing a governmental entity. As the victim of negligence by a governmental entity you must be very careful in filing a claim against a city as special rules apply and if you fail to follow those rules, the courts will not hear your case and you will be left with nothing.

If you have questions about a potential case, the attorneys at Davis Law Group can help you. Call our office today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Washington State and Ignition Interlock Device Systems

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72610 — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

There are now 14 states, most recently Connecticut, that have implemented a mandatory ignition interlock device law for all DUI offenders, including first-time offenders. The mandate has been strongly pushed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. In Washington state, it is mandated that all DUI offenders have the ignition interlock device system installed - even first time offenders.

Do you think all states should implement the mandatory ignition interlock device law?

Seattle Ranks as 19th Drunkest City

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72437 — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

According to The Daily Best, Seattle ranks as the 19th drunkest city in the U.S. out of the 25 cities ranked. The report reveals that an average Seattle resident consumes 14 drinks per month and roughly 6 percent of the city’s residents are considered heavy drinks, and 17 percent being binge drinkers.

The information is based on data from market-research firm Experian Simmons, which tracks the average number of drinks consumed by residents of 200 American cities.

Seattle ranks higher for ‘drunkness’ than Houston, Cleveland and San Francisco.

How does this compare to Seattle’s drunk driving statistics?

In Washington State, 54% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a driver that was under the influence of alcohol. In 2009 265 people in Washington State lost their lives in drunk driving crashes. In Washington State there is a sharp increase in the number of drunk driving incidents near major holidays.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 16,694 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in the United States in 2004. This figure represents 39% of all traffic incident deaths. In fact, more than 500,000 Americans are injured annually in drunken driving crashes.

High School Hockey Player Suffers Spinal Cord Injury

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72488 — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 16-year-old junior varsity hockey player is now paralyzed after severing his spinal cord during a hockey game.

Before being diagnosed with a severed spinal cord, doctors initially though he suffered a bruised spinal cord and broken vertebrae. Reports do not indicate if he will be able to walk again.

The high school league urged all schools in the district to review safety practices with their players.

After this serious, recommendations for safe hockey practices include:

1. Elimination of checking from behind
2. Be grateful for rules that make the game safer
3. Emphasize appropriate contact and checking
4. Players should stop when they see the numbers on the back of the jersey

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, while some victims will experience a full recovery, others will be completely and permanently paralyzed. Car accidents are also frequently the cause of other serious back injuries such as a herniated disc. In both cases the accident victim may require surgery, years of treatment and physical therapy, and the injuries can completely change the life of the victim.

Hit and Run Driver Kills Woman in Wheelchair

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72490 — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A fatal hit and run accident took the life of a female woman who was bound in her wheelchair yesterday evening around 6:35 p.m. The 58-year-old woman attempted to cross the southbound lanes of a street when she was hit.

It is unknown what type of her car hit her, but is described as a gold truck or SUV. After being hit, she was ejected from her wheelchair and hit by two more vehicles.

All three vehicles did not stop. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Do you have information about a hit and run accident?

The Davis Law Group Hit-And-Run Reward Program offers up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers through anonymous tips provided to the WeTip Crime Hotline, 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (1-800-644-8678).

Hit and run accidents are a huge problem. Irresponsible drivers are choosing self-preservation over personal responsibility in many automobile accidents. Hit-and-run collisions are not limited to car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of every 5 pedestrians killed on the roads die from a hit-and-run.

2011 Holiday Drunk Driving Arrests Higher Than Last Year

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72524 — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

These numbers are quite shocking – In King County alone, 960 motorists were arrested for drunk driving. Throughout the state of Washington 3,812 drivers were arrested.

Come on, Washington! We can do better than that.

The DUI enforcement campaign in Washington was from Nov. 24 to Jan. 2. In 2010, the same drills took place – promoting the campaign and extra patrols – and 876 people were arrested for DUI in King County.

The extra patrols throughout the campaign were funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.

In King County, the following are police departments that participated in the campaign:

Auburn
Bellevue
Black Diamond
Burien
Clyde Hill
Covington
Des Moines
Enumclaw
Federal Way
Issaquah
Kent
Kirkland
Maple Valley
Mercer Island
Normandy Park
North Bend
Pacific
Redmond
Renton
Sammamish
SeaTac
Seattle
Snoqualmie
Tukwila

Trooper Tickets Driver for Using HOV Lane with Plastic Skeleton Passenger

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72603 — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A driver that was speeding on I-5 was pulled over and the WSP trooper found a plastic skeleton buckled up in the backseat. He was dressed in a white hooded sweater to resemble an actual passenger, so that the man could use the HOV lane.

Originally, the trooper hadn’t notice the passenger. He was pulled over for driving 82 mph and making many unsafe lane changes. When the trooper pulled him over near 272nd street, he noticed the passenger-like figure.

The man was cited for speed, unsafe lane change and HOV violation. The driver did not have any comment regarding his “passenger.”

Motorcycle Riding Without Headlights Hits Deer

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71826 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A motorcycle rider hit a deer and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The man had drove his bike through the woods to a friend’s house a short distance away. His motorcycle did not have any headlights, so a friend was behind him trying to light the way for him.

The deer apparently jumped in front of his bike. Since the accident happened so quickly, there was no way for the rider to react. The victim was thrown over the handle bars.

Medics tried to treat him at the scene before transporting him to the nearest hospital, where he later died.

Motorcycle Accident Safety

As a motorcycle rider, you are already taking a risk by being on a motorized vehicle that is significantly smaller than other vehicles on the road. In addition, you should always have appropriate protective clothing and mandatory safety equipment such as headlights. Davis Law Group is deeply saddened by this fatal motorcycle accident.

Best Motorcycle Attorneys

If you have been the victim of an accident, you may need the assistance of an attorney. The lawyers at Davis Law Group have been representing accident victims for nearly 20 years. Call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Dog Owners: Be Aware of Dog Bite Laws and Responsibility

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71837 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

As the owner of a dog, you are liable for any damage it causes. If your dog bites another individual, the victim can sue you for damages. However, the claim would be against your homeowners insurance specifically. Generally, personal injury attorneys do not like to go after personal assets because of the risk involved.

Before you invite a dog into the family, remember the responsibilities it holds. You are basically claiming it for your child and that you are responsible for its actions. Therefore, you should train and discipline your dog just as a kid.

Dog Bite Accident Statistics

Seattle Animal Control sees about 300 dog bites each year. 22% of those involve Pit Bulls. According to the Insurance Information Institute dog bites cost American home insurers 6.4 percent more in 2009 than in the previous year, with the average claim exceeding $24,000 for the third straight year. The injuries cost $412 million in 2009, compared with $387.2 million a year earlier, the fifth straight increase.

Best Animal Attack Attorney

Founder and principal attorney of Davis Law Group, is highly publicized as Seattle’s dog bite attorney. He has represented many victims in high profile cases and is frequently asked to be on news programs to discuss legal topics. Mr. Davis also wrote a book on dog bite cases. Click here to order your complimentary copy.

Emergency Room Mistakes Attorney

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71969 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

What is an Emergency Room Mistake?

These mistakes can vary from many different things. These errors can include misdiagnosis, failure to detect a medical condition or mistakes from test results – however it is not limited to these mistakes.

If a doctor makes a mistake, even minor, it can leading to catastrophic or fatal consequences.

An example of this would be someone going in for a heart attack but does not appear to have any common symptoms and there is no EKG given. Well, if it is later proved that the individual did have a heart attack, this could create serious health issues. This would be considered a misdiagnosis. Misdiagnoses can turn fatal. Unfortunately, these mistakes make the medical professional liable (to a certain extent). It is extremely expensive to pursue a medical malpractice claim. However, with appropriate evidence and an experienced attorney, you have a great case.

If you believe that you have been the victim of an emergency room mistake, you need the assistance of an attorney. Unlike a minor car accident, which could potentially be handled independently, a medical malpractice claim will (most likely) need the assistance of a lawyer.

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been representing victims of medical mistakes and malpractice for nearly 20 years. They have successfully recovered settlements for their clients and have gained the title as top personal injury attorneys in Washington State. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis is commonly asked to be a commentator on news programs regarding laws, his high profile cases and more. To learn about pursuing a medical malpractice claim, call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

China Has 1.74 Million Cars Recalled in 2011

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71970 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The amount of cars that were recalled by China automakers took a major increase in comparison to last year. There were 1.74 million vehicles recalled in the first three quarters – the amount is not complete for a year’s total. Last year, there were only 1.17 million vehicles recalled.

It is more responsible for automakers to recall the vehicle immediately rather than waiting and receiving penalties that would potentially cost them more money in the long run. It is also a huge risk if they keep these cars on the roads because if several people are hurt, they can file a class lawsuit against the automaker for auto defects leading to injury or death.

If you were involved in an accident in which the vehicle or its parts acted defectively, you may not be the only one. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been representing the victims of auto and product defect for many years. To schedule a free consultation, call our office at (206) 727-4000.

Police Chase in Edmonds Sends Driver to Harborview Medical

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72485 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Police chased a man driving a stolen car, ending with a severe collision outside Edmonds Hospital.

Police tried to stop a stolen car near 196th Street and Highway 99 in Lynnwood but the driver sped off.

The chase lasted for about a mile and ended when the stolen black SUV went into a slide in front of Swedish Hospital.
The SUV stopped after rolling its side, leaving a groove in the pavement and ripping up a tree.

The man suffered serious injuries and was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Can You Keep Your Eyes on the Road When Your Phone is Ringing?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70511 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

DOT and NHTSA started a website for teen drivers to understand the dangers of texting while driving. Take the test to see if you can stay concentrated.

Click here to take the driving test

Stay alive. Don't text and drive.

NFL Lawsuit for Players Brain Injuries

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71803 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Three more lawsuits have been filed against the NFL for brain injuries as a result of repeated blows to the head during their playing days. The retired players are seeking to represent all former NFL players.

The basis for the lawsuit is that the league should have informed them of the long term problems that hard hits in the game could cause them. Many players have developed brain diseases over the course of their retirement from the game.

The players seek medical monitoring and compensation for personal injuries.

The NFL has continually stated that safety is a main priority and always will be. The idea alleging that the NFL misled the players is false, as reported by a spokesperson for the NFL.
The case is Jacobs v. National Football League, 11-CV-9345, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), brain damage and other types of head injuries result of direct trauma to the skull and/or rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain, including shearing (tearing) of nerve fibers, contusion (bruising) of the brain tissue against the skull, brain stem injuries, and edema (swelling). Davis Law Group is a metro Seattle personal injury law firm that specializes in handling personal injury claims involving brain injuries.

Experts Confused About Increase in Pedestrian Accidents

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71928 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian accidents went up 4.2% in 2010 from the year before. In prior years, pedestrian accidents had decreased 14%. So, what is causing this major increase?

“Quite frankly, I don’t know why they went up,” said researcher James Hedlund. “Nobody knows. As far as I can tell, nobody has studied the issue. The data (are) too new.”

As a personal injury law firm, we see far too many accidents as a result of distraction. The amount of drivers with cell phones has increase significantly, which could be causing a big problem for pedestrian accidents.

Another theory is that low-income residents and immigrants are moving to urban areas where many of these accidents are happening. Also, due to the tough economic time, many people are ditching their cars and walking or riding a bike. There are many more pedestrians on busy roads as a cost cutting initiative.

As a pedestrian, you must not assume that those around you notice you. If they are distracted, in a hurry, or just totally neglecting their surroundings, you have a high risk of getting hit. Even if you have a walk sign at the crosswalk, do not assume that drivers will stop.

Many pedestrian accidents happen while being pulled off to the side of a road. Remember, go as far as you can and do not stand near traffic. Stay in your car until help comes.

Why do you think pedestrian accidents have increased?

Tell us what you think by commenting on this post.

Were you in a pedestrian accident?

Man Run Over by Forklift at Northwest Hardwoods in Arlington

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72428 — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A man was run over by a forklift in Arlington this morning and taken to Arlington Airport, where he was airlifted to Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center. The 60-year-old man was treated for broken bones and possible internal injuries.

The accident happened at Northwest Hardwoods around 10 a.m.

Forklift Accident Statistics

According to the Industrial Truck Association, there are about 855,900 forklifts in the U.S., so over 11 percent will be involved in some type of accident each year (assuming only one accident per forklift). The number one cause of deaths is tipovers, being 42 percent. The other causes are crushed between a vehicle and a surface, 25 percent. Following being crushed between two vehicles, struck or run over by a forklist, struck by falling material and fall from platform on the forks.

Bicyclists: Do Not Ride on Sidewalks

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70244 — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

As a cyclist, you are putting yourself at risk when you ride between sidewalks. If you are crossing on sidewalks on the left-hand side of the street, you risk getting hit by a car that is turning behind you. If you ride on the right-hand side of the street, you also risk getting hit by a car behind you that’s turning. Sidewalks usually indicate a place where residents or businesses are, which means that there are cars pulling out of driveways, parking lots or side streets.

Aside from vehicles, you are also a threat to pedestrians you may hit that are walking on sidewalks.
In fact, in some cities and/or states, it is illegal for cyclists to ride on sidewalks.

Not all Sidewalks are Hazardous to Bicyclists

Sidewalks that are really long and not surrounded by driveways or pedestrians are very little risk to cyclists. Of course, always checking when you cross a street or driveway that you slow down considerably and check traffic in all directions.

Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 if you have been injured in a bicycle accident.

Was Your Child Hit by a Car?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71739 — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A child was hit on a crosswalk, on his way to school around 8:10 a.m. Surprisingly, the boy got right back up and did not cry. He was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons.

The child ran ahead to catch up with his mother when he was hit. No tickets were issued to the driver because he wasn’t speeding or found in error.

However, there was concern about the dangers of the area in the morning. As required by law, there are signs warning of the school crossing 50 feet before the crosswalk to get cars to slow down.

The principal says throughout her two years with the school, there hasn’t been any other incidents with children being hit.

This is another reminder to make sure your child is always taking its time when walking on busy roads - always to look both ways and to acknowledge their surroundings. Before any accidents occur, talk to your children about safety.

Legal Representation for Child Injury

In the unfortunate case of an accident, you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney who has experience in child injuries who can help you through the legal process. Attorney Chris Davis wrote a book on child injury. Click here to order a copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents.

Were You The Victim in a Drunk Driving Crash on New Year's Eve?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71841 — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Top DUI Victim’s Rights Attorneys

Drunk driving accidents take thousands of lives each year. The holiday season is a busy time of traveling and holiday parties. Unfortunately, this makes for a dangerous time on the roadways. The later part of each year always has more fatal motor vehicle accidents than any other time throughout the year.

Washington State Fatal Drunk Driving Statistics

In 2008, 255 people in Washington State lost their lives in fatal alcohol related motor vehicle collisions. One hundred eighty-two (182) of those accidents involved a drunk driver whose blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 0.08 or higher. In Washington State, 34% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a driver that was under the influence of alcohol.

Drunk Driving and the Holidays

As always, never drive while intoxicated. Buzzed driving is also drunk driving. It is also highly recommended to stay off the road as much as possible on New Year’s Eve. Even if you are being responsible, that does not mean those driving around you are.

If you were the victim of an accident during the holiday season, the attorneys at Davis Law Group can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call our office 24 hours, 7 days a week or a free no obligation consultation.

Proposal to Increase Penalty for Drunken Driving Homicide

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)72314 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Currently, Washington State serves a conviction of killing while driving drunk that is roughly the same as robbing someone at gunpoint. Lawmakers, prosecutors and the families of victims killed in these tragic circumstances say the current laws are far too lenient.
The proposal brought to the state legislature would more than double the penalty for those who kill while driving drunk. A similar bill was proposed last year and failed to make it through the last legislature. Financial concerns were the primary cause of the failure. At a time when the state is facing major budgetary cutbacks, the cost of extra jail time was too much.
In 2010, Washington State had 170 alcohol related fatalities. Washington State is currently ranked 44th out of the 51 (D.C. being ranked as separate entry) states for the percentage of total traffic deaths that are DUI related. 37% of traffic fatalities were DUI related in Washington State.

Do You Own a 2011 Nissan Rogue?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71631 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

There has been a recall for 2011 Nissan Rogue models for incorrectly installed circuit boards for electronic power steering assist control unity.

This defect could cause additional problems according to Nissan and NHTSA. This will cause more problems for steering the vehicle, causing a increase in accident probability.

The safety recall for Rogue owners began this month.

Do you own a Nissan Rogue?

Contact Nissan at 1 (800) 647-7261 or contact NHTSA at 1 (888) 327-4236 for more information.

Wrongful Death from New Year's Eve Drunk Driver

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71804 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Holiday Drunk Driving

The holidays make for a time of a lot of drunk drivers on the road. Police are patroling even more this time of year to keep drunk drivers off the road. New Year's Eve is a dangerous time to be driving. It is advised to stay where you are that night to avoid driving at all. Just becuase you are sober, does not mean that those around you are.

Top Ten Holidays Associated With Drunk Driving Collisions

Below are the dates and holidays most associated with drunk driving wrecks in the United States.

1. Fourth of July Weekend
2. Halloween
3. Labor Day Weekend
4. Thanksgiving Weekend
5. Christmas Week
6. Memorial Day Weekend
7. New Year's Day
8. Super Bowl Sunday
9. New Year's Eve
10. St. Patrick's Day

Wrongful Death from Drunk Driving

In Washington State, 54% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a driver that was under the influence of alcohol. In 2009 265 people in Washington State lost their lives in drunk driving crashes. In Washingon State there is a sharp increase in the number of drunk driving incidents near major holidays. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 16,694 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in the United States in 2004. This figure represents 39% of all traffic incident deaths. In fact, more than 500,000 Americans are injured annually in drunken driving crashes.

Davis Law Group supports MADD Washington by donating $500 for each DUI case we successfully close. We are working to eliminate drunk driving collisions. There is no such thing as a drunk driving accident.

Let's Eliminate Hit and Run Drivers

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71944 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hit-and-Run Drivers

Hit-and run-accidents have reached epidemic proportions. There has been a continually rising rate of hit-and-run accidents since 2003. Irresponsible drivers are choosing self-preservation over personal responsibility in many automobile accidents. Hit-and-run collisions are not limited to car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one out of every 5 pedestrians killed on the roads die from a hit-and-run.

Davis Law Group is Working to Eliminate Hit-and-Run Accidents

In cases when the driver leaves the scene, there is no one to go after for injuries or even death. If the plaintiff does not have insurance there is nothing that can be done. That is why hit-and-run accidents are so serious and such a problem.
The Davis Law Group Hit-And-Run Reward Program offers up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers through anonymous tips provided to the WeTip Crime Hotline, 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (1-800-644-8678). This program is designed to encourage people to do the right thing without any consequences, by being an anonymous caller.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident of any kind (motor vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian) call Davis Law Group to learn about your legal options. Call us at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Should Washington State Have DUI Checkpoints?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71609 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

DUI Checkpoints in Washington State

Currently, it is illegal to have to DUI checkpoints in the state of Washington. Several other states have DUI checkpoints and their fatal drunk driving accidents have decreased significantly.

MADD and DUI Checkpoints

Mothers Against Drunk Driving are trying to push DUI checkpoints in all states. MADD Washington is working to get this law to pass. The DUI checkpoints would not be just anywhere - they would be warranted and at places where DUI accidents are very high and clearly need a closer look.

Some people believe that DUI checkpoints are an invasion of privacy.

Do you think DUI Checkpoints Should be Legalized in Washington State?

Tell us what you think by commenting on this page.

Top Wrongful Death Attorneys in Seattle, WA

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71833 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Did you lose a loved one due to someone’s negligence?

In legal terms, this is what we call a wrongful death lawsuit. When a family member’s life is suddenly cut short as a result of the carelessness or negligence of another, the grief and feelings of loss can be overwhelming. If this has happened in your family, you may be going through a complex array of emotions, including sadness, denial, anger, and hopelessness. An accidental death, unintentional death, or wrongful death claim may arise when a person dies as a result of the negligent, careless, intentional or reckless acts of another person or entity (including a corporation or governmental agency). The death could occur because of a car accident, medical malpractice, an on-the-job injury, nursing home abuse or neglect, or from any other careless conduct.

Best Wrongful Death Attorneys

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have been successfully representing families who have been tragically affected by wrongful death. Attorney Chris Davis has handled many high profile cases in Washington State. He is an author of a wrongful death book as well as being a very popular legal commentator on news programs. Call Davis Law Group 24 hours 7 days to a week, to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Bus Companies Seeing Major Increase in Passengers

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71936 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Researchers at DePaul University found that two U.S. curbside bus companies have seen a 32 percent increase this year in passengers.

The bus that pick up passengers at the curb have been continually growing as people are opting out of buses that pick up at terminals. In fact, all bus traffic has quickly grown since 2008.

Along with his gas prices for drivers, buses make for a convenient transportation by offering free Wi-Fi and cheaper prices than planes and trains. People have began viewing bus transportation as a cool and attractive way to travel, instead of a last result. Compared to a year ago, intercity curbside buses increased to 778 from 589.

Bus Safety Regulations

There have been a few bus accidents that have killed several passengers in the last few years.

These fatal accidents bring up a good topic – safety. The NTSB warned that curbside buses are seven times more likely to be in fatal crash than other intercity lines.

Washington State Bus Crash Statistics for 2009

• 143 Buses Involved in Non-Fatal Crashes

• 28 Buses Involved in Injury Crashes

• 53 Injuries in Crashes Involving Buses

Law Firm Representing Bus Accident Victims

Davis Law Group represents victims that have been injured in bus accidents. If you have been injured, call our office today for a free, no obligation consultation. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Couple for Drowning of Young Child

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)72001 — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A couple was charged with a wrongful death lawsuit after a 6-year-old boy was found at the bottom of a pool during a party that the couple hosted.

The couple’s attorney denied that they were responsible for the care of the child. The response also says that they were never notified by the boy’s parents he couldn’t swim.

The boy was immediately taken to the hospital after he was found but later died at the hospital.

Drowning Statistics

Unintentional deaths by drowning are much more common when people are swimming. In 2007, there were 3,443 people who drowned in non-boating accidents compared to 496 people who drowned in boating accidents. Usually, children 14 and younger most commonly drown with a ratio of about one in five people. Accidental drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14. Children are not the only ones who should be taken into account. Adults should also take precaution when getting into the water. In 2009, there were 4,720 boating accidents and 3,358 boaters were injured and 736 boaters died. Although adults, especially males, have better swimming skills, it is still crucial to wear a life jacket while out on open water.
Wrongful death and drowning is a very difficult case in order to determine liability. If you want to discuss wrongful death with an experienced wrongful death lawyer, call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.

Elderly Driver causes crash on I-5 Driving Wrong-way

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)72184 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 86-year old driver was driving the wrong way down I-5 on Christmas morning. A state trooper reports the man drove nearly two miles south in the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 through Olympia and Tumwater.
The man caused at least one crash when another driver swerved to avoid him.
When the man was eventually pulled over by State Patrol, he was issued a citation for negligent driving and was put in for a license re-evaluation.
Washington State does not restrict license renewal based on age alone. Drivers can renew their license online or at a local Department of Licensing office. Every alternate renewal has to be done in person. The in-person renewal requires a vision test for drivers of all ages.

'Distracted Driving Kills, Safe Driving Starts With You'

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70508 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Transportation released another Face of Distracted Driving. They started this campaign to bring awareness to the dangers of texting while driving.

An 18-year-old Kassy Kerfoot was driving on a busy highway during rush hour traffic when she made the decision to text while behind the wheel. Davis Law Group sends sincere condolences to the friends and family of Kassy.

Texting and Driving Statistics

The federal government estimated that by 2007 11 percent of drivers were talking on their phones at any given time. Harvard University researchers have estimated that drivers using cell phones are causing more than 2,500 or more fatal crashes a year and more than 500,000 injury accidents annually. In 2008, distracted driving motor vehicle accidents killed nearly 6,000 Americans.

Motorcyclists May Have a Disadvantage in Court, Here's Why

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71815 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Motorcycle riders have a bit of a negative stereotype. Some (not all) motorcycle riders commonly drive fast and swerve in between cars to their advantage. Not to say that all motorcyclists driver irresponsibly, but those who do, give all riders a bad reputation.

The unfortunate side is that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to injury because of their lack of protection and their small size. In some cases, it may be very difficult to determine who was at fault.

Since their reputations are to be ‘dare devils’ and to take chances, it can definitely hurt a personal injury claim if the fault is undetermined. If you find yourself involved in a case such as this, in which you were not at fault, you may need the assistance of an attorney. Your attorney will be able to defend you and prove that you are not an irresponsible motorcycle rider. Evidence could include education, employment, family, community responsibility and more. These factors can prove that you are a not what the stereotypes make you out to be. The lawyer’s job is to give the jury an accurate and responsible image to make sure they do not stereotype you.

If you find yourself in a similar situation or the victim of a motorcycle crash, it is advised to hire an attorney. The top motorcycle attorneys at Davis Law Group have the experience and knowledge to make sure you recover the settlement that you deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. Our Seattle office is located in the Belltown neighborhood. Call (206) 727-4000.

Spinal Cord Injury Leading to Problems with Brain Function

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71930 — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new study shows that spinal cord compression causes changes to the function of the brain. The study involved 24 patients with reversible spinal cord compression and 11 health controls.

The researchers were looking at the how the brain responds to the injury in the spinal cord, and if the brain wass able to compensate for injury. The researchers were able to look at the MRI scan to determine what functions changed in their brain after the spinal cord injury. The overall goal was to determine the levels of the chemicals in the brain and if they differed from spinal cord injury victims.
Researchers are still trying to determine the changes they observed occurred over time. However, the research is showing some proof of possible reversibility through surgery.

Automobile accidents cause 42.1 % of spinal cord injuries. More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, while some victims will experience a full recovery, others will be completely and permanently paralyzed. Car accidents are also frequently the cause of other serious back injuries such as a herniated disc.

Spinal Cord Damage Attorneys

The lawyers at Davis Law Group are here to help tell your unique story. Call our office today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 at (206) 727-4000.

Suspected Drunk Driver Hits and Kills Pedestrian on Highway 2 in Everett

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)72133 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A suspected drunk driver steered his car onto a pedestrian walkway where a 47-year old man was walking on Highway 2 in Everett. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the man had been thrown over the side of the trestle and fallen about 40 feet. The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
After hitting the man, the driver continued on before slamming into a concrete wall near Homeacres Road.
The driver of the car was a 24-year old Everett man. Police took blood from the man and believe that alcohol or drugs are a factor in this deadly accident. The young driver is now facing charges of vehicular homicide and felony hit-and-run.
In 2010, Washington State had 170 alcohol related fatalities. Washington State is currently ranked 44th out of the 51 (D.C. being ranked as separate entry) states for the percentage of total traffic deaths that are DUI related. 37% of traffic fatalities were DUI related in Washington State.

NHTSA Texting While Driving Campain in Theaters

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70374 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Texting While Driving Awareness Campaign

The Department of Transportation created new advertisements targeting texting while driving teens. The ads hope to bring awareness to young drivers who engage in dangerous distracting behaviors behind the wheel. They are playing in cinemas throughout the nation.

Stay alive. Don't text and drive.

New Device Intended to Detect Brain Injuries

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71798 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A handheld device was invented to detect brain injuries such as hematomas. When concussions happen or serious brain injuries, reacting quickly can make all of the difference. This tool is intended to do just that.

The device works by detecting when blood vessels become damaged and blood seeps out into surrounding tissues, which is what can cause serious injuries and damage.
Traumatic brain injury patients can use this device to detect brain injury before CT scan or MRI imaging. This would be specifically used in situations where it is not accessible to get the patient to a hospital, such as on a playing field or scene of an accident.

Brain injuries have become very common in the U.S., many of which are a result of a concussion from sports that were never properly taken care of. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, approximately 2% of the U.S. population, currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of TBI.

Also, TBI contributes to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability annually. The new law in the state of Washington will take important first steps in providing some funding of services. More importantly, it will organize (for the first time) a Strategic Partnership Advisory Council to identify gaps in services and how to fix it so that effective treatment and services are provided to those struggling with TBI and its aftermath.

Seattle's Brain Injury Lawyer

If you believe you received brain injury from the negligence of another person or entity, contact attorney Chris Davis for a free, no obligation consultation. Davis Law Group is a leading personal injury firm in Seattle, Washington. Call us today at (206) 727-4000.

How to Determine Medical Mistakes, Malpractice

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71834 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is defined as a medical professional who acts negligently, causing its patient to be injured or to wrongfully die. This can be a specific professional or an institution, such as a doctor’s office or hospital.

As a medical professional, they are to provide a minimum standard of care in his/her area. Common mistakes include leaving sponges, instruments, or other objects in patient; operating on the wrong part of the body; medication errors; or post-surgical infections, including the failure to diagnose properly.

If you believe that your surgery, treatment, post-surgical treatment, etc. was not properly done by a medical professional, it is important that you seek legal counsel. Medical malpractice can cause severe issues. It is important to pursue a case against the doctor in order to make sure your medical bills are covered and most importantly, that the same mistake does not happen to another individual.

Top Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Seattle, WA

The attorneys at Davis Law Group are highly rated as a group of trial attorneys, who have recovered favorable settlements on behalf of their clients. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis has also authored several books on personal injury and is highly popular as a legal commentator on news programs. To schedule a free, no obligation consultation, call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000.

Best Wrongful Death Attorney

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71996 — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Wrongful Death Law

If you have wrongfully lost a loved one, you want to find the best legal representation to tell their story. During this painful time, we understand how confused, sad, and upset you are. When someone’s negligence takes the life of someone you love, you will feel completely helpless. While attorneys cannot bring back the life of that person, they can recover compensation that will help cover medical bills, loss wages, funeral expenses and more. During an emotionally draining time, the last worry you want to deal with is finances. Unfortunately, there is no other way to make the person pay for their negligence than with money. How do you put a price on someone’s life?

Of course, there is no formula to determine this amount. However, there are many factors that are involved which will determine how much can be recovered. Factors can include dependents such as family, their career, pain and suffering and much, much more.

While you are grieving, the attorneys at Davis Law Group want to make this a less stressful time for you. The attorneys at Davis Law Group work hard every day to alleviate any burdens that their clients are facing. We know that we can recover the compensation you deserve on behalf of your loved ones. Founder and principal attorney Chris Davis wrote a book on wrongful death. Click here to order a copy of Wrongful Death in Washington State. Call our offices at anytime to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We are available 24/7 at (206) 727-4000. The loss is out of your control, but the choice of the attorney is yours.

Sidewalks are a Danger to Bicyclists

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70242 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

As a cyclist, you are putting yourself at risk when you ride between sidewalks. If you are crossing on a sidewalk on the left-hand side of the street, you risk getting hit by a car that is turning behind you. If you ride on the right-hand side of the street, you also risk getting hit by a car behind you that’s turning. Sidewalks usually indicate a place where residents or businesses are, which means that there are cars pulling out of driveways, parking lots or side streets.

Aside from vehicles, you are also a threat to pedestrians you may hit that are walking on sidewalks. In fact, in some cities and/or states, it is illegal for cyclists to ride on sidewalks.

Not all Sidewalks are Hazardous to Bicyclists

Bicycle Accident Resource Book

Attorney Chris Davis wrote a book for bicycle accident victims. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand your legal options. Click here to order your free copy of Wheels of Justice.

Theif Stole Christmas Presents from Home, Attacked by Dog

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71605 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A man is being treated for dog bite wounds after being suspected of burglary. The suspect was carrying a bag of stolen holiday gifts.

The stolen items were taken from a home in a neighborhood.

He is suspected to survive from his injuries.

Dog Bite Statistics

• In 2010, there were 33 fatal dog attacks.

• Pit bulls lead dog attacks and are responsible for 67% of the fatalities.

• In 2010, the combination of pit bulls (22) and rottweilers (4) accounted for 79% of all fatal attacks. In the 6-year period from 2005 to 2010, this same combination accounted for 71% (129) of the total recorded deaths (181).

• From 2005 to 2010, pit bull killed 104 Americans, about one person every 21 days.

• Male represented about 60% of the victims in these attacks.

• The state of California led fatalities in 2010 with 7 deaths; pit bulls contributed to 83% (6). Florida followed with 3 deaths and Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas each had 2 deaths.

Child Injuries, Lawn Mower Accidents

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71735 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A lawn mower ran a child over and resides in fair condition from his injuries. The lawn mower mangled the 6-year-old’s legs.

In 2010, almost 17,000 children were victim of lawn mower accidents according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The most effective way to prevent an accident with lawn mowers, is appropriate adult supervision.

Other tips to prevent accidents with power equipment include:

Be alert for children when operating a power mower, especially when backing up or approaching trees and shrubs.

Children should never play in areas where mowers are being used. Keep children, especially children ages 4 and under, supervised indoors whenever any outdoor power equipment is being used.

Never allow a child to operate a power mower, even supervised, or ride "double" on a mower.

Keep children away from all power equipment. Never let children operate any power equipment.

Clear the mowing area from rocks, twigs, toys, wires, etc. which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

Children must be at least 14 years old with operational training and safety education before being allowed to operate a power mower or power equipment, and must be supervised by an adult.

Child Injury Lawyer

Child injury attorney Chris Davis has a lot of experiene in handling accidents related to auto defects and machinery. If you feel that your child was a victim, call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Lawsuit Filed Against the Forest Service for Death of Girl

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71752 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 11-year-old girl was killed at ice caves just east of Granite Falls in 2010 and the parents are planning to sue the Forest Service in order to prevent any other fatal accident, such as this one, from happening again.

The family is urging that there needs to be better signage.

Grace Tam was killed in July 2010 at the Big Four Ice Caves in Verlot. She was on a trip with her family when a huge piece of ice broke loose and pinned the young girl to the ground.

The attorney representing the family believes that there is not enough done to alert visitors of the dangers.

Pedestrian Safety Tips to Avoid Drunk Drivers During Holidays

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71925 — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The amount of drunken driving fatalities and accidents are significantly higher during the holiday season.While you should be very cautious as a driver, you should also be just as safe as a pedestrian or cyclist.

Defensive Walking Safety Tips to Avoid Accidents

• Be alert for approaching vehicles as they may not be alert to your presence.

• Be observant. When walking or exercising, maintain your situational awareness.

• Don’t walk/exercise distracted. Audio and communication devices can keep you from recognizing danger.

• Don’t use sound-blocking headphones to listen to music. It will obviously affect your ability to hear traffic coming.

• Follow the laws. Don’t cross roadways except at appropriate locations and don’t trespass on roadways which prohibit pedestrians.

• Don’t assume traffic will stop just because you enter a pedestrian crossing zone.

Davis Law Group is wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Hit and Run Driver Killed Friend Over Gas Money Dispute

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71627 — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A very bizarre situation led to a fatal accident when two friends were arguing over gas money in a street. One of the women got in her vehicle and ran over the other one. After hitting the victim, she left the scene in her SUV.

Later, she turned herself in and is in jail for investigation of first-degree murder.

All witnesses said it was not an accident. One witness said that the woman seemed drunk.

The witness that called police said that the driver waited for the woman to get on the sidewalk, hit the gas and then cranked the wheel hard left and hit her.

The woman died in the street.

Detectives say the two women were friends. Records show that the hit and run driver has a history of assault, drugs and prostitution.

Did you witness a hit and run accident in Tacoma?

Davis Law Group Hit and Run Reward Program offers up to a $1,000 reward for information leading up to an arrest of a hit and run driver. Anonymously report it by calling 800-6-HIT-N-RUN.

Were You Hit by the Link Light Rail in Seattle?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71742 — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Pedestrian Accidents

If you were a pedestrian hit by the Link Light Rail in Seattle, you have legal options to explore.

Attorney Chris Davis handles many high profile pedestrian accident cases. Call Davis Law Group today to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Mr. Davis also wrote a book on pedestrian accidents in Washington State. Click here to order your copy of Right of Way: Washington State Pedestrian Law.

Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71813 — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Were you injured in a motorcycle accident?

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need the assistance of an attorney. If you were the victim, the insurance company will begin doing research and using tactics in order to minimize and delay a settlement. Insurance adjustors are professional negotiators. They know just what to say to get you to say the right thing that will ultimately hurt your case. In a motorcycle accident, you are more vulnerable to severe injuries. In many cases, the victim hires an attorney to go after the insurance company for compensation that they deserve for medical bills, loss of wages, pain and suffering and more.

The Top Attorneys for Motorcycle Accidents

The attorneys for Davis Law Group are widely recognized as some of the best attorneys in the state of Washington, specificall for motorcycle injuries. Attorney Chris Davis the founder and principal attorney. He strongly believes in the rights of his clients and does all that he can to recover a fair and pleasing settlement on your behalf. Call our office at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Black Ice on SR-18 Caused 16 Vehicle Collisions

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71990 — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Black ice in Auburn caused at least 16 accidents within a three-mile stretch. The crashes occurred on State Route 18.

"We didn't expect to see this at all," says Cliff Pratt, trooper with the Washington State Patrol.
Many cars spun into ditches and one vehicle rolled on its side. Both lanes of SR-18 were closed to clear the accidents and allow tow trucks to remove damage cars.

Thankfully, there were no serious injuries from the ice.

WSDOT said that they put de-ice on SR-18 but the rain water flushed it off the roads.

The roads are now open and safe.

New Article: Thousands of Children Suffering Headaches Post-TBI

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70503 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Every year, more than half a million U.S. children suffer from traumatic brain injury, or TBI. Adults experience headaches after head injuries, but what symptoms do children experience? Researchers conducted a study to investigate this question. The study look at the headaches of children ages 5 to 17, three and 12 months after mild, moderate or severe TBI.

The results showed that the risk of headache was higher in adolescent ages 13 to 17 years old – and in girls specifically.

Click here to read the article entitled Headaches After Traumatic Brain Injury Affecting Children, Adolescent

Plastic Surgery for Child Dog Bites

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71734 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Child Injuries From Animal Attacks

A boy was bitten by a dog yesterday and transferred to a nearby hospital immediately after sustaining serious injuries.

The young boy is going to need reconstructive plastic surgery as advised by a surgeon at the hospital.

After dog attacks, children may undergo dozens of reconstruction surgeries throughout several years. Of course, this is very expensive and life changing – an experienced dog bite and child injury attorney can recover compensation on behalf of your claim.

It is reported that annual attacks each year could be as high as 25,000. However, the problem with this reporting, is that many owners do not report animal bites because they do not want their pets taken away. Therefore, the annual numbers are probably much lower than in actuality.

2010 Dog Bite Fatalities

Nursing Home Owner Accused of Injuring 92-Year-Old Woman

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71746 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A nursing home owner is being charged with injuring a 92-year-old woman. It was reported in court documents that she put the elderly woman into a wheelchair against her will, which caused her pain in her arms, shoulders and back. A worker at a nursing home witnessed the incident and said that the victim was shoved into the wheelchair, just as the documents also indicate.

The owner says that he did put her in the wheelchair, but denies shoving her or causing her any harm.

Elder abuse is a real problem. Because the nursing home industry has become a multi-billion dollar business comprised of major corporations, in some facilities profitability has become more important than administering proper care. Reports state that 30% of nursing home facilities are cited for instances of abuse.

Were you or someone you love a victim of elder abuse?

There is help out there for you. The attorneys at Davis Law Group have successfully been representing injured victims from elderly abuse for many years. Call our office at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

All State Insurance Company Brings Texting While Driving PSA to Theaters

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70306 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

All State Insurance Company partnered with a cinema advertising company, Screenvision that brought their award-winning “Delete Text Driving” PSA to theaters across the nations at the beginning of December. Annually, 45 percent of U.S. driving deaths occur during the holiday season, according to the Department of Transportation. More than 6,000 people now die from texting while driving and 500,000 are severally injured.

All State Texting While Driving PSA

Do you have an idea for a driving safety video?

If so, Davis Law Group wants to hear from you. We created The DLG Viral Video Scholarship Contest. We created it as a community service program to help educate the public on safe driving practices. We chose one high school winner and one college winner with the best viral video on safety. Each winner receives a $1,500 scholarship. Click here to learn more about the program.

Honda Vehicles Recalled For Airbag Defects

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71630 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

More than 304,035 Honda Motor vehicles are being recalled worldwide due to an airbag defect. Models include Civic and Accord.

The greatest fear of the air bag defect is that the gas container inflates the airbag during an accident could break and send fragments of the safety device scattering. The units recalled will include 10 models manufactured in 2001 and 2002.

If you have a vehicle that is being recalled, it is advised to go to your nearest dealer.

Have you been injured in an accident due to an auto or product defect?

If so, you need the assistance of an attorney. Christopher Davis is a highly experienced and accredited personal injury attorney, representing many victims of defect. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

$7.2 Million Awarded to Victim of Greyhound Rollover Bus Accident

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71632 — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In December 2007, a 24-year-old woman was injured in a rollover accident on a Greyhound bus. She was just awarded $7.2 million after a 3-week trial.

In the rollover accident, the victim injured her head, neck and back. She alleged that the bus driver was using his cell phone while driving in icy conditions. During trial, it was uncovered that the driver used his cell phone 17 times in the three hours before the fatal accident. The driver also had a record of speeding and was clearly unqualified for the position.

Were you injured in a bus or motor coach accident?

Contact experienced personal injury attorneys at Davis Law Group. Call us at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Bicyclists Avoid Being Hit by Car Door

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70240 — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

It is common for bicyclists to drive on roads where there is a lot of street parking for vehicles. If the person does not see you riding by, it is common for them to open their door quickly which can seriously injure the cyclists, and in some cases, kill them. In Toronto and Santa Barbara, is it the most common type car-bike crash.

In order to avoid an accident, cyclists should ride far enough to the left that they won’t run into any door that opens unexpectedly. While most cyclists are most concerned about riding more to the right, to avoid being hit by behind, this actually puts you at more of a risk because it is hard for drivers to see you and from people getting into their cars.

Were you severely injured by a car door while riding your bike?

If so, contact personal injury attorney Chris Davis. He specializes in bicycle accidents in Washington State. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free no obligation consultation.

Police Dog Escaped, Bit Teenager at High School

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71602 — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A girl is recovering after a police dog bit her while she was at high school. The dog escaped from a patrol vehicle. The handler of the dog and two other officers were operating a gun safety presentation at the high school.

After the students ran to alert the officers that the dog was loose, it had already bitten and scratched the 15-year-old girl. She was taken to the hospital but was not seriously injured.

The officers said that the dog must have been let out of the vehicle. After further investigation, it was reported that the spring-loaded that electronically controlled the door had failed, which is how the dog was able to escape the 2011 Ford Expedition.

Police Dog Attack Attorney

If you were attacked or bitten by a police dog, Seattle dog bite attorney Chris Davis has the legal expertise that you are looking for. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.

Woman is Victim of Medical Malpractice in Tubal Litigation Surgery

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68275 — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman was a victim of medical malpractice after being severely brain-damaged. The woman underwent a routine tubal litigation surgery after giving birth at a medical center in Washington State. After the operation, the hospital staff failed to notice that she was no longer breathing.

The woman was resuscitated yet suffered from many seizures and was given seizure-control medication that worsened her condition. She was taken by helicopter to another medical facility. She is now unable to control her bodily functions, lacks mental functions and is being care for at a medical center.

It was reported later that the anesthesiologist was impaired by narcotics he had been taking from patients, yet the plaintiff was unaware of at the time before her surgery.

Medical Malpractice Statistics

Common medical mistakes include:

• Leaving surgical sponges, instruments or other objects in patient
• Operating on the wrong side of the body
• Medication errors
• Post-surgical infections (failure to diagnose or treat infections)

In a Harvard Medical Practice Study, it was found that more than 180,000 people die every year due to medical mistakes. This means that more than 180,000 deaths each year are preventable.

New Article: Holiday Parties and DUI Prevention

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69985 — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new article has been uploaded into our law library regarding drunk driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted research and found that there has been a dramatic increase in alcohol-related car accidents and fatalities over the holiday season. With these statistics to share, still 44 percent of people say the amount of adults drinking alcoholic drinks is greater at holiday parties than any other time throughout the year. The research also revealed that less than half of Americans are worried about their guests being involved in an accident after consuming drinks at their home.

The results did show some positive effects however. According to the survey, about eighty percent of party hosts will serve food to help slow the absorption of alcohol; about half (55 percent) of hosts switch to non-alcoholic drinks during the party. About 60 percent of hosts will provide a designated driver for party guests.

Click here to read more statistics and the full article entitled Drinking and Driving: Holiday Party Hazard

Alcohol-Impaired-Driving Fatalities Decrease in Washington State

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71266 — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Based on new compiled data from NHTSA, the amount of fatalities on U.S. roadways has decreased. In 2010, 32,885 people lost their lives on America’s roadways in motor vehicle accidents. Compared to 2009, the amount of deaths is 2.9 percent lower than compared to 33,883.

As for accidents involving alcohol-impaired-driving, the fatalities declined by 4.9 percent in 2010. Alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2010 accounted for 31 percent of overall fatalities, which is slightly down from the 32 percent in 2009, 10,759 alcohol-impaired-driving deaths.

There were a total of 32 states that saw a decline in the amount of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, California and Florida had decreases of more than 100. There were sixteen states that saw an increase from 3 to 46 deaths.

Washington State and Alcohol-Impaired-Driving Fatalities

Throughout both 2009 and 2010, there were a total of 492 lives lost on Washington State roadways. In 2009, there were 207 fatalities from alcohol-impaired-driving. In 2010, there were 170. It was a 37 death decrease, down by 18 percent. Even though the number is down, Washington State is still looking to diminish this number. Between the work of Target Zero, law enforcement and MADD Washington, the state is working to make sure there are no more deaths from DUI. December is a very deadly month for motorist on U.S. roadways so we remind everyone to be responsible and respectful on the roadways. We hope to see another decrease in fatalities in 2011.

Traffic Fatalities Decrease 10 Percent in States That Allow Medical Marijuana

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70782 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In states where medical marijuana is legalized, traffic fatalities fell almost 10 percent.

Colorado and Montana university professors analyzed 19 years of data on traffic fatalities. Overall, there was a 9 percent decrease in fatal collisions in states that allow medical marijuana use.

According to the study, beer sales fell in states where medical marijuana was legalized. The results showed that high drivers performed better than drunk drivers in driving stimulations. It was shown that they avoid risky driving behavior, increase their following distance behind other cars and reduce velocity.

Of course, there are a lot of loose ends with the legalization of medical marijuana. There were two robberies in South Seattle over one week to medical pot users.

However, if less people are dying, should this be something that we allow but have high regulations on?

Washington State Fatal Drunk Driving Death Statistics

Research University Makes Huge Strides in Spinal Cord Injuries

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71134 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The University of Louisville’s spinal cord scientists have accrued more than $13.7 million for spinal cord research, from outside sources in 2011. Since 2000, the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center has reached $64.1 million in funding.

The researchers at the university, along with two universities in California, used electrical stimulation and rehabilitation to help a paraplegic man stand and take steps with assistance. This was a major breakthrough for millions of paralyzed people.

“This is tangible evidence of our efforts to become a nationally recognized premier metropolitan research university,” said U of L President James Ramsey. “We have taken the investment that the state has made in our program, brought in the best researchers to work on spinal cord injury, and begun to help people.”

The University of Kentucky continues to make great strides for spinal cord injury victims. The funding has come from competitive grants, gifts, and donations.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Automobile accidents cause 42.1 % of spinal cord injuries. More than 11,000 people suffer a spinal cord injury each year in the United States, while some victims will experience a full recovery, others will be completely and permanently paralyzed. Car accidents are also frequently the cause of other serious back injuries such as a herniated disc. In both cases the accident victim may require surgery, years of treatment and physical therapy, and the injuries can completely change the life of the victim.

Honda Recalls 304,000 Vehicles for Air Bag Defect

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70361 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

There are 304,000 Honda vehicles being recalled around the world for problems with air-bags. It is reported that the air-bags may inflate too much pressure in a collision. The over inflation is causing injuries and deaths due to the metal and plastic pieces disbursing.

In 2009 in the United States, there have been 20 collisions that are related to the issue including two fatalities. The recall affects the Accord, Civic, Odyssey, Pilot, CR-V and other models that are manufactured in 2001 and 2002. There are a total of 2 million vehicles worldwide that are being affected by the recall.

Honda apologizes for the problem and that the recall will take care of the issue.

Injured in an accident caused by an auto defect?

Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation with experienced personal injury attorney Chris Davis.

Homeles Children to Receive Care Packages from Seattle Law Firm

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70797 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Seattle attorney Chris Davis and his team at Davis Law Group are assembling several packages from Project Night Night to give to children at local Seattle homeless shelters. Davis Law Group teamed up with Project Night Night to help homeless children in the Seattle area.

On Friday, Davis Law Group is hosting an event to assemble the packages and deliver them to Mary's Place, YWCA, and Union Gospel Mission's Hope Place in Seattle.

Each Night Night package will have a blanket, book, stuffed animal, and various holiday goodies.

Project Night Night

Project Night Night donates over 25,000 Night Night Packages each year, free of charge, to homeless children who need our childhood essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn, and significant.

Davis Law Group

Chris Davis is a Seattle native and the founder of the Davis Law Group, P.S. He is the author of several books on personal injury and wrongful death law. Chris has been recognized by local and national media (including CNN, NBC, ABC, Fox and CBS) as a legal expert and is frequently asked to offer his opinion on news stories and events. Davis Law Group are also sponsors of the Davis Law Group School Supplies Gift Program and Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program.

Trespassing Man Attacked by Four Pitbulls in Backyard

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71329 — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Wednesday night a man was attacked by four pit bulls in the Rainier Valley area, after he jumped a 10-foot fence to trespass in a family’s back yard.

According to Seattle police, it seemed that the intruder was trying to break into two cars in the backyard of the home. The 21-year-old clearly did not plan on seeing two pit bulls when he jumped the fence.

The four pit bulls caused injuries to the man’s arms, ears, face and legs. Once the homeowner heard the commotion, he called for the dogs and they returned to their kennel.

A passer-by was flagged down by the homeowner and he called 911. The man was unable to walk. Once medics arrived, he was transported to Harborview Medical Center. His injuries are considered non-life- threatening.

Police want to request charges of criminal trespass against the man. The dogs remained at home with their owner.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Collisions and Drunk Driving Deaths in Washington State are Down

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)71268 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The US Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Commision have released statistics and analysis on State Motor Vehicle Fatalities in 2010. Motor vehicle accident deaths in Washington State are down.

Fatal Car, Truck and Motorcycle Accidents in Washington State, 2009 and 2010

In 2010, 458 people lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions on Washington state interstates, highways, roadways and streets. This number is down 34% when compared to the 492 people who died in accidents in 2009.

Drunk Driving Deaths in Washington State, 2009 and 2010

In 2010 170 people in Washington state died in alcohol related collisions. This figure is 18 percent lower than the 207 people who died in impaired crashes in 2009 (34 fewer fatalities in 2010). These are fatalities in crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater.

Bicycle Safety: Learn How to Avoid a Car Collision

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70237 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Avoid Bicycle Accidents

Bicycling is a great way to stay in shape, save money and live a green lifestyle. However, throughout the year in Seattle, there have been many fatal bicycle accidents that have concerned cyclists of their safety. While motorized vehicles and bicycles need to learn to share the road, cyclists need to be even more careful because they are the ones at risk of serious injury.

The Most Common Bicycle Crash

The most common way to get hit on a bike is when a vehicle is pulling out of a side street, parking lot or driveway. It may be difficult for them to see you due to parked cars on the street, garbage cans and other barriers.

Avoid this collision by:

Using a headlight. At night, there is no excuse for not using a headlight. You should always use a headlight. But, even in the daylight, riding with a headlight that has a flashing mode can make you more visible to motorists.

Waving your arm. Sometimes it is not possible to make eye contact with the driver, so the next best move is to wave your arm. They will be more likely to see you. If that doesn’t work, yelling ‘hey’ or ‘look out’ could be effective.

Slowing down around cars. If you are riding slow, than you will be able to completely stop right away if you need to and the impact of hitting a car will not be as serious.

Considering your location in the lane. Most cyclists ride close to the curb in the bike lane to prevent being hit from behind. However, if the driver behind you is looking up ahead, they may not notice you if you are out of their view, by being too close to the curb.

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident?

If you have been the victim in a bicycle accident, contact an attorney immediately. Attorney Chris Davis has representing many bicycle accident victims in high profile cases. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Hit and Run Accidents: What's the Next Step?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71027 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you were injured in a hit and run accident, you may be upset, confused and have no idea what to do next. If you are considering your legal options, it is highly recommended to contact an attorney immediately.

In the very unfortunate case of a hit and run accident, in which the driver is never identified, you can file a claim against your own insurance company.

Assuming that you have a lot of bills in medical costs, loss of wages and other costs associated with this accident that you were not liable for, of course you want to know who will pay your bills.

Always remember that every case is unique, therefore the circumstances differ. However, in a case such as hit and run, you can file a claim against your own insurance carrier depending on the type of insurance coverage you have. If you have uninsured motor vehicle coverage, that type of coverage on your policy will typically cover the damage that has been caused by a hit and run driver, or sometimes known as a phantom vehicle. This means that your insurance will be responsible for paying your medical bills, loss wages pain and suffering, etc.

The tricky part is: what if my insurance doesn’t pay? Well, this is where the assistance of an attorney steps in. This is an example of tactics that the insurance company will use, to deny and delay claims. A legal professional will be able to represent you in order to receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Seattle’s Hit and Run Accident Attorney

If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident, as a driver of another vehicle, as a pedestrian or a bicyclist, you should contact Davis Law Group immediately. Attorney Chris Davis has represented many victim of hit and run accidents in Washington State. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Hit and Run Reward Program

Web Browsing While Driving: Bigger Problem Than Texting?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71150 — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

New research from State Farm Insurance is showing that the use of mobile web services is at a much higher rate than in past years. While texting and driving remains a huge concern, the problem statement also needs to acknowledge other forms of distraction on a mobile device.

State Farm’s Survey Strategy:

The information was gathered from an online survey of U.S. consumers aged 18+, who had some insurance and financial responsibility for their household. The responses were only accepted from consumers who had a valid driver’s license, owned a cell phone, and reported driving between 1 and 80 hours per week. The information was taken from nearly 900 motor vehicle drivers who have used mobile device services increasingly throughout the last two years.

This data is in regards to drivers aged 18 to 29:

In 2009, web service use while driving increased 29 percent, to 43 percent in 2011.

Social network updates while driving increased from 20 percent in 2009 to 22 percent in 2011.

Using the internet on a mobile device while behind the wheel increased from 29 percent in 2009 to 43 percent in 2011.

For all aged drivers:

Using social media networks while driving increased from 9 percent in 2009 to 14 percent in 2011.

Updating social networks while driving increased from 9 percent in 2009 to 13 percent in 2011.

Using the internet in general while driving increased from 13 percent in 2009 to 18 percent in 2011.

The (few) distracted driving improvements:

For those drivers aged 18-29, 71 percent said texted while driving in 2009, that number dropped to 64 percent in 2011.

In regards to all drivers, the amount of texting while driving motorists stayed pretty flat at 31 percent in 2009 to 32 percent in 2011.

New Article: Soccer May Be Causing Brain Damage

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70117 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new article has been uploaded into our law library.

Football, boxing, and hockey have all been up for discussion for the cause of concussions, leading to brain injury in athletes. But – what about soccer? While soccer is not too much of a contact sport compared to football, soccer does involved ‘headers’ where the player passes the ball with the head.

Researchers are becoming concerned about the brain health of soccer players. In the United States, researchers have completed brain scans on soccer players who regularly use their head in the game, and they are reported signs of brain damage in many of them. This raises a serious question of safety – especially for young children that are learning to play while still cognitively developing.

Click here to read the article entitled 'Heading' the Soccer Ball Could be Causing Your Child Brain Damage

Dogs, Fireworks Don't Mix

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70253 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Holiday Season and Dog Bites

The holidays are upon us! With the New Year less than a month away, firework shows are a common way to celebrate. However, fireworks and dogs do not mix. Dogs get really stressed and intolerant when they hear fireworks. This combination can be very dangerous for children. It is diffcult for children to understand that their sweet dog can become easily tormented. When a dog is in distress, it is a bad time for children to hang on dogs - especially when kids tend to get close to the dog's face. If you plan on having children over at your home on New Year's and you have a dog, it is strongly advised to keep your dog locked in a room later that night, for the sake of avoiding any injuries. Dog bites can cause severe injuries and sometimes death. Do not let your child be a victim of a distressed dog.

If your child has been bit by a dog, contact experienced dog bite attorney Chris Davis for a free consultation. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to get your legal questions answered.

Poll Shows 90% of Drivers Engage in Dangerous, Distracted Behavior

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70261 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new poll conducted by HealthDay and Harris Interactive, uncovered frightening information about drivers and their dangerous behaviors behind the wheel.

Among the many results, the most shocking of the results was that 90 percent of American adult drivers engage in dangerous and distracting behavior – and most admit that it is risky but do it anyway.

"The number of drivers who engage in potentially dangerous, in some cases extremely dangerous, behaviors while driving is terrifyingly high, particularly when you remember that every 1 percent of drivers polled represents more than one-and-three-quarters of a million people," Humphrey Taylor, chairman of the Harris Poll, told HealthDay.

Other findings in the poll:

86% of drivers have eaten or drank something while driving – 57% do it often or sometimes.

59% of drivers talk on a non-hands-free phone.

41% have used their GPS while driving – 2% do it frequently.

37% have read or sent texts – 18% do it regularly.

36% of drivers had done their hair – 10% do it regularly.

14% of drivers have applies makeup – 7% do it frequently.

13% of drivers have gone online while driving – 9% do it often or sometimes.

7% say they watch videos often or sometimes.

The poll discovered that these activities are dangerous but do it anyway.

Do you engage in dangerous behavior while driving?

Tell us what you think by commenting on this post.

Pedestrian Fatalities Increase: Distracted Walkers a Potential Cause

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70801 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The amount of pedestrian fatalities has increased 4.2% in 2010, and pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents dramatically increased 19% to 70,000, according to data from the NHTSA.

There is no explanation for this unfortunate increase of deaths.

There are of course many speculations . Drinking is a major factor in pedestrian fatalities. Not only drunk drivers, but also drunk pedestrians. In fact, of the pedestrians kille'd, 35% of them were legally drunk. In 6% of fatal pedestrian crashes, both driver and pedestrian were legally drunk.

Another problem is pedestrians distracted by cell phones and other devices. There have been cases where pedestrians are on their cell phones and do not pay attention to the walk sign and go when there is a green light for drivers. However, this is not good data on distracted pedestrian fatalities.

With the economy in a down slope still, more people are choosing to walk or ride their bike to work, and as a result, more people are being hit by motor vehicles. Many roads are not designed to accommodate many pedestrians or cyclists. There are too many high-speed roads designed to move large numbers of vehicles without considering pedestrian safety.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Underage Drinking, Celebrating the Holidays Sober

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71017 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Holidays can be a scary time for parents with teenage children. Of course, there will be holiday functions, not to mention winter dances at high school and the various other activities that are planned on the weekend. As a parent, how will you keep alcohol out of the mix?

Winter break also means kids are out of school for a few weeks, with nothing to do, and no early mornings. Essentially, every day is the weekend. This can mean later nights, more plans and less chance of a parent keeping tabs on their every move.

Most traffic deaths happen during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and the New Year. The accidents are most likely to occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Many of these fatal accidents involve 15 to 20 years old and are alcohol related. In fact, teenagers are responsible for the highest amount of drunk driving accidents.

It is your responsibility as a parent to prevent any accidents. This is the time to remind your children of the risks of underage drinking and the consequences of this deadly behavior.

In order to ensure safety, parents should lay down ground rules. If you feel more comfortable with your children’s friends being at your house, create an environment that they will want to come to. Get a movie, pizza and fun activities; create plans for them essentially.

The most important thing you can do is to have ongoing conversations about drunk driving and underage drinking. In fact, have a conversation about it every week this time of the year. By having regular family conversations about alcohol, parents can reduce underage drinking by 30 to 60 percent.

Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

In Washington State, 54% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes involve a driver that was under the influence of alcohol. In 2009 265 people in Washington State lost their lives in drunk driving crashes. In Washingon State there is a sharp increase in the number of drunk driving incidents near major holidays.

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 16,694 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in the United States in 2004. This figure represents 39% of all traffic incident deaths. In fact, more than 500,000 Americans are injured annually in drunken driving crashes.

Drunk Driving Victim's Rights Attorney

The attorneys at Davis Law Group have represented the victims of drunk driving for many years. As a result of the pain we see, we began working with MADD Washington to prevent drunk driving on our roadways. Davis Law Group donates $500 for every DUI case we close to MADD Washington. Together, we hope to stop drunk driving. If you have been a victim, call today for a free consultation at (206) 727-4000.

Update: NTSB Recommends Full Ban on Cell Phone Use While Driving

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71143 — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board is encouraging a total ban on cell phone use while driving – including hands-free devices. The reason for this recommendation is due to the severe risks of distracted driving.

The agency is however recommending that cell phones can be used for emergency purposes. The vote took place today, Dec. 13.

Of course, it is up to states to decide whether they want to follow the agency’s recommendation. Deborah A. P. Hersman, chairman of the NTSB, believes that it was a difficult decision to make but the amount of distractions drivers are experiencing is frightening to our safety, as a result of popular mobile devices.

“This is a difficult recommendation, but it’s the right recommendation and it’s time,” she said.

Washington State Law on Texting, Talking While Driving

In Washington State sending a text message or talking on a cell phone use without a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle a primary offense. This allows state and local police officers to issue tickets to drivers based solely on the officer's observation of text messaging or illegal cell phone use. The fine for the offense is $124.

Distracted Driving Statistics

Washington State Hospital Responsible for Many Medical Errors

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68269 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Washington State community hospital was responsible for several medical errors during a boy’s birth, causing him to become a quadriplegic, unable to speak or move. His heart rate was not monitored for two hours before delivery, and the physician did not call a specialist when his head became stuck in the birth canal. The doctor used forceps that he was not qualified to handle. The nurse put an oxygen tube in his lunch when he was unable to breathe on his own. The doctors waited four days before having him transported to a hospital with a critical care unit for newborns. His family filed a lawsuit against the hospital, resulting in a $5 million dollar medical malpractice settlement.

Medical malpractice happens more than we think it does - unfortunately. If you believe that you have been the victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced attorney immediately. It is important for you to understand your legal rights. Seattle attorney Chris Davis has represented many victim of medical malpractice in Washington State hospitals. Call Davis Law Group to schedule a free consultation today.

School Bus Driver Falls Alseep, Teenage Boy Saves the Day

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70792 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A school bus driver fell asleep and a smart teenager stepped in and saved dozens of young lives. The 17-year-old boy who attends Mount Tahoma High School noticed the bus driver closing his eyes while driving down the roads with all of the kids on board.

I was looking at him and his eyes would close, and when we'd get to a turn, he'd look both ways, start driving again, and they would close more and more," he said.

The driver began swerving on city roads, seeming very inattentive. Once the bus drove onto Interstate 5, he had lost consciousness.

"And as soon as I see his head go down, and I see the bus go back to the freeway, I hop up, get to the front of the bus as fast as I can," he said.

William woke the 65-year-old driver up and prevented the bus from driving off the freeway. The school bus driver had a perfect driving record during his eight years with Durham School Services.

"Certainly safety is very important to us and to the families involved, and we want to get to the bottom of it and make sure nothing like this happens again," said Dan Voelpel of Tacoma Public Schools. "It's unusual. It's not something we've dealt with before."

It is still undetermined what caused the driver to have fallen asleep. It may have been a health condition or medicine he was taking. The driver is currently on administrative leave.

Seattle Law Firm Gives Homeless Children Comfort Through the Holidays

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70796 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Davis Law Group continues to reach out to the Seattle community with yet another community program. Attorney Chris Davis and his wife Mischelle were disturbed after watching a 60 Minutes segment that discussed homeless children throughout the country. Along with the startling statistics, there were also heart-wrenching stories that inspired them to reach out to the local children in need.

This holiday season, Davis Law Group is teaming up with Project Night Nightto help homeless children in shelters. Davis Law Group is assembling hundreds of Project Night Night packages that consist of a blanket, book, stuffed animal and some holiday treats. Employees at Davis Law Group will be dropping off the packages to Mary's Place, YWCA and Union Gospel Mission's Hope Place.

Homeles Children Statistics

According to stats available from the King County Committee to End Homelessness, 8,349 individuals were counted as homeless in Seattle on a single night in January. Hundreds, perhaps thousands more were uncounted because they avoided the volunteers who were counting, bunked for the night on a couch at a relative’s house, or slept outside city limits.

36% of the homeless population consisted of single adult men; 13% were single adult women; 1% were unaccompanied youth; and 50% were families with children. Half of all the individuals in King County’s shelters are children aged 0-17 – an especially dire.

Click here to learn more about the program.

Parents Supplying Your Teen with Alcohol?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)71015 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

With the holidays upon us, now is the time to talk to your children about underage drinking and the risks associated with this irresponsible behavior. Although your child may know that underage drinking is wrong and not acceptable, who is to say they won’t give into the peer pressure – especially if an adult is the one serving to them.

Surprise, surprise. Yes, this does happen, and probably more than you would like to believe. Unfortunately, there are adults that do not realize the consequences of giving alcohol to minors. What if they leave your home after having a few drinks and crash their car? Or even worse – what if they hit someone else? What if they kill someone else? What if they kill themselves? These are questions you need to ask yourself.

As a parent, you need to make sure this behavior is not happening at homes that your teenagers are at. Talk to your kids about this important issue. If you create an open relationship regarding the topic of alcohol and drugs, your child is more than likely to tell you if a parent is providing alcohol to minors.

This holiday season, now more than ever is the time to talk to your children about alcohol. Do not let the worst happen before you discuss the dangers with them. Your word may significantly change the decisions they make.

Davis Law Group and Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Davis Law Group supports MADD Washington by donating $500 to every DUI case we successfully close. We are working to diminish drunk drivers in the state of Washington and nationally.

Drunk Driving Victim Attorney

The attorneys at Davis Law Group successfully close many DUI cases each year, in which a victim was wrongfully killed. If someone you loved was killed by a drunk driver, call an experienced attorney today who can answer your questions. Call Davis Law Group to schedule a free no obligation consultation at (206) 727-4000.

How long is the wrongful death statute of limitations in Washington State?

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)70368 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Wrongful Death Statute of Limitations in Washington State

The wrongful death "Statute of Limitations" (SOL) is a law that sets a very narrow time limit on when a wrongful death legal claim or action may be commenced. After the statute of limitations has expired the wrongful death legal action (lawsuit) is forever barred.

In many cases the experienced wrongful death injury attorney who is hired early in the claims process can help you avoid mistakes that may harm your case and perform work to greatly enhance the value of your wrongful death claim.

In Washington State the statute of limitations for many types of wrongful death claims is three (3) years from the date of the accident or death. However there are exceptions to this time limit depending upon the facts involved with the wrongful death case.

DO NOT WAIT TO CONSULT WITH OR HIRE A WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY. Even though that wrongful death statute of limitations may not expire for a long time, you may still want to promptly hire a wrongful death attorney to protect or maximize the value of your wrongful death claim.

You should immediately consult with an experienced wrongful death lawyer to make sure you know when the statute of limitations expires in your loved one's wrongful death case.

AT&T Texting While Driving Campaign: Shocking Statistics

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70021 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A high school student from Redmond, Washington was chosen as one of six young people to be on the board for the “It Can Wait” campaign.

As a part of the campaign, AT&T offers interesting information regarding texting while driving that may remind you to not text on your way home from work today.

Texting While Driving Statistics

Did you Know:

An average teenager, will send and receive text messages 5 times more a day than a typical adult.

It is estimated by AT&T that the amount of texts that are sent in 2011, will nearly double the amount sent two years ago.

If you are texting, your eyes will be off the road for an average of 5 seconds. If you are traveling 55 miles per hour, that is like driving the length of a football field completely blind.

Those who partake in texting while driving, are 23 times more likely to be in an accident.

Have you been the victim in an accident due to someone on their cell phone?

If you have been injured in accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorney Chris Davis has represented accident victims for nearly 20 years. Call Davis Law Group today to schedule a free consultation, (206) 727-4000.

Motorcycle Recall for Brake Defect Causing Fire, Collision

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70495 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Honda recall is affecting 126,000 GL-1800 motorcycles from the 2001 to 2012 model years. The reason for recall is a defect with the secondary brake master cylinder that can cause the rear brake to drag and possibly cause a crash or fire. The recall was introduced after 26 complaints had been received, including two regarding fires.

Documents from Honda say that only 4 percent of the recalled motorcycles have the defective part.
If you believe your motorcycle falls into the category of recall, take your motorcycle to a dealer for inspection. The parts will be replaced if necessary. The recall will begin in January.

Spinal Cord Injury Research

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70578 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Did you know that car accidents are the number one cause of spinal cord injuries? Knowing how common car accidents are, consider how many people are living with spinal cord injuries. In fact, every year there are about 10,000 new spinal cord injuries. Over 80% of the traumatic spinal cord injuries in this United States happen to males between the ages of 16 and 30.

Spinal Cord Injury Attorney

Attorney Chris Davis, founder of Davis Law Group, has represented accident victims for nearly 20 years. Many victims have sustained spinal cord injuries due to the carelessness or another person or entity. To learn more about your legal options, call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000.

Research for SCI

Research continues for spinal cord injuries and for those living with this life altering injury. There are continuous breakthroughs in the research that we see. If you have been impacted by spinal cord injury, know that there are answers to your problem. The first answer begins with legal representation to recover the finances to pursue better health.

Car Rear-Ends School Bus, Injures Two High Schoolers

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70582 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

There were two high school students transported to the hospital after a car rear ended the school bus.

One student complained of head injuries and the other student had a shoulder injury. The other student on the bus at the time of the collision went to school after the collision.

The bus driver was not injured. The collision is being investigated.

The Importance of Training Your Dog Not to Bite

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70125 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a world where everyone has a dog as a member of the family, the most important thing you can do is train your pup. Dog bite incidents can cause serious injury and cost serious dough if your dog is at fault.

Dog Bite Statistics

In 2010, there was a total of 33 fatalities from dog attacks. Between 2005 to 2010, pit bulls killed 104 Americans – about one person every 21 days. Males represented about 60 percent of the victims in these attacks.

Train Your Dog Accordingly

In order to prevent any injury, the most important thing to do is train your puppy. If your start training them when they are young, they will know that biting is not okay. While all puppies are cute and cuddly, some have a tendency to get stressed and lash out by biting – especially around a young child.

A highly recommended way to train your dog is to talk in dog language. While it might sound silly, it actually does work. If your dog bites or nibbles on our hand, give a high-pitched yelping sound and move your hand. The more you exaggerate your sounds, the more they will react. If he does not understand, begin to ignore him by not playing with him. Between both gestures, he will understand that he did something wrong. A well trained dog will understand that you are in charge.

Train Your Children Accordingly

You can train a dog perfectly, but if your children tend to get into dog’s faces, they will retaliate by biting or clawing. You need to teach your child appropriate behavior around dogs, even puppies.

Have you been a victim of a dog bite attack?

If you have been seriously injured by a dog, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorney Chris Davis has handled many high profile dog bite cases. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Car Accident Caused by Bad Weather

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70367 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Were you in a car accident caused by weather conditions?

In the rainy city of Seattle, a common excuse that drivers tell officers is that the weather conditions ‘made it impossible for me to stop in time causing me to hit the car ahead’. While this may be true, you are still held responsible.

If you are going to be a Seattleite, you need to drive like a Seattleite! If it is raining, do not drive close to the person in front of you – common sense. If you are feeling uncertain or unconfident, there is certainly nothing wrong with slowing down and going a few miles under the speed limit.
You need to remember that even if the weather is to blame for a car accident, you are still liable for hitting someone. I know we all think we are confident drivers, but you need to drive as weather conditions will permit.

Seattle car accident attorney

If you were the victim in a car accident, contact experienced personal injury law firm Davis Law Group. Attorney Chris Davis has represented accident victims for nearly 20 years. Call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free no obligation consultation today.

Victims of Wrongful Death

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70576 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Losing a Loved One to Negligence

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another person or enttity, there are probably many emotions that you are experiencing. While you may not yet be thinking about the financial assistance you may need, now is the time to contact an attorney. A wrongful death attorney will be able to handle the legalities behind the claim, which will give you and your family time to focus on healing.

Experienced and Educated Attorney

At Davis Law Group, losing a loved one is not something we take lightly. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in our services. Attorney Chris Davis has represented victims of wrongful death for nearly 20 years. He has represented many families in high profile cases, receiving much attention for highly favorable results. If you feel that your loved one was wrongfully taken, a very important step you should take is to hire an attorney that you trust. To learn about how Davis Law Group can help you, call us at (206) 727-4000 or visit www.injurytriallawyer.com

Drunk Driver Hits, Kills Cyclist in Kirkland

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70710 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Another bicyclist was killed early this morning after being hit by an SUV on his way to work.

The 35-year-old cyclist was riding to work in the 13200 block of NE 124th Street around 3 a.m. when he was hit near an intersection. The rider was already pronounced dead when the medics arrived.

The man was driving the SUV continue for a block and then turned around and returned to the fatal accident scene. The man was arrested for investigation of DUI. The passenger of the vehicle is also being interviewed. Neither people were hurt in the crash.

The bicyclist was wearing all the correct gear to look visible – a reflective vest, a head lamp and blinking lights.

"The bicyclist was doing everything right, he was well marked with lights and everything," said Lt. Mike Murray with Kirkland police. "(The driver) is under arrest for investigation of DUI at this time."

Davis Law Group is deeply saddened and concerned about another fatal bicycle accident. We are handling many fatal bicycle accidents cases and DUI and are seriously worried about the safety of cyclists in Seattle and surrounding areas, such as Kirkland. We send sincere condolences to the friends and family of the victim.

Semi Truck Pulled from Duwamish River, Driver Suspected to Have Fallen Asleep

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70712 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A semi truck driver appeared to have fallen asleep after his truck was found in the Duwamish River last night.

A good Samaritan jumped into the water and rescued the driver after spotting the truck in the water.

"I noticed him just trying to bang out the skylight and (I) just dove in," said Jereme Lane.

It took hours before the semi truck was pulled out of the river.

The driver of the semi truck was not seriously injured.

The Washington Department of Ecology was concerned about diesel spilling into the water, thankfully no diesel was released.

The crash is being investigated by Washington State Patrol.

Semi Truck Driver Collides With Car in Tumwater, Dies in Fiery Crash

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70727 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A semi truck driver was killed on Thursday morning in an I-5 crash. Around 9 a.m. in the northbound lanes, the semi truck collided with a Honda CRV. The fatal accident occurred near 93rd Avenue in Tumwater.

The impact of the collision sent the semi onto the shoulders and into some trees and the semi caught fire. People at the scene tried to get the truck driver out but it was too hot. The man died at the scene.

Those in the Honda were not seriously injured.

Filing A Claim In A Pedestrian Accident Case

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)59483 — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

How do you file a claim in a pedestrian injury accident case? The very first step is to call your insurance carrier and report the claim. You may also want to contact the at-fault person's insurance company to report the claim. But do not give too much information and never give a recorded statement to the at-fault carrier. You should, however, be prepared to give some basic facts about what has occurred, where, when, etc. Please remember that most of the information needed initially by the carrier will be contained in the police report. You may wish to obtain a copy of the report first before discussing the details of the claim with the at-fault carrier.

You may also wish to delay talking to the insurance adjustor about the specifics of the claim until the initial shock of the accident has worn off. I have seen insurance adjustors use a victim's shock to the advantage of the insurance company. If you are distraught and overwhelmed by your or a loved one's injuries, you may say or do things that may impact the claim in the future. Statements you make about what happened in the accident can be used against you later on if a personal injury case is filed. Keep in mind that just because an insurance company representative calls you does not mean you are obligated to speak with him. Your only obligation is to protect yourself and your family during this difficult time.

A Woman Died in a Washington State Hospital Due to Nurse's Negligence

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68267 — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 25-year-old woman died after a nurse overmedicated her in the recovery room following a gall bladder surgery in a Washington State hospital. When she returned to the hospital room, the nurse on duty never took her pulse, or even checked on her while she attempted to breathe. She quickly lapsed into a coma and die three days later.

Her family filed a medical malpractice/wrongful death lawsuit against the agency for temporary nurse who looked after the woman. The settlement amount was undisclosed.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice is professional negligence by act or omission by a health care provider (doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist, plastic surgeon, pharmacist, medical technician, etc.) in which care provided deviates from accepted standards of practice in the medical community and causes injury or death to the patient. It is the failure of a medical professional or a medical facility to provide a minimum standard of care in the areas in which the medical professional or medical facility specializes.

Drunk Driving Collisions in U.S., Decrease in 2009

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69135 — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In recent years, the United States has seen a great improvement in the everlasting drunken driving epidemic.

While we have improved significantly together as a nation, there are still thousands of drunk drivers out on our roadways.

Alcohol-related collisions are responsible for almost one-third of all road fatalities in the U.S.

In 2009, the overall amount of deaths fell 33,808, the lowest number since 1950. Alcohol impaired driving deaths declined by 7.4 percent in 2009 at 10,839 compared to 11,711 in 2008.

Drunk driving remains the deadliest epidemic on our roadways.

NHTSA administrator David Strickland believes that technology can prevent people from drunk driving.

"We have to get people to make the right decision," Strickland said, and if they don't - technology could step in.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving rated states on their effort to reduce drunk driving.

Top ranked states that received 5 star rating:

1. Arizona
2. Illinois
3. Kansas
4. Nebraska
5. Utah

Lowest ranked states that received 1 star rating:

1. Michigan
2. Pennsylvania
3. Rhode Island
4. South Dakota

Davis Law Group supports MADD Washington by donating $500 for every DUI case we successfully close. If you have been the victim in a DUI crash, contact attorney Chris Davis at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Prevent Fires From Holiday Lights With 13 Safety Steps

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70572 — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Before running those beautiful Christmas lights along the roof of your house, take some precautions to prevent any fires or accidents. Each year, there are 250 Christmas tree fires and 14 related deaths, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Check all strings of lights for cracked cords, frayed end or loose connections.

Throw away old strands of lights that don’t have fuses and get a pair of newer lights. New lights have prevent sparks with fused plugs.

Always keep your tree well watered – electrical lights and a dry tree can be a deadly mix.

Replace bulbs immediately after they have burned out.

Always pay close attention to extension cords because they can overheat.

Make sure outdoor lights are plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet to reduce risk of shorts and shocks.

Use insulated hooks instead of tacks, nails or screws. They can pierce through the cable and cause fires.

Elevate all plugs and connectors with a brick to keep snow, water and debris out of the connections.

Make sure your lights have been rated by a testing laboratory.

Take down ground-level.

When you go to sleep at night or leave the house, make sure you turn off Christmas lights.

Make sure you only use outdoor lights – outdoors. Do not use indoor lights on your house.

Make sure to put all lights in a well-concealed container once you take them down after the holidays.

Davis Law Group wishes you a safe holiday season!

Avoid Child Injury during the Holidays with Safe Toys

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70304 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Everyone wants an injury-free holiday season with their children. Child-safety advocates are encouraging parents to keep in mind safety while shopping. “Play is kids’ job; we should be supporting it in every way we can,” said Dr. Susan Pollack, a pediatrician with Kentucky Children’s Hospital and the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center at the University of Kentucky.

In order to keeping the danger out of playing, you must always supervise your children and make sure they are playing with age appropriate toys. On every toy box, there is an age recommendation. This is something you should always keep in mind when buying for kids. The toys may be dangerous or too intricate if they are not meant for their age level. This can be a recipe for disaster.

In the United States in 2010, there were 17 reports of children deaths from toy-related injuries. Also in 2010, emergency rooms treated 181,500 injured children under the age of 15, non-motorized scooters most common cause of injuries. The most common form of toy-related injuries or death is choking. It is important for kids to always wear helmets, even on scooters and skateboards. “Helmets are really important because we don’t fix heads very well, and a traumatic brain injury can change your child’s life forever,” said Pollack, Kentucky’s Safe Kids coordinator.

Make sure you shop responsible this holiday season by keeping safety in mind.

Was your child injured in an accident?

If your child sustained injuries on behalf of someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorney Chris Davis has represented victims of injuries for nearly 20 years. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

6-Year-Old Hit in Crosswalk, Victim of Hit-and-Run Driver

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70497 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 22-year-old driver fled the scene after hitting a 6-year-old boy, who is now in a wheelchair. The young boy was crossing the street around 7 p.m. when he was hit. He was walking behind his father and 3-year-old brother.

"He was in the turning lane, right in the middle of the turning lane trying to go across, so when he stuck his leg out to go across, she was coming. I don't know if she didn't see him, but she didn't stop," said Schielder Riley, the mother of the hit and run victim.

The car caused his bone in his right leg to snap. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

Since leaving the hospital, he has been in a wheelchair and has a rod in his leg.

The vehicle in the pedestrian accident has been located but the driver has not been found.

The Hit-And-Run Accident Problem

Female DUI's Increase 36% in Last Decade

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70562 — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new study released shows that the number of drunken-driving arrests for women has shot up in recent years – by 36 percent in the last decade.

The study discovered that the average female drunk driver is older and better educated than her male counterparts. It also showed that the DUI female drivers are primary caregivers to children and have lower-paying jobs.

The study is showing that mothers are taking advantage of alcohol while parenting, and it is becoming a more common problem than we may think.

A popular blogger Stefanie Wilder-Taylor is an author who commonly jokes about alcohol abuse, in a funny sarcastic way. She said that she believe it isn’t funny anymore because so many reader are alcohol addicts.

“I joke around a lot and talk about drinking more than I actually do it; I exaggerate when I’ve had a bad day and say things like, ‘I want to drink my body weight in alcohol,’ and it’s funny. I’m being sarcastic and it’s funny, and everyone laughs. Except it stopped being funny. I can control myself some of the time, which is why it’s been so easy to rationalize why I continue to drink.,” Wilder-Taylor said in a recent post.

It was reported that she will be part of a panel in Washington to analyze the drunk-driving survey.

How do you feel about the parenting and cocktail mix?

GM Vehicles Under Investigation for Automatic Shift Lever Defect

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68924 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

There have been several reports of defects with the automatic shift levers on many types of General Motor vehicles. The automatic shift levers’ issue is that it causes the vehicle to think they are in gear, when they are really parked.

There have been seven crashes due to this auto defect. In a recent report, it was stated that a driver put her car in park, got out and was hit by the car when it rolled backward.

Another accident included a man that put his car in park with the engine running, and it accelerated causing the vehicle to smash into a wall.

NHTSA explained that the protective jacket around cables connecting the floor shift lever to the transmission can deteriorate, exposing the cables to the elements. This causes the cables to corrode and weaken, and the shift lever position can also changes so that it doesn’t match the car’s gear.

These auto defect complaints started with the Saturn Auro car, years 2007-08, affecting nearly 89,000. The defect is being investigated for other vehicle models. The Chevrolet Malibu from the 2004-09 model years and the Pontiac G6 from the 2005-08 model years also have similar shifting systems.

GM said that this issue mainly affects model with four-speed transmissions.

Just because the vehicles are under investigation, does not indicate a recall.

If you have any further questions, contact a local dealership.

Bike Laws: Bicycling to Work Has Benefits

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69426 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Bike Laws: Did you know?

Congress passed a law in 2009 that gives employers a 20 dollar per month tax credit for employees that regularly commute to work on bikes.

Congress believes bicycling is the answer to many problems: it reduces congestion on busy highways, reduces gas expenses, reduces stress, enhances fitness, and much more. On many roads in Seattle, there are now bike lanes and paths that make biking more convenient than it used to be.

Some people do not ride their bicycles because their commute is just too far, the weather doesn’t permit it – or because they are worried about being hit by a vehicle. Many commuters are concerned about safety aspects of biking. In an accident between a bike and a car; the car is most likely going to dominate.

You may be surprised to know that 80 percent of bicycle accidents are due to the biker’s errors.

Eighty percent of serious injuries could have been eliminated or minimized by wearing a bike helmet. Do the math: if you wear a helmet, follow traffic regulations, your odds of serious injury reduced by 96 percent. What is there to be afraid of?

A doctor said that he gives patients a $5 discount on their co-payment for those who bike with a helmet to the appointment.

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident?

If you have been injured on your bicycle due to someone else's negligence, contact experienced bicycle accident attorney Chris Davis. Mr. Davis handles many high-profile bicycle accident cases in Washington State. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Dealing With Adjusters in Your Motorcycle Accident?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70246 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you are probably dealing with the insurance adjusters. Sure, they seem friendly. They are concerned about your health and want you to get better. At some point throughout the process, they will pull the switch. They will begin denying and delaying your claim, and giving you low-ball settlement offers for your injuries. Don't accept their offer. They are professional negotiators who know how

to work the system to make money off of your injuries, when they should be paying. The insurance industry is worth hundreds of billons.

If you were the victim in a motorcycle accident, and have experienced injuries as a result of somone else's negligence, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorney Chris Davis has nearly 20 years of experience, in fighting for the rights of accident victims. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Black Ice on Road Causes Two Accidents Involving WSP Tooper, SeaTac Officer

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70478 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Washington State Patrol trooper and a SeaTac police officer were both in separate car accidents, as a result of black ice. Around 3 a.m. the WSP trooper was making one last stop at I-90 when he hit black ice, slid and went over an embankment. It did not appear that the man was injured but he was immediately taken to the hospital.

A police officer in SeaTac was investigating accident along Orillia Road when he was hit by another vehicle and lost control on the icy road. He was also taken to a hospital but his injuries were not serious. While the ice was melting, Orillia Road was closed for awhile.

There were several other minor accidents as the roads were coated in black ice.

"Be alert, be cautious of what's going on around you," said Kevin Forrester with the patrol. "If it starts to sparkle a bit or there's some glare, or whatever coming off the shoulder sometimes that means there's frost."

As the temperatures continue to plunge, be very cautious on your morning commute; slow down and leave a lot of space between your car and those ahead of you.

Practicing World Peace through Drunk Driving, Ex-Miss USA Receives DUI

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70491 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rima Fakih, ex-Miss USA was arrested in Detroit for drunk driving. The 26-year-old won the Miss USA Pageant in May 2010 and her reign ended June 19, 2011.

The pageant winner was born in Lebanon and raised in New York.

It is reported that the Fakih is “very saddened and very apologetic for the situation that she is in right now.”

Miss USA Great Role Model for Girls

Miss USA should encompass all of the qualities of a role model. Sure, she isn’t currently Miss USA, but after an extraordinary title such as a nation-wide pageant winner, you are forever obligated to hold up your part of the bargain. As Miss USA, you are associated with this total infinitely. It is unfortunate that young girls are witnessing this irresponsible behavior.

Will you Talk to Your Child About This Publicized DUI?

As a parent, it is important that you talk to your children about topics in the news – especially ones that can influence them. Drinking and driving is a huge issue that continues to take the lives of our loved ones. Since pageants can be idolized by young girls, it is even more important to discuss this particular story. When convictions include childhood role models, including actors, singers and more, you need to explain that this is inappropriate behavior.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Washington State

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)70363 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

What is the statute of limitations in Washington State for personal injury claims?

In personal injury claims in Washington State the "Statute of Limitations" (SOL) is a law that sets a strict time limit on when a legal claim or legal action may be commenced.

After the Statute of Limitations has expired the legal action (lawsuit) is forever barred.

In Washington State the Statute of Limitations for many types of personal injury cases is three (3) years from the date of the personal injury accident. However there are exceptions to this time limit depending upon the facts involved in the case.

You should immediately consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to make sure you know when the statute expires in your accident case. DO NOT WAIT TO CONSULT WITH OR HIRE AN ATTORNEY.

Even though your SOL may not expire for a long time, you may still want to promptly hire a personal injury attorney to protect or maximize the value of your claim and increase the odds of a favorable outcome.

In many cases the experienced personal injury attorney who is hired early in the claims process can help you avoid mistakes that may harm your case and perform work to greatly enhance the value of your claim. You need to closely monitor the personal injury statute of limitations in your case.

Local Seattle Wrongful Death Lawyers

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)70382 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Looking for a wrongful death attorney in Seattle, WA?

For nearly 20 years, Seattle attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group have been dedicated to handling wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury cases. Davis Law Group never represents insurance companies. Our firm is absolutely dedicated to the representation of the injured people and the families of those that have been the victims of wrongful death. We handle cases against insurance companies, corporations, manufacturers, governmental entities, railroads, etc.

We abide by the highest legal and professional standards. If you are confronted with an unfortunate and traumatic personal injury or wrongful death, we can provide you with the most thorough attention to your case.

Washington State Laws for Hit and Run Accidents

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69430 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hit and Run Law in Washington State RCW 46.52.020

There are many laws regarding hit and run drivers in Washington State. If you are a victim of one, there many be some options out there for you to recover compensation for medical bills, loss wages and more.

Contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. The attorneys at Davis Law Group can help you. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (206) 727-4000.

Did you witness a hit and run?

If you witnessed a hit and run accident, you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward. Feel good about doing the right thing. Anonymously report a hit-and-run accident driver and get a reward. The Davis Law Group Hit-And-Run Reward Program offers up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and felony conviction of hit-and-run drivers through anonymous tips provided to the WeTip Crime Hotline, 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (1-800-644-8678).

It's the Law: Do Not Pass Stopped School Buses with Red Lights Flashing

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70018 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A woman says she sees people go around stopped school buses on a daily basis. There is a law stating that drivers are supposed to stop for school buses if their red stop lights are flashing. Susan Cadwell has worried about her daughter’s safety ever since.

Cadwell says she is not worried just about her daughter, who is in a wheelchair, but about all of the children on the bus including the driver, who can only hope people will follow the law and stop.

Cadwell took a video camera with her for 37 days. Within that period of time, she caught 71 traffic violations of passing buses on camera. Cadwell took action and called the school but and all they did was put signs up to remind drivers to stop. However, that did not stop the speedy drivers.

After the signs were ineffective, the police learned of the reoccurring problem and ordered that the buses have new signage with brighter lights. After the changes were done, the cars began to stop.

Stop for School Buses

In Washington State, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing. You may be subject to fines if you violate this law.

Keep our children safe and follow the law. Children are very unpredictable and may cross the road, even if there is no crosswalk.

Was your child injured in an accident?

If your child was the victim in a pedestrian accident, there is a free resource available to you. Seattle personal injury attorney Chris Davis wrote a book entitled Little Kids, Big Accidents. This book discusses the legal options behind a child injury claim. Click here to order your free copy.

Eastlake High Student Selected to Join National Texting While Driving Campaign

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70020 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A student from Eastlake High School Trisha Bhaumik was selected to be on the national AT&T Youth Advisory panel. Bhaumik was one of six young people chosen to be on the panel. The advisory panel will create educational materials for the public for the “It Can Wait” campaign.

The 16-year-old Redmond resident developed materials that describe the dangers of texting while driving, that can be used by community organizations, schools, and more.

Bhaumik came up with the idea to have assemblies at schools that demonstrate how dangerous this behavior is. An example was having students ride through an obstacle course on a tricycle while texting.

Along with planned demonstrations, Bhaumik also wants to focus on personal stories of texting while driving.

"People will only realize the dangers of texting while driving after they hear real-life stories," she explained. "On almost every page of the 'It Can Wait' campaign website, it shows a link for 'The Last Text,' a movie which interview(ed) people who have been affected by someone's choice to text while driving. I think that this is a great idea because it's another way to introduce students to the subject of not texting while driving and sends a message that pertains to adults as well."

Congratulations to Trisha!

Texting While Driving Statistics

Fatal Pedestrian Accident With Sounder Commuter Train

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70359 — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Kent man stepped in front of a Sounder commuter train yesterday evening around 5:40 p.m. The 46-year-old man died from injuries. The accident occurred at the intersection of West Meeker Street and the Burlington Northern Railroad crossing.

The Kent Police Commander said that the warning signals were working so it unknown why he walked in front of the train. After the pedestrian collision the train immediately stopped and blocked many rail crossings through downtown for nearly an hour.

There were several delays after the fatal accident. The investigation of the accident will continue.

Davis Law Group sends sincere condolences to the friends and family.

The Insurance Claims Process for Pedestrian Accident Claims

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)59482 — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The insurance claims process is intimidating and stressful. The negotiation and settlement of a serious pedestrian injury case may be more difficult than ever. Due to the current economic environment, the insurance industry may aggressively resist or defend an injury case to avoid paying out a reasonable settlement or verdict. Like most businesses, insurance companies are tightening their belts and cutting back on costs wherever they can.

Unfortunately, one of the primary targets of these cost-cutting measures is you, the person who brings a claim. In the case of a pedestrian injury case, the insurance adjustor assigned to your case may try to settle the claim fast and at a relatively low dollar figure before you have a true understanding of your injuries, damages and what the claim may be worth. What may seem like a large sum of money at first can later be judged as deceptively low; especially if you are facing expenses for hospitalization, surgery, and prolonged treatment and rehabilitation. Sometimes, the adjustor will try to settle quickly in order to dissuade you from hiring an attorney. This occurs because the insurance company knows that an experienced personal injury attorney will likely have better leverage when negotiating a case and can recover much more money than you can ever recover on your own.

Unfortunately, I see the flat-out denial of legitimate claims in my practice as more insurance companies are looking for any reason they can to deny a claim. Sometimes, the insurance adjustor may misrepresent the amount of insurance coverage. Other times, the insurance company may falsely represent which parties may be legally at fault and therefore liable for paying monetary damages. Sometimes, the carrier may give false legal advice about the status of the personal injury laws or misrepresent the type and/or quantity of damages that may be recoverable. Whatever the reason or method used to defeat a claim, you may be the victim of an overzealous insurance company that is focused on increasing its profits.

The insurance company cannot be trusted to protect your interests. No matter how compassionate and caring the claims representative may seem, keep in mind that the insurance company's interest and your interest are always adverse. That typically means that the carrier loses when you recover a fair and reasonable settlement for your claim.

Spinal Cord Injuries in the United States

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69449 — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Spinal cord injuries are life-altering injuries. Approximately 450,000 Americans live with spinal cord injuries. Every year, there are about 100,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries. About 36% of American suffer from SCI as a result of a car accident. Twenty eight percent of people experience SCI as a result of violence, and 21 percent from falls.

Safety Practices With ATV's, Quad Bikes May Change

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70011 — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

ATV Safety Practices Up For Discussion

There is a new focus on the safety of riders on ATV’s. The Manager of the Motor Industry Association (MIA) Motorcycle Group Clive Hellyer said that they are working very closely with the Department of Labor and other agencies to develop this policy which focuses on changing behaviors including ATV riders and their attitudes toward safety practices.

The safety practice they are closely focused on, is that ATV riders make sure to always wear a helmet. About twelve months ago, an active on farm compliance campaign was launched to work toward safety on quads.

This policy looks at how there is no quick fix to reductions in accidents and injuries that come from irresponsible rider practices, such as not wearing a helmet. Hellyar says the report is based on a systematic approaching that identifies the problem, measures it, implements a solution and monitors progress.

The MIA group will continue to work toward a solution that makes ATVs safer. Hellyar says the report will be something to look forward to next year, in which they hope to implement change.

Have you been the victim of a serious ATV or recreational vehicle crash?

If so, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorney Chris Davis has represented accident victims for nearly 20 years. Contact Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Class Action Lawsuit Against Farmers Insurance Settles Nov. 29

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70308 — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

On November 29, 2011 a class action lawsuit against Farmers Insurance was settled. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that the insurance company did not pay reasonable expenses for medical services to their customers for car accidents under personal injury protection and med-pay. The company denied the claims.

The settlement includes Farmers Insurance Company, Inc., Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Fire Insurance Exchange, Illinois Farmers Insurance Company, Farmers Group, Inc., and other related parties.

Settlement details: those who submitted claims for payment of medical bills associated with a car accident; if the claim was adjusted from January 1, 2001 to February 9, 2009; if the claim was paid at less than the amount; and total med-pay or PIP payments were less than the respective limits of coverage.

Source: http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southcentral/2011/12/01/196028.htm

Part 2 - Children & Pedestrian Accidents

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)59479 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

In 2007, more than 70,000 pedestrians were injured in the United States. Of those injured, 14,000 were 14 years old or younger. In that same year, 4,654 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. At least 306 of them were children age 14 or younger. This amounts to 30% of all traffic fatalities involving children are under the age of 15 years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than one-fifth of children between the ages of five and nine who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians at the time of the accident. Approximately 19% of children involved in traffic fatalities under age 16 were pedestrians, and 8% of all children under age 16 injured in a car accident were pedestrians. For pedestrian fatalities involving children under age 16, approximately 45% were killed between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

On a national level, 49% of fatal accidents occur on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The most dangerous days of the year are New Year's Day and Halloween. The total cost of pedestrian death and injury cases involving children is at least $5.2 billion per year.

Studies show that by three years of age, boys outnumber girls in non-fatal pedestrian injuries and in fatal pedestrian accidents by a margin of almost two to one. Many of the injuries to toddlers and preschoolers are considered "non-traffic." That is, these accidents mostly occur in places like driveways and parking lots instead of public roadways or thoroughfares. Nearly half of all pedestrian accidents involving children between the ages of one and four occur when a vehicle is backing up in the driveway. The NHTSA estimates that, on average, 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of back-over accidents. For children, this works out to 50 injured or killed per week. Research has shown that children in this age range are simply too young to understand the dangers posed by a moving vehicle.

To combat the rising death toll of children in back-over accidents, Congress recently enacted the Cameron Guibransen Act. The Act was named for a two-year-old who was killed when an SUV inadvertently backed over him because the vehicle's blind spot made it virtually impossible for the driver to see him. The Act directs the United States Department of Transportation to adopt new safety standards for all vehicles to promote development of technology to prevent injury and death to children caused by back-over accidents. The NHTSA has recommended that all vehicles sold in the United States by 2014 have technology (e.g., rear video cameras) to eliminate these deadly accidents.

The risks for school-age children of getting hit by a moving vehicle are different from those for toddlers. Children under the age of 10 years still need supervision when crossing the street. Oftentimes, a school-age child will forget about vehicles traveling in the street and dart out suddenly and without warning. Many pedestrian accidents involving school-age children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old occur in the morning and afternoon, and at times when children are typically at play.

Wrongful Death - Is the Government Liable?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68852 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

An 82-year-old man was heading south on a highway, attempting to make a left hand turn, when the man’s car was severely hit by a marked police unit, in his fight to catch a fugitive.

The impact of the police vehicle was so severe, the elderly man was paralyzed. As a result of his injuries, he died just two months later. The wrongful death lawsuit states that the police officer was at fault since he was traveling at such high speeds without a siren or flashing lights. It is reported that the officer was traveling 75 to 92 mph at the time of the collision.

While some may dismiss this as an accident, it really is more than that. First, it is illegal for a police officer to be chasing another driver without his lights on and/or a siren. Secondly, the man had 13 crashes in his 20 years of service. Instead of the police force putting him on probation or investigating his many collisions, they did nothing.

The lawyer for the officer said that it is not against the law for a cop to go over the speed limit without lights or sirens on. However, the law says otherwise. The plaintiff’s attorney also argues that the victim did not yield to the oncoming police officer who was in pursuit of a criminal.

In cases where you are suing the government, you need extreme evidence and a lot of details to support your claim because these cases can be expensive and difficult to pursue. Attorney Chris Davis has handled many cases against the government, including one in which he is representing a cyclist who was injured on a Seattle bike trial. The lawsuit was filed against the City of Seattle.

Many people are very intimidated by a lawsuit, especially one that involves the government.

Thankfully, there are attorneys who are on your side, helping to recover justice on your behalf. If you believe that the government may be responsible for an accident you are involved in or an injury you may have sustained, contact experienced personal injury attorney Chris Davis at Davis Law Group. Mr. Davis has nearly 20 years of representing accident victims. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

New Article: Affordable Car Insurance for Your Teenage Driver

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69207 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new article has been uploaded into our law library.

Insurance companies consider drivers under the age of 25 a higher-than-average risk for car accidents. This can actually cause your insurance to increase 50 to 100 percent – that is if you put them on your insurance. If they have their own insurance policy, it is a different story. It will be even more expensive.

The car they are driving is also a huge factor. Of course, they want the flashiest, coolest cars that they won’t be embarrassed to drive, however these cars are going to cost significantly more money. If your teen is driving a safe car, such as a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic, it is going to cost less to insure. Sporty cars are more expensive because cars that go fast encourage teens to drive fast, resulting in tickets and accidents. These cars should also put your mind at ease because if they are hit by another vehicle or object, these car models will be substantial for protecting them.

Click here to read the entire article to learn more tricks for saving on car insurance.

Holiday Decorations Causing Injury and House Fires

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70002 — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hello holidays, hello decorations! Christmas trees, candles, wreathes, stockings and much more, represent the holidays for many households in the United States. Unfortunately, some of these decorations can be a major hazard.

About 91 percent of American households decorate their homes this season. These decorations cause a huge risk of fires if they are not careful.

If you do plan to decorate your home, there are precautions you should take to avoid damage and injury. However, only 32 percent of people believe these decorations can cause a fire, even though December has more candle-related fires than any other month, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Here are some safety tips to help minimize your chance of injury or fire this holiday season:

Make sure to always blow out the candles. For the 37 percent of people that plan to use wax candles, make sure you do not leaves the Advent, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa candles unattended when they are lit. If you plan to light several candles, it is appropriate to have a fire extinguisher available nearby.

If you plan to have a fresh-cut Christmas tree, it is important to select one that is fresh and watered. Keeping it fresh makes it less of a fire hazard if a heat source were to come in contact with it. Make sure you buy a flame-resistant tree if you purchase an artificial decoration.

If you string electric lights, it is important to not overload wall outlets and extension cord. Use a power strip when you can.

Decorate smart and have a great holiday season!

Checklist To Finding The Best Personal Injury Attorney in Seattle

blog@www.injurytriallawyer.com (Blog Author)70164 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Who Is the Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Seattle?

Be careful if you are looking for someone to tell you who is the best attorney in Seattle. YOU are the only person who can determine the best lawyer for your case.

Legal matters, especially personal injury cases, can often take years to resolve. When you pick a lawyer you are choosing someone with whom you may have a long-term attorney-client relationship. When you choose an attorney you are picking someone who will speak on your behalf.

Do not make a hasty decision while visiting a website late one night. Don’t let someone determine who can best represent you. This is an important decision. One that you cannot afford to get wrong.

So, How Do You Find The Best Personal Injury Attorney?

Do your homework, visit websites, read articles, review resumes, watch videos, talk to friends, talk to other family members and, most importantly, meet with several lawyers in their offices. Ask them questions about their experience, track record, etc. Listen to what they have to say and judge for yourself.

Best Personal Injury Lawyer Checklist

Number of years practicing law.
Specializes in personal injury law.
Trial experience.
Winning track record.
Has handled cases similar to yours.
Informative website.
Knowledgeable author.
Frequent speaker.
Excellent references, testimonials, and reviews.
Has an excellent support staff.
Is a good listener.

I hope that this little guide has been useful and informative. And I sincerely hope that you find the best attorney for your case--someone who can help you obtain a fair settlement for your accident claim.

New Article: Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice Awards

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68264 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new article has been uploaded into our law library.

What is a Medical Malpractice Damage Cap?

A damage cap is a limit on the amount of money that can be awarded to a plaintiff in a personal injury or medical malpractice lawsuit. These damages are called ‘non-economic damages’ because it is awards for pain and suffering, physical and emotional distress, loss of sexual organs, etc., which makes it difficult to put a dollar amount on these losses.

Have you Been the Victim of Medical Malpractice?

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice you should contact an attorney immediately. Seattle attorney Chris Davis has represented several victim of medical malpractice throughout Washington State. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a FREE consultation today. The call is free - the information may be priceless.

Click here to read The Debate on Damage Caps for Medical Malpractice

Brain Injury Recovery

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69448 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Traumatic Brain Injury and the Recovery Process

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), brain damage and other types of head injuries are a result of direct trauma to the skull and/or rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain, including shearing (tearing) of nerve fibers, contusion (bruising) of the brain tissue against the skull, brain stem injuries, and edema (swelling). Davis Law Group is a metro Seattle personal injury law firm that specializes in handling personal injury claims involving brain injuries.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans, approximately 2% of the U.S. population, currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of TBI. Also, TBI contributes to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability annually. The new law in the state of Washington will take important first steps in providing some funding of services. More importantly, it will organize (for the first time) a Strategic Partnership Advisory Council to identify gaps in services and how to fix it so that effective treatment and services are provided to those struggling with TBI and its aftermath.

Brain injury can have an everlasting affect on your life and your loved one's life. Of course, there are many things you can do to do help. It is a very slow process but can be very effective.

Rehabilitation is the most effective and important step. Since all brain injuries are very different, all healing processes are different. Another great step in the recovery process is joining a brain injury support group. There are many support groups in communities. Socialization has proven to be an effective method to help heal the brain.

There is research being done every day to help heal brain and spinal cord injuries. Since they are such severe and everlasting injuries, we can only hope one day there will be a proven recovery method.

Have you been the victim of an accident?

If you were the victim in an accident, which resulted in brain injury, you should contact an attorney immedaitely. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, loss wage, pain and suffering and more. Attorney Chris Davis specializes in personal injury and brain injury. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Car Seat Safety Study Reveals New Findings

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69997 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Car Seat Safety Research

There were new findings on car seat safety for children released by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Injury Research and Prevention.

In a recent study, it was found that if children are in a car seat that is appropriate for their height and weight, their weight is not a factor. The will have adequate protection in the case of an accident regardless of weight. It was controversial whether a child being under or overweight would affect their safety in a crash.

Researchers studied about 1,000 children ages 1 to 8 that were involved in accidents and found no correlation with weight and increased risk of injury. The child participants were all in the appropriate car seats or booster seats based on their height and weight recommendations from the manufacturers.

The reason for the study is because 32 percent of U.S. children are overweight or considered obese and motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of child deaths and injuries. The lead author Dr. Mark Zonfrillo wanted to better understand if there was a deadly correlation.

The car seats were shown to provide adequate protection.

Child Car Seat Safety Guidelines

Zonfrillo says the best time to re-evaluate your child’s car seat is when they visit the doctor for routine checkups. This is when you will get accurate height and weight measurements.

To review the most recent guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, click here.

Semi Truck Collides With Construction Vehicles in Federal Way

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70108 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Yesterday evening, just after 9 p.m. in Federal Way, a semi truck delivering mail smashed into several construction trucks that were parked along the shoulder of southbound lanes of I-5. The truck that was hit was putting out lane barrels for a road project at SR-18.

The impact of the first hit caused the truck to hit two other construction vehicles. The semi finally stopped on the on-ramp from SR-18.

The damaged vehicles were leaking diesel fuel. The Department of Ecology came to the scene to help cleanup.

It is still undetermined why the semi truck crashed into the construction vehicles in the first place.

Marysville Collision Causes More Than 250 Feet of Roadway Debris

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)70113 — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A huge collision in Marysville was caused by a woman trying to stop her boyfriend from driving drunk. She believed he had too much to drink so she chased him in her car, which caused the accident.

The woman, with her 15-year-old daughter in the car, hit a truck and then rolled over several times just yesterday night.

She hit a van carrying energy drinks and two other vehicles. The accident debris spread more than 250 feet.

“I’ve done this for 25 years and I’ve never seen an accident debris field that went this far,” said Marysville police Officer Robb Lamoureux.

The woman is suffering from life-threatening injuries and he daughter was also injured.

Searching for a Bellevue Personal Injury Attorney?

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)70013 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Local Personal Injury Attorney in Bellevue, WA

If you are searching for a Bellevue Personal Injury Attorney you may want to call Chris Davis and the legal team at Davis Law Group. Chris started his law practice in Bellevue nearly 20 years ago and now maintains offices in Bellevue, Seattle, and other Puget Sound locations. Chris was raised in Bellevue and knows the ins and outs of handling personal injury cases that happen in the Bellevue area.

Auto Recalls From Defect: Honda, Hyundai and Volkswagen

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)67229 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Honda recalled 962,000 cars worldwide to fix power windows and computer systems. Honda is also planning to recall 936,000 units of the Fit subcompact, CR-V crossover and Fit Aria in North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. The auto recall was due to the driver’s side power window switch units, would potentially can melt and cause a fire.

Hyundai recalled 205,233 Santa Fe and Veracruz crossover vehicles due to problems with the airbags. NHTSA reports that 2007 and 2008 models were experiencing damage through airbag usage over time. The problem is from the clock spring contact assembly not working properly. This may cause the airbags to not work properly in the event of a crash. Hyundai dealerships will replace the clock spring assemblies as needed for free.

Volkswagen recalled more than 30,000 Jetta sedans from the 2001 and 2012 model years due to the tailpipes sticking out too far and burning people. The stainless steel pipe tips are sticking out farther than the factory-installed tailpipes. Volkswagen received many complaints from owners and began investigating the potential harm the pipes are causing. Dealers will be inspecting the vehicles.

What is an Auto Defect?

Frequently automobile accidents or injuries are caused by vehicle defects such as brake failure, airbag malfunction, seatbelt unlatching, door latch failure or some other component of the vehicle that is not working properly. Auto manufacturers may be held responsible for any injuries or death which is the result of a motor vehicle defect. Car manufacturers are responsible for making vehicles that are free from defects and safety hazards that can injure the driver or passengers.

If you believe you have been injured in an accident caused by an auto defect, call attorney Chris Davis at (206) 727-4000.

More Confusion for Bicyclists on Burke-Gilman Trail

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69423 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Problems for Cyclists at Burke-Gilman Trail

There are many traffic signs posted on and around the Burke-Gilman Trail. Since there are a few areas of danger to cyclists, it causes them to wonder whether they should be following the signs or if they are just for motorized vehicles.

The Seattle Department of Transportation cited a city ordinance that says bicyclists do have to obey stop signs like automobile drivers.

However, where the trail crosses Union Bay Place Northeast, things get a little bit more confusing. At this crossing, there is a marked crosswalk where it crosses the road. The drivers are required to yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing. At this area, there are also bicycle signs that indicate they need to stop. So, who has the right of way?

To answer this question, SDOT’s acting city traffic engineer Brian Kemper clarified:

"We do not have evidence that this intersection is confusing for motorists and bicyclists. No matter the location, traffic laws apply to bicyclists just as motorists, and we expect people to follow the law and the 'rules of the road.''

"Seattle Municipal Code, Section 11.44.120, Riding on a Sidewalk or Public Path states: 'Every person operating a bicycle ... shall obey all traffic control devices.' Assignment of right-of-way varies along our trail system. Typically, where the trail crosses a roadway at a mid-block location, the roadway will have the right-of-way. In other words, people on the trail have to yield to roadway vehicles. This is typically due to a higher volume of vehicles on the roadway and the tendency for motorists to be less aware of a mid-block crossing. In this case, we install a regulatory sign, such as a stop or yield, for the trail.”

Davis Law Group reminds all cyclists to be cautious and aware of their surroundings regardless of the signs.

Source:
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/Getting-There-Burke-Gilman-intersection-near-2280677.php#ixzz1eSfi98Tj

What Do I Do After a Dog Bite?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69445 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Steps to Take After Dog Bite

After being bitten by a dog, depending ont he severity of the bite, the first thing you should do is identify who owns the dog. If it is a stray dog that runs away, there is nothing you can legally do to recover compensation for injuries. Once you find the owner of the dog, there is information that you should gather. Important information to get:

1. Name
2. Address
3. Name of Insurance Company
4. Telephone Number

If the injuries are serious, call an ambulance immediately. In fact, nearly 1,000 people are taken to hospitals each year due to dog bites.

Dog Bite Statistics

In 2010, there were 33 fatal dog attacks.

Pit bulls lead dog attacks and are responsible for 67% of the fatalities.

In 2010, the combination of pit bulls (22) and rottweilers (4) accounted for 79% of all fatal attacks. In the 6-year period from 2005 to 2010, this same combination accounted for 71% (129) of the total recorded deaths (181).

From 2005 to 2010, pit bull killed 104 Americans, about one person every 21 days.

Male represented about 60% of the victims in these attacks.

The state of California led fatalities in 2010 with 7 deaths; pit bulls contributed to 83% (6). Florida followed with 3 deaths and Georgia, Illinois, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas each had 2 deaths.

Interstate 405 North in Bellevue Closed for Five Hours After Gas Spill

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69994 — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Around 9:45 p.m. last night a 47-year-old Kirkland woman was driving northbound on Interstate 405 in Bellevue when she lost control of her vehicle and hit a tanker truck. The collision caused the truck’s trailer to roll and slide across the freeway.

The collision caused the tanker to spill 3,400 gallons of gasoline. The state Department of Ecology reported that some of it went into the storm drain system but it has not reached Lake Washington.

The woman was driving a Toyota Camry when she left her lane, hit a barrier on the right side of the freeway and then spun on the freeway, hitting the tanker truck. After the collision, the truck slid across the entire freeway and rolled on the left side of the freeway. The 39-year-old driver was not injured.

The WSP is currently investigating the crash that closed the freeway for four hours and 45 minutes.

Dangerous Commercial Vehicles on Washington State Roadways

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68936 — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Department of Transportation will be cracking down on truck inspections, as many dangerous trucks drive on Washington State roads every day from the Port of Seattle. Recent truck inspection data uncovers the dangers of these trucks.

There were only two commercial vehicle inspectors on the job for years. The Washington State Patrol saw signs and knew the inspectors we overwhelmed.

"There was no quality to those inspections," said Trooper Christopher Hooper, when asked how good a job SDOT was doing. "Maybe they were rushed or they weren't even done," said Hooper.

As trucks enter and exit port facilities around Harbor Island, and are carrying shipping containers. Since these routes are all over the Puget Sound, the inspections are very important to road safety due to the danger they can potentially cause other drivers.

Due to this potential risk, the WSP attempted to launch their own truck inspections. The SDOT was not happy with this.

"I made a call to the State Patrol and I said, 'When you do work on Seattle streets, give me a heads-up. This is our jurisdiction,'" said SDOT's Don Smith, who leads the truck inspection team.

It was reported that SDOT is concerned with the flow of the freight and the inspections can interfere with this. The Port of Seattle is competing with other west coast ports to move freight faster and cheaper.

However, this competitive edge is causing trucks and drivers to be a huge threat to Washington State roadways.

The port commission does not have regulations that give safety a higher priority.

The Seattle Police Department recently trained four officers to become commercial vehicle inspection experts. Those officers will help with truck safety enforcement after the State Patrol task force winds down.

If you have been injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact personal injury attorney Chris Davis immediately to recover fair compensation for your injuries. Call Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Do you have information about a hit and run driver?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69428 — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hit and Run Anonymous Hotline

If you witnessed a hit and run accident - Davis Law Group wants to hear from you. Your identity will be kept confidential but the information you have may be very important in order to keep hit and run drivers off of our roadways. For information leading up to the arrest, you may be eligible for $1,000.

Davis Law Group participates in this program in order to fight against hit and run drivers. Far too many accidents happen that are caused by hit and run drivers. Help us uncover who these drivers are.

Call the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-6-Hit-N-Run (1-800-644-8678).

Davis Law Group Hit and Run Reward Program

Feel good about doing the right thing

City of Seattle Needs to Fix Dangerous "Missing Link" on Burke-Gilman Trail

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)67993 — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The very popular Burke-Gilman trail that goes through many cities has been the cause of many bicycle accidents.

There is a segment on the trail, that is located in the industrial part of Ballard, in which there is a missing link and an old railroad track. Together, these problems are a very dangerous hazard for bicyclists.

Not only have many people been injured, but the City of Seattle has yet to do anything about the problem. Many lawsuits have been filed against the city due to their negligence to repair the missing link of the trail.

Cyclist injuries have included broken hips, severe brusing and broken teeth. It is reported that since the late 1990’s, there have been hundreds of bicycle accidents in this one area.

Davis Law Group is currently representing a victim of this hazardous area.

If you have been injured on the Burke-Gilman Trail, please contact Davis Law Group. The attorneys at Davis Law Group are working hard to make sure the trail is fixed in order to prevent any further injuries. The city may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries. Call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Thanksgiving Ranked 4th Top Drunk Driving Holiday

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68846 — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Believe it or not folks, but Thanksgiving is ranked the 4th holiday with the most drunk driving arrests each year. Coming in 1st is Fourth of July, with Halloween and Labor Day weekend following.

While you are sitting down to enjoy your delicious turkey, chances are, you are enjoying many glasses of wine too. The holidays are a time of stress, fun and sometimes loneliness for many, causing people to drink too much. However, just like any other social event, you should have a plan for transportation. If you are not staying at your location, you need to discuss a designated driver before the festivities begin. Or even better, stay where you are to avoid other drunk drivers on the road.

Davis Law Group reminds everyone to be safe and to always make plans before you start drinking. Especially around the holidays, remember that even if you are being safe, that does not mean that those around you are. Be very cautious and aware of your surroundings when on the roadway.

Have fun, be safe, and a have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Spinal Cord Injury Answer: Protein to Prevent Paralysis

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68930 — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Researchers found hope for those living with spinal cord injuries, and it comes in the form of protein. Researchers from Australia found that protein may prevent paralysis in people who suffer from spinal cord injury.

A team of scientists reported that two proteins prevented significant loss of tissue and scarring in rats with severed spinal cords. The proteins also minimized toxicity at the injury site. It also promoted healthy and new nerve growth after a month of treatment.

The research findings seem to be very innovative and significant because there is currently no way of stopping spinal cord injury progression to develop into paralysis.

About 300,000 people each year injured their spinal cords, leading to permanent disability.

One of the researchers, Dr. Goss said he is looking to try this on humans in the next few years.

''No one has achieved this level of repair in an animal before … It's very exciting and promising research,'' he said.

In order for this experiment to develop, the project needs about $20 million over the next 5 years.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics

Tipping Televisions Causing Child Injuries and Death

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69370 — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

You may be surprised to learn that tipping televisions have killed 169 children between 2000 and 2010 according to a report released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

On some televisions there are safety straps or anchors on the back, which can be attached to the wall. However, manufacturers are not required to include them so many televisions do not offer this feature.

Parents who are interested in these straps may have a hard time finding them because very few stores sell them.

Spokesman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission Scott Wolfson said that child safety with children is a join responsibility.

"We want the industry to get engaged in this process," he said. "We want companies to be as active as we are. If the manufacturer doesn't provide (straps), we want the retailers to sell (them) and to do so in a prominent place that's easily accessible to parents."

According to current safety standards, a TV can withstand a 10-degree tilt and a force of 20 pounds or 20 percent of its weight without tipping over. Some believe that it is not enough.
Safety advocates are encouraging new designs to make them more tip-resistant.

Some parents are saying that they at least wish they knew the option was out there and that there should be a warning label that comes with the TV.

Child Injury Attorney

If your child has been injured by the malfunction of a device, such as a TV, contact experienced personal injury attorney Chris Davis. Mr. Davis has represented injured children for nearly 20 years. Call Davis Law Group today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation today.

Children in Pedestrian Accidents

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)59478 — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

When it comes to pedestrian-motor vehicle accidents, children are a special case. All parents have that moment of panic when their child starts to cross the road without a guiding hand to keep her safe. From an early age, we drill our children on how dangerous cars can be, we remind them of the importance of staying safe, and we work to make looking both ways into an unbreakable habit. However, despite all our efforts, children lack the same perspective as adults about the hazards of motor vehicles and roads in general. Never having operated a motor vehicle, children haven't yet developed an understanding of the weight and power of a motor car, the damage that one can do, and how long it takes to bring one to a full stop. Children frequently play near or even on roads in residential neighborhoods. Roads and cars are so familiar to children that they accept their existence as natural as the sun coming up in the morning. Children will also often fail to see roadways as something potentially hazardous. Children also live in a simple and ordered world where rules are rules. They believe a car can't hurt them because all drivers are supposed to stop-when in fact many do not. Children are also small and difficult to see and they often dart into the road suddenly and without warning. Add to this the fragility of children's still-growing bones and you have a particularly vulnerable group.

Then there is the question of responsibility. Under the law, the degree to which a child is responsible or partly responsible for an accident will depend on the child's age (in addition to the particular facts of the incident). The law states that children below the age of six cannot be held negligent because they are too young to understand what may be appropriate and careful behavior. Children age six and older can be held negligent, but only if they act in a manner that is careless when compared to another reasonable child of the same age.

By the same token, the degree to which parents are responsible for their children's actions depends on the circumstances and the acts involved. In many cases, parents may be immune from liability for their child's injuries, even if a parent negligently helped to cause those injuries. Known as the doctrine of "parental immunity," a parent cannot be held legally responsible for certain types of negligent acts toward the child, like the failure to supervise a child adequately. The law also states that a parent's liability for a child's dangerous acts is limited to "reckless" behavior, which is more egregious than simple negligence. The term "recklessness" is defined as behavior that is considered willful and wanton behavior, whereas "negligence" is defined as the mere failure to exercise ordinary care.

These are additional reasons why the advice of a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney is so important in pedestrian accidents. Cases involving children are not only far more tragic and distressing than those involving adults, but they can usually become extremely complicated and enter into gray areas of the law that are impossible for the non-expert to untangle.

Hello Holidays, Hello Drunk Drivers!

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68843 — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

As the holidays are quickly approaching, so is the large amount of alcohol consumption. The holidays are a time of fun and stress for many people, causing alcohol to be a form of relaxation. Most holidays events usually serve everyone’s favorite yummy drink. Unfortunately, many people do not think about a designated driver.

Just like every other social event you attend where you know that you’ll be drinking, you should plan ahead – treat the holidays just the same. You should always have a plan. Are you staying there? Who will be your designated driver? These are very important questions you need to answer before your night begins.

During the holidays, it is even more important to be safe on the roadways – just because you are sober does not mean those around you are.

Be prepared, be safe and most importantly, be sober. Davis Law Group wishes everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Davis Law Group is a strong supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving Washington. Every drunk driving case we close, $500 is donated to MADD Washington.

What if my dog was hurt or killed by another dog or person?

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69437 — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

What if my dog is the victim?

If your dog was the one injured or killed in an attack, you may be able to recover compensation. However, just in every unique case, there are stipulations. Contact an experienced attorney today who can answer your questions.

Attorney Chris Davis is Seattle's premier dog bite attorney. Call Davis Law Group to schedule a free consultation at (206) 727-4000.

Drunk Driving Collisions Statistically Higher During Thanksgiving Holiday

gettingtrafficnews@gmail.com (Blog Author)69229 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Thanksgiving is the #1 Drunk Driving Holiday

Many people mistakenly believe that New Year's Eve is the holiday with the most drunk driving accidents. Most are surprised to learn that New Year's Eve runs a distant second to the holiday that statistically has the largest number of drunk driving fatalities--Thanksgiving.

During Thanksgiving weekend in 2008, nationwide, 389 people were killed in car crashes; thousands more were injured, most collisions involved alcohol.

TBI Among Young Athletes Increases 60% Over 10 Years

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)67442 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A recent report indicates that the amount of young athletes experiencing traumatic brain injuries has increased 60% over the last 10 years.

Earlier this month, a report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that people under age 19, face a heightened risk of TBIs that are more likely to increase severity and longer recovery time, in comparison to adults.

The report reveals that 153,275 young athletes were admitted to emergency rooms in 2001 across the country for concussions and other sports-related head injuries. The amount of ER admissions increased to 248,418 in 2009 according to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program data. Head injuries that became fatal were not included. Also in 2009, 298 youths for every 100,000 suffered a head injury.

The highest rate of injuries were males between ages 10 and 19. The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries were playground activities and bicycling. Sports that were associated with head injuries were basketball, football and soccer.

How to Prevent Traumatic Brain Injuries

It is recommended by the CDC to do three things in order to prevent brain injury:

1. Increase awareness by educating students on TBI risks from sports and recreation
2. Teach proper techniques and wear protective equipment
3. Quickly report to injuries, especially concussions

TBI Statistics

Worldwide, 1.4 to 1.7 million people suffer a head injury each year and are the leading cause of death and permanent disability. It is unknown why the amount of injuries among minors has grown. Motorcycle and car accidents are responsible for about 20 percent of all traumatic brain injuries.

Examples of Medical Malpractice: Neglecting Surgical Sponges

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)68839 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A sponge was left inside a man during open heart surgery and allegedly died as a result of complications. The fatal surgical mistake caused the family to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of their loved one.

The 89-year-old man died just three days after surgery. The surgical sponge was apparently left in his body after a bypass and heart valve replacement, according to the complaint. The victim died of bleeding problems during an operation to remove the sponge.

The defendant, the operating doctor, claims they are not blame for his death, suggesting it was his existing health conditions that ultimately caused his death.

Medical malpractice lawsuits are commonly associated with wrongful death. Medical malpractice is professional negligence by act or omission by a health care provider (doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist, plastic surgeon, pharmacist, medical technician, etc.) in which care provided deviates from accepted standards of practice in the medical community and causes injury or death to the patient.

Unfortunately, these medical mistakes occur more frequently that most patients would like to know about. The frightening part is that most of these lawsuits are settled confidentially and there is little to no trace of the doctor’s mistake.

On the flip side, many people claim to be victims of medical negligence, when the doctor was in fact not at fault.

In cases, such as this one where a surgical sponge was left in the body, are usually not discovered for many years. They are usually found after the victim suffers from unexplained symptoms.

If you believe that you are a victim of medical malpractice, it is always better to talk to a legal professional first, rather than diagnosing your case on your own. Call Davis Law Group today to get the legal information that you are looking for. Contact Mr. Davis at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.

7 Tips for Safe Commercial Bus Traveling

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)69106 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

With the holidays around the corner, family members are starting to plan their trips to visit family. An economical way to travel is by bus, and Department of Transportation is offering important tips to ensure safety for travelers.

As commercial buses are very safe and affordable, it is a much way to travel this year. More than 750 million people travel by motor coach buses each year.

There is an important safety checklist to follow prior to your trip to make sure you will be on a safe journey:

• Look for a company with a satisfactory rating; the more recent the rating, the safer.

• Make sure your carrier has operating authority through FMCSA.

• Get a Company Snapshot of your carrier’s statistics.

After boarding the vehicle, there are a few more steps to remember:

• Buckle up if there is a seat belt on the carrier.

• Locate the emergency exit--it could be a window, skylight, or door--nearest your seat and read the instructions.

• If you do observe a safety violation, you can help us by submitting a complaint to the FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database.

• Refrain from distracting your driver while the bus in motion.

Honda Recalls 310,773 Pilots in the U.S.

Jaclyn@davislawgroupseattle.com (Blog Author)67221 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Honda recently recalled 310,773 Pilots in the U.S. to inspect and potentially replace the front seat belts due to problems with the stitching in the belt. The years affected by the recall are 2009-2011.

The belt’s stitching may be incomplete or missing, insinuating that they could come lose in a crash. If you own a Honda Pilot, you should take them to an authorized dealer for inspection.