Complete Whatcom County, WA accident reports and news.

Accidents in Whatcom County are a major cause of property damage, injury, and death each year

In Whatcom County, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that traffic crashes remain a primary public safety issue. Car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, and motorcycle accidents are all a common occurrence, despite improvements in vehicle safety features, road design, bicycle and pedestrian corridors, and traffic signs.

When an accident happens in Whatcom County, it is important to do the following immediately:

  • Remain at the crash scene;
  • Check on the condition of all people involved in the crash;
  • Call the police;
  • Exchange information with other drivers;
  • Get contact information from witnesses;
  • Inform your insurance company;
  • Get appropriate medical treatment, and track the details;
  • Take photos of vehicle damage and injuries;
  • Consider hiring a personal injury attorney.

An injury attorney handles all the details so that you don't have to.

After a Whatcom County accident, there are many issues that need to be handled immediately. Dealing with doctors, repair shops, car rental companies, police, and insurance companies is overwhelming, especially when someone is seriously injured. At this point, many injured people choose to hire a personal injury attorney whose job it is to handle the details and paperwork so that you can focus on recovery.

A good Whatcom County personal injury lawyer offer a no-cost claim evaluation to help you.

Since there is no cost to speak with a Whatcom County accident attorney, it is a good idea to learn more about your potential claim. Accident Data Center can connect you with an experienced Whatcom County injury lawyer who can provide you with information about your rights and options. Learn more here about the value of a no-cost legal claim evaluation.

Legal Resources

Everett-Bellingham WA

A heartbreaking case of a wrongful death of a child

It is hard on the loved ones who survive anyone's accidental death. When that death happens because of someone else's negligence, the grief, anger, and disbelief is compounded. And when the deceased is a child, it feels almost insurmountable. Here is one case of a family reeling from the murder of their child and the lawyer who helped them find some justice, and change a law to protect more children in the future. 

Everett-Bellingham WA

Does it really make sense to hire a personal injury attorney?

Would knowing that settlements are typically 40% hiring with an attorney's representation help? This is what a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council found. If you understand the process of how insurance companies handle auto accident claims, the main reason won't surprise you. Click here to learn why it may be a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney for your accident claim.

Everett-Bellingham WA

Tips on collecting physical evidence at the scene of an auto accident

Auto accidents - no matter how minor - are shocking, scary events to all involved. First and foremost, the top priority is to get the injured medical care ASAP, as those first few moments are critical to recovery, and sometimes, survival. However, accident victims have other things to consider too. This article is intended to be shared with friends and loved ones before an accident happens, to keep in mind some things to do in the event of an accident that can help in going through the insurance claims process or even building a tort case. Click for information on the importance of collecting physical evidence after a car crash and other tips. 

Everett-Bellingham WA

5 Tips for the first conversation with the insurance adjuster after a car accident

Many accident victims are nervous about their first contact with the insurance company’s adjuster, and justifiably so. Assuming anyone who was recently in a car wreck is dealing with injuries and emotional stress that come from a traumatizing event, it’s hard to think clearly through a claim negotiation. Here are some tips for that first contact with the insurance adjuster to help you advocate for yourself or a loved one and set the stage for financial recovery instead of further anxiety and financial stress.  

Everett-Bellingham WA

When a bicycle accident is fatal, survivors have hard decisions to make

No one wants to lose a loved one to an accident. But to lose someone because of the negligence or recklessness of another person makes the loss that much harder. Survivors often face anger and confusion in the aftermath of a wrongful death, and yet have so many decisions to make, from funeral arrangements to learning how to live without their loved ones. And making ends meet can be more pain on top of what feels insurmountable. If your loved one was killed while riding their bike, it is unfortunately not likely that the insurers from the negligent driver’s car company are going to offer compensation that fully covers your losses. Having a personal injury attorney on your side can make your financial recovery possible so that you can focus on the emotional healing. Click for more information on filing wrongful death claims from a bike accident.

Everett-Bellingham WA

You have legal options if you were "doored" by a car while on your bike

It’s not just embarrassing – being “doored” while on a bicycle can be lethal. Being doored means a bike rider slams into the door of a vehicle that has been opened negligently. Sometimes the bike zone is actually in a dangerous place, or riding in this zone is unavoidable. This can happen on any road where bikes travel alongside cars parked parallel to the street. Depending on your state, there are laws against it, which means being doored can mean there was an at-fault party. But this doesn’t mean the claim would be so cut and dried. Click here to learn about your legal options if you were "doored" by a car while riding your bike.

Everett-Bellingham WA

Passengers injured in a car accident have unique concerns about recovery

Every time motorists accept a passenger into their vehicle, they form an upspoken agreement that they’ll both do what it takes to make the drive a safe one. Yet it is the driver’s ultimate responsibility to maintain the passenger’s well-being as long as that person is a passenger. Reckless, negligent driving – including drunk, drugged, or distracted driving – puts everyone in danger, especially those who are not in the driver’s seat. In case of an accident those behaviors cause or contribute to, the passenger retains the right to hold the driver liable for damages and losses that result. Injured in a car accident in which you were the passenger? Click for more information.

Everett-Bellingham WA

Whatcom County Public Works Department

The largest of Whatcom County departments, Public Works' primary objective is to maintain the integrity of the Whatcom County Road System in an efficient, cost effective manner that provides safe travel for the public. This is accomplished through the work of several  divisions: Engineering, Equipment Services, and Maintenance and Operations. Public Works also provides year-round ferry service to Lummi Island.

Most recent accident reports