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One case study of how an expert witness made all the difference for an injured truck driver
When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, one can feel overwhelmed and isolated. There are many decisions to make, and many different agendas of other people and companies trying to influence those decisions. And an accident victim wants only to focus on healing. Here is a short case study of how one commercial truck driver in Bellingham, Washington, was injured in a fluke accident due to someone else's mistake, and how his case relied on the testimony of an expert witness.
Neck surgeries needed after a bike accident can mean expensive medical bills
Attorney Bill Coats’ took on a personal injury case in Bellingham, Washington, that involved multiple defendants. He obtained a settlement of over $1M for his client who experienced spinal injuries after a bike crash because of some high school kids' prank that went horribly wrong. So often, an injury to the neck or spine can mean complicated surgeries as well as a high incidence of chronic pain. While this particular case's story is unique and doesn't guarantee the same results for your case, it can help to get a glimpse of how the legal process works in personal injury claims with spinal and neck damage.
Lost wages is one thing, but what if an accident victim can no longer keep up with household chores?
It's easy to take health for granted, but if you are the victim of a car crash, suddenly a lot of things in life that were easy to do are harder - or impossible - to manage. Everyone automatically wonders about if they'll be able to work at the same job enjoyed before the accident - but what about other tasks? Attorney Bill Coats in Bellingham, Washington, talks about a rather obscure-sounding part of personal injury law where you can get money for yard work and other chores. Click here to learn about substitute domestic services in personal injury claims.
Lane departure crashes can have devastating consequences
Accidents can happen so fast. Especially at highway speeds, a vehicle can act like a battering ram. And when that vehicle comes straight at you, it’s one of the scariest experiences in the world. One term for this is “lane departure crashes” which doesn’t quite live up to the intensity of the trauma being run off the road(link is external) brings on. If you or a loved one has been run off the road in Bellingham or Whatcom County, you are likely facing extensive damages and are looking ahead at a lengthy process of recovery. Click to learn more.
Calculating wage loss is an important aspect of assessing damages
One of the most important aspects of figuring out a fair settlement is including money for lost wages. Lost wages don't just mean the time off of work someone had to take while recovering from injuries. What if you can't go back to the same job you had before and must take a lower paying job instead? Check out this video on wage loss to determine if you might be due more money for your claim than the insurance company is trying to offer.
Being ejected from a vehicle in a crash may change your working life forever after
If you've been in a collision where you were ejected from the vehicle, it's very likely that you're dealing with some severe injuries. Sometimes those injuries prevent accident victims from going back to the same job they used to have. This doesn't mean you are fated to settle for a lower paying job for the rest of your working life. Click here for an article and video about wage loss, future wage loss, and your options.
If your auto accident left you paralyzed, you may be entitled to compensation for future wage loss
Paralysis is a devastating consequence from an auto accident, one of the worst imaginable. Life will be different forever after, and many victims may have to leave a job and be re-trained for another kind that accommodate such a disability, though that may mean less pay. If so, there is a way to be compensated for that wage gap, and it's known as "future wage loss" in personal injury lawyer terms. Click to learn more about what to do if you're facing future wage loss due to paralysis.
What kinds of damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Bill Coats Law, a personal injury firm in Bellingham, WA, specializes in wrongful death lawsuits and the complexities of car accident cases. A common question when family members come out of the fog and trauma of losing a loved one in a car accident is what kinds of damages are available to help them dig out of the financial tragedy. Click to read about your rights in wrongful death lawsuits.
Being hit from behind on a motorcycle can have devastating consequences
It’s not always so cut and dry who is at fault in a rear-end collision. Usually it’s the fault of the driver who was following behind. Sometimes it’s easy to determine, but other cases have other complications. The insurance companies, you can rest assured, have a group of people whose job it is to find loopholes where there is a gray area. And just about every case has some gray area. So what do you do if you have been hit by someone from behind when you were on a motorcycle? Find out here.
Ever had to slam on your brakes when driving through Bellingham to avoid a rear-end crash?
It happens when, of course, Bellingham drivers least expect it – a big rig up ahead has spilled its load, or a distracted driver swerves into the lane ahead, creating chaos for other drivers. Or maybe a herd of deer crosses a Whatcom county road. Here’s what to do so you can avoid a rear-end collision by learning more about panic stops.