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Before you settle your insurance claim, make sure you're not derailing your chances by not breaking this rule

It's called the Hamilton Rule, and if you don't factor it into your uninsured/underinsured motorist protection policy negotiations, you might put at risk getting any money from your claim. Click to read more by personal injury lawyer Bill Coats in Bellingham, Washington, and watch a video on the Hamilton Rule.

The Germans have so many wonderful phrases, but a favorite of mine is “Fremdschämen,” meaning external shame. Basically, it’s what you feel when you’re embarrassed on someone’s behalf because of something stupid they did.

What survivors need to know about recoverable damages in wrongful death cases

It may feel overwhelming to dig through all the complexities and bills at such a difficult time, but this short article by Bill Coats Law, a personal injury firm in Bellingham, WA, guides survivors through the morass. Click here to learn what survivors need to know about recoverable damages in wrongful death cases.

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.

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

Signs, Symptoms and Seriousness of TBI

The symptoms of TBI can be subtle, even things that most people experience now and then normally. But the effects of them can be serious, even deadly. Click to learn more from personal injury lawyer Bill Coats of Bellingham, WA about how to recognize a TBI and the #1 thing you should do immediately if you hurt your head in a car accident

Crashes involving a single motorcyclist don't always mean it's the driver's fault

There is a bias out there about motorcyclists, and some unfortunately do ignore speed limits or safety requirements, much like any driver. So if you are involved in a single motorcycle crash, does this automatically mean you are the only one at fault? There are certain considerations that may apply, and there could be more to your accident than is obvious. To learn more about what to do after you were involved in a single motorcycle crash, click here.

One of the most dangerous places of all for a motorcyclist is also impossible to avoid while riding

Intersections. How many of them do you go through on the average trip through town or beyond?  The vast majority of motorcycle collisions happen at intersections. Imagine that you’re on a motorcycle, turning left when a much bigger, heavier vehicle such as a car or truck comes barreling through and hits you. These kinds of accidents are hard on someone in a fully enclosed vehicle, but can be absolutely devastating to someone on a bike. If the person who hit you did so out of negligence or recklessness, you may be due a substantial payout for your injuries and losses from the at-fault party. How will you find out? Reading the article is a great place to start.

How big is the problem?

  • Injuries are the leading cause of death for AI/AN ages 1 to 54 and the third leading cause of death overall. 1