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When an uninsured motorist hits you, it can be hard to know what to do next. Here's one victim's story.

A common type of injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident is damage to the spine or pelvis. When someone is blindsided because a negligent driver "came out of nowhere" and hit them, there can be life-changing consequences. In this accident victim's story that happened in Bellingham, WA, the at-fault driver caused damage so severe that the victim was not able to return to his job after the accident - ever again. It was critical that he find money to pay for lost wages and damages he received because of the accident. Insult to injury, the motorist who hit him was uninsured. 

New or leased vehicle? Read this before you talk to a claims adjuster

Unfortunately, no one can buy insurance to cover an accident that happens before the policy goes into effect. But, if you have a financed or leased vehicle, you'll want to read this article on how to protect yourself in case of a serious wreck.

The top thing to do before discussing your car accident with the insurance adjuster

Since everything you tell them might be used to downplay the accident and reduce your claim, it pays to talk to an attorney before negotiating with the insurance company. So how to choose the right one? Lawyer Bill Coats in Bellingham, WA discusses key characteristics of good lawyers in this article.

DATA: Kentucky boating deaths on pace for five-year high

With its proximity to major waterways such as Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, boating is a hugely popular pastime in the Bluegrass State. According to the Coast Guard, Kentucky may have one of the deadliest years for boaters in recent history. Read more about boating accidents here

One case where bone fractures and psychological trauma were justly compensated

Witnessing the pain of a loved one can be traumatic. In this case represented by Bellingham personal injury lawyer Bill Coats, the pedestrian hit by a truck sustained fractures in both ankles. Her husband also was awarded compensation for the psychological impact of witnessing his wife's accident and caring for her through her recovery. 

Questions for Car Accident Witnesses

Witnesses to a car accident can be valuable when it's time to piece together the details of what happened right before, during, and after the crash. Statements from witnesses can also become key evidence later on, in any lawsuit or insurance claim that seeks to establish legal responsibility -- in other words, fault for a car accident. So it's important that the right questions get asked of witnesses, in order to make sure the right information is obtained and recorded. This article touches on some important strategies and points to cover when questioning witnesses to a car accident.

Resources and tips in case you or a loved one is involved in an auto accident

As with so many things in life, it helps to be prepared with knowledge before you need it. As a wise friend once said, "It's easier to repair the roof when it's sunny than when it's raining." Hopefully you or a loved one will never need this guide, but if you drive or ride in any vehicle on the road, you might. Click here for the top ten tips on what to do after an auto accident. Also included are local resources for Washington state drivers.

Following your doctor's orders after an accident is good for more than your health

We've all heard the expression, "follow the doctor's orders" and after a car accident, it's not different. Yet you'd be surprised at how many accident victims stop going to the doctor for follow up care, even when they don't feel completely better. Click this link for a video about why you should continue to follow your doctor's instructions after your auto accident.

Who you may have to pay after your auto accident claim is paid

Most accident victims don't know when they sign up for their auto or health insurance policy that if they are hurt in an accident due to someone else's fault, they may have to reimburse their own health insurance company for paying medical bills. However, it's not as bad as it sounds. I made this video to educate consumers on reimbursing health insurers after an auto accident. 

Tips on hosting a safe Super Bowl party

Imagine how bad you'd feel if you hosted a super bowl party, and a guest got into a terrible, preventable accident on the way home because he was drunk. Not only would you feel terrible, there may be criminal or civil penalties against you. For tips on providing a safer super bowl party from Bellingham WA drunk driving accident attorney Bill Coats, click here.