Advanced Search
Lost wages? PIP to the rescue
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection and is automatically included with many auto insurance policies. Though individual policies vary, it may include $10,000 towards wage loss. But there are some important things to know about PIP and what it means to put it into action. Bill Coats Law in Bellingham, WA put together this article and video to help consumers understand auto insurance policies and what next steps to take in the unfortunate event of a car accident.
What do auto accident victims need to know about wage loss? [VIDEO]
If you or a loved one has been in an auto accident and experienced wage loss, or you're looking at having to re-train for a lower paying job because your injuries will prevent you from going back to what you used to do, you've got options. Click here to learn about wage loss, future wage loss, and your rights as an auto accident victim.
This massive semi and car accident demonstrates that size does matter in crash safety
Though engineering and materials are increasingly sophisticated in manufacturing safer cars, certain factors will always favor larger vehicles. For information on the top five safest vehicles in crashes, and what you should do if you are injured in a car accident, click here for this article from Bill Coats Law, a personal injury law firm in Bellingham WA who helps victims of drunk and distracted drivers.
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
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
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.