Advanced Search

Broadside car crashes can be deadly on Bellingham roads

Broadside collisions include T-bone accidents, and can happen at intersections, in parking lots, or on the highway when a driver fails to drive defensively, or, worse yet, is drunk or distracted. These accidents can bring severe injury or death, and the financial repercussions can be high. Often there is money available to pay for damages and losses because there is an at-fault driver involved in these types of wrecks. Here on tips on what to do if you've been side-swiped or broadsided in a car wreck

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.

12 facts about drunk driving you should know

Everyone by now knows that drinking and driving is dangerous. Yet more and more facts come out based on current research that highlight this problem even more. From Bellingham car accident and personal injury law firm Bill Coats Law, learn more about the dangers of drinking and driving

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. 

The Truck Safety Coalition

Dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by truck-related crashes, providing compassionate support and educating the public, policy-makers and media. The Truck Safety Coalition is a partnership between The Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH) Foundation, and Parents Against Tired Truckers (P.A.T.T). The Truck Safety Coalition is dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries caused by truck-related crashes, providing compassionate support to truck crash survivors and families of truck crash victims, and educating the public, policy-makers and media about truck safety issues.

A head-on car crash can bring a lifetime of residual effects

When you're injured in an accident, it helps to know you're not alone. A head-on collision is one of the hardest events to go through, because the resulting injuries and losses can be catastrophic. As a personal injury attorney, I have helped clients find compensation for head-on car crashes so that they can focus on the best possible life afterwards. Here's a story I'd like to share with you about someone who was hit when another car crossed the median on a highway outside Bellingham, WA.

Got a new or leased vehicle? You might have to pay out big if it's wrecked

Car insurance policies are complicated, and all the more so when covering financed and leased vehicles. Here is what you need to do to protect your financial assets if you drive one.

statistics on distracted driving

It should not be a surprise to anyone anymore - distracted driving is a factor in one out of four car accidents. Whether its from texting, talking on the phone, using GPS, eating, or parenting, distractions while driving are deadly behaviors. Here are latest statistics on this epidemic problem from Bellingham, WA lawyer Bill Coats

Who pays after a car accident?

What happens if the at fault driver doesn't have enough insurance? In many states including Washington, all motorists are offered underinsured or uninsured motorist protection by their insurance company. So if the at fault driver doesn't have enough money to pay a full, fair settlement, you can turn to this part of your policy to file your claim.  However, there are rules and special circumstances that may apply so it's best to talk to a lawyer before you file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim. Click this video link to learn more about who pays after a car accident.

Pedestrian vs. Driver - who's at fault?

It’s unavoidable that motor vehicles and those on foot have to share the same roads sometimes. Almost every time that a collision occurs between them, the pedestrian receives far more damage – and sometimes dies – while the driver is unhurt. However, does this mean that it’s the driver who is also usually at fault? Sometimes it’s very clear who is at fault, such as in cases that involve drunk or distracted driving, or other illegal behaviors. Other times, it’s not so cut and dried. So how is fault determined in car accidents with pedestrians? Several factors come into play.