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Washington State Office of Public Defense

The mission of the Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is "to implement the constitutional and statutory guarantees of counsel and to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of indigent defense services funded by the state... ."  RCW 2.70.005.  Established by the Legislature in 1996, OPD is an independent agency of the judicial branch.

Tips on how to be a safer boater

It's up to boaters to prepare themselves for worst-case scenarios, and that begins with property boating safety. If you've never taken a boating safety course, every state and national boating agency will encourage you to do so - even if your state doesn't require it. If you're just taking a course to get your license, you're taking it for the wrong reason. Safety is much more important than a card in your wallet. Click here for classes and resources on how to avoid boating accidents.

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.

Classes and Resources for Learning How To Be a Safer Boater

Boaters can't control a lot of things - the weather and other boaters being two of the more potentially unpredictable factors. But there is one thing boaters should try to perfect - safety.  Click here for a valuable list of resources and tips on how to be a safer boater

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

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.

Ever wonder how many distracted drivers you're sharing the road with?

Go to this link to watch this incredible rescue. This is really hard to watch.

First things first: apparently everyone survived, and the baby and toddler are currently stabilized and recovering in the hospital, but that will not be super helpful to your stress level while/immediately after viewing. If you are currently the mother of young children, have a drink ready or your chosen method of self-care for when the video is done, because you will need it.  

I remeber Socorro, New Mexico was the worst speed trap that would catch unsuspecting drivers who tried to abide by the 75-mile-per-hour.  On a downhill slope at a close to 90 degree angle this was nearly impossible as the car woud easily hit 90.  Right at the bottom just hidden from view there the police awaited...But who knew there were laws to prevent the abuse of this practice.
When I took Drivers Ed in the late 90s, the "10 and 2" position was hammered into my brain by instructors as the only way to safely grip a steering wheel. According to this video by AAA, though, not only is that position wrong, it's dangerous.