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Everett-Bellingham WA - Accident News and Resources including car, bicycle, motorcycle and truck accidents and much more.

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties comprise the Pacific Northwest Interior

Across these diverse counties, residents and visitors encounter gorgeous mountain views, extensive waterways, the beautiful Puget Sound, and the vast network of San Juan Islands.

Whatcom County, Washington, on the border with Canada, is an established college town with a growing population

Whatcom County has a population of approximately 200,000. The county seat and largest city is Bellingham. The county name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning "noisy water."

The largest industries in Whatcom County include manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. Whatcom County is the location of Western Washington University.

Island County - A unique and beautiful region composed entirely of islands

As of the 2010 census, its population was 78,506. Its county seat is Coupeville, while its largest city is Oak Harbor. Its name reflects the fact that it is composed entirely of islands. It contains two large islands, Whidbey and Camano, and seven smaller islands - Baby, Ben Ure, Deception, Kalamut, Minor, Smith, and Strawberry.

San Juan County - A beautiful maritime archipelago of 743 islands

San Juan County is a county located in the Salish Sea in the far northwestern corner of Washington State. As of the 2010 census, its population was 15,769. Of the hundreds of islands in the county,  only 60 islands are inhabited.

Skagit County - Situated between near the majestic Cascade Mountains, the fertile Skagit Valley, and the powerful Skagit River

Skagit County, with a population of 116,901, is situated in the gorgeous Skagit Valley. The county seat and largest city is Mount Vernon. The majestic Cascade Mountains stand to the east, overlooking a fertile valley boasting a variety of agricultural crops. Running through the valley is the powerful Skagit River flowing westward toward the beautiful San Juan Islands.

Snohomish County - Home of the world's largest aerospace-industry manufacturing facility

Snohomish County, with a population of 772,501, is the third-most populous county in Washington. The county seat and largest city is Everett. The county is located between the sparkling blue waters of Puget Sound and the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains. Snohomish County begins 12 miles north of Seattle, a little under 100 miles south of Vancouver, and a short ferry ride away from the San Juan Islands and the Olympic Peninsula. Snohomish County is home to over 20,000 businesses, ranging from small family farms specializing in organic foods, to the world’s largest advanced manufacturing facility producing state-of art aerospace equipment.

The region's climate can contribute to accidents throughout the Northwest Interior

The climate is generally mild and typical of the Puget Sound region. The year-long average daily high and low temperatures are 59 and 44.1 °F. The western region of the Northwest Interior has a marine oceanic climate that is strongly influenced by the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains, and gets an average of 42 inches of rain per year.

In Accident Data Center, find recent accidents at the links below:

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish County car accidents;

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish County pedestrian accidents;

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish County motorcycle accidents;

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish County bicycle accidents;

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish County train accidents;

Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Snohomish County truck accidents.

When someone is injured in an accident in the region, it is important to gather information about what happens next.

Being injured in a serious accident is always a shocking and scary experience, and dealing with the aftermath is exhausting and stressful. Accident victims are forced to deal with hospitalization, medical treatments, missed work, and lost income, often while trying to manage pain and disability from their injuries. And then the insurance adjusters start circling. Find out more about accidents and what issues an injured person needs to be aware of by going to this link.

What to do after a serious injury accident in Whatcom, Island, San Juan, Skagit, or Snohomish County

When someone has been injured or killed in a motor-vehicle collision, the accident victim and their family members are left with medical bills, lost income, and other costs. It is important to get legal assistance to help the accident victim recover, or when the accident is fatal, to help the family members get fully compensated for their losses. Learn more about how a Pacific Northwest personal injury attorney will help injured victims and families.

State: 
Washington

Legal Data Center

Top 7 reasons to hire an experienced personal injury attorney
What every family needs to know about a wrongful death case
When a bicycle accident is fatal, survivors have hard decisions to make
Twelve tips to improve your personal injury claim
If a loved one died in an accident, this could be considered a wrongful death

Accident reports by county

Island County, WA - 15
San Juan County, WA - 2
Skagit County, WA - 113
Snohomish County, WA - 328
Whatcom County, WA - 156

Legal Resources

Everett-Bellingham WA
Passengers injured in a car accident have unique concerns about recovery

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.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Motorcycling – Fun and freedom tempered by increased risk of collision

Motorcycling – Fun and freedom tempered by increased risk of collision

For enthusiasts, motorcycling is the preferred mode of travel. A sense of freedom, a close connection to the road and nature, and the speed and maneuverability of a motorcycle are all reasons why there has been an increase in motorcycling's popularity. However, given the vulnerability of a motorcyclist to the larger, heavier vehicles sharing the road, the danger in injury or death from a motorcycle accident is significantly greater. Click here for more information on what to do next if you were in a motorcycle crash.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Recreational vehicles create dangerous conditions on Whatcom County roads

Recreational vehicles create dangerous conditions on Whatcom County roads

The infamous RV, on American highways at all times of the year, is especially present during the warm summer months. Never more obviously than when you’re stuck behind one. Packed with families and those accoutrements that just can’t be left behind, motor homes hit the road and take up much of it. Not only are they a big investment for those who own them – they are also a large obstacle for many motorists who share the road. The extra care and caution it takes to navigate around these vehicles can be like passing a semi. Particularly on windy roads or hills that keep the RV from maintaining the flow of traffic, it can be a stressful moment to many drivers on Bellingham and Whatcom County roads. Click to learn more about car accidents with an RV in Whatcom County.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Single Vehicle Car Crashes in Bellingham Have Options for Justice Too

Single Vehicle Car Crashes in Bellingham Have Options for Justice Too

If you have been involved in a single car crash that occurred through no fault of yours, it may feel as though you don’t have any options for finding financial help to get you through the recovery process. Further, the insurance company and perhaps the authorities will likely figure that the crash was your fault, and it’s tough – as well as inadvisable – to argue against them on your own. There are often many factors at work in a car crash, and a single vehicle collision is no different. Click to learn more about your options if you were involved in a Whatcom County car crash with only a single vehicle involved.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Six tips on driving safely around kids

Six tips on driving safely around kids

According to AAA, the afternoon hours are particularly dangerous for kids being hit by cars. Nearly a quarter of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Children don’t have enough experience to know what to do in unexpected situations that can happen so fast, and sometimes they do unexpected things. No driver wants to be responsible for a devastating accident at any time – especially one that involves children. Drivers need to be especially careful when driving around kids, and here are some things from AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign to think about.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Who pays after a car accident?

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.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Distractions aren't limited to driving a car

Distractions aren't limited to driving a car

In our fast-paced world, distractions are rampant. Technological innovation has given us so many options vying for our attention, which is a very lucrative business. Smart phones are everywhere, and contain a tiny universe of information packaged in colors, sounds and vibrations, providing endless interface as soon as we dip our attention down into the screen's stream. There are headphones with great sound quality that bring us into our own world right in the midst of the one we share with other people. More and more people are apparently learning how to cope with being addicted to electronic devices. While distracted driving gets a lot of press because the statistics so obviously show the danger, here are a few recent studies and facts that show how being distracted impacts us in many ways. 

Everett-Bellingham WA
Distractions aren't limited to driving a car

Distractions aren't limited to driving a car

In our fast-paced world, distractions are rampant. Technological innovation has given us so many options vying for our attention, which is a very lucrative business. Smart phones are everywhere, and contain a tiny universe of information packaged in colors, sounds and vibrations, providing endless interface as soon as we dip our attention down into the screen's stream. There are headphones with great sound quality that bring us into our own world right in the midst of the one we share with other people. More and more people are apparently learning how to cope with being addicted to electronic devices. While distracted driving gets a lot of press because the statistics so obviously show the danger, here are a few recent studies and facts that show how being distracted impacts us in many ways. 

Everett-Bellingham WA
Spinal columns and head injuries are common injuries to cyclists hit by cars

Spinal columns and head injuries are common injuries to cyclists hit by cars

Bicycling has many benefits – economic, environmental, and healthful. It’s a great way of getting around town, especially here in bike-friendly downtown Bellingham. Some of the roads around Whatcom County offer scenic rides beyond compare, and Galbraith Mountain attracts professional mountain bikers to live here and train. However, in collisions between bicyclists and motor vehicles, the cyclist is no match for the vehicle. All it takes is one distracted or drunk driver to debilitate the cyclist - sometimes permanently. Often these injuries include those to the neck or back, which require surgeries and long term rehabilitative care. Have you been hit by a car on  your bike in Bellingham and it was not your fault? Here are some resources for what to do next.

Everett-Bellingham WA
Broadside car crashes can be deadly on Bellingham roads

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. 

Most recent accident reports

17-year-old twins Janeah and Janesah Goheen dead and two others injured in accident on Hwy 20 in Anacortes on Oct 31

The Oct. 31 crash on Highway 20 that killed one Oak Harbor teenager near Anacortes has now claimed the life of her twin sister.

Date: 
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Roadway: 
Highway 20
City: 
Anacortes, WA
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Accident Topics: Teenaged Drivers - Young Adult Drivers

Wesley B. Martin, 39 and Angela Rodrick, 18, dead in collision on SR-548 in Ferndale on Oct 22

The driver of a pickup truck was attempting to pass a tractor-trailer in heavy fog on State Route 548 early Tuesday when he plowed head-on into an oncoming car, killing himself and the 18-year-old woman driving the car, the Washington State Patrol

Date: 
Monday, October 21, 2013
Roadway: 
Highway 548
City: 
Ferndale, WA
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Weather Conditions

Desirae Garrison-Jones killed in crash on W Badger Rd in Lynden on Oct 4

A Whatcom County man has been sentenced to almost two years in prison for causing a crash that killed a teenage girl in October on West Badger Road.

Date: 
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Roadway: 
West Badger Road
City: 
Lynden, WA
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Rollover

Inna Reva dead and Leonid Shintar injured in crash at Van Wyck Rd and Hannegan Rd in Bellingham on Sept 21

A Bellingham woman was killed and her passenger was injured in a two-car crash this morning north of Bellingham.

Date: 
Friday, September 20, 2013
Roadway: 
Unknown
City: 
Bellingham, WA
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Seat Belt Usage

Gaytor Donald Unick dies in crash on I-5 Grandview Rd exit in Ferndale on Aug 15

Bellingham and Whatcom County are growing in population, and with this growth comes increases in traffic, congestion, and accidents.

Date: 
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Roadway: 
Interstate 5 Grandview Road off-ramp
City: 
Ferndale, WA
Type: Car Accident

Toddler Jack Joseph Kelley killed in lawn-mowing accident north of Ferndale on July 13

A Whatcom County toddler was killed this weekend when his grandfather accidentally backed over him with a riding lawn mower.

Date: 
Friday, July 12, 2013
Roadway: 
Unknown
City: 
Ferndale, WA
Type: Other Type of Accident

Abraham Guerrero dies in motorcycle accident near the Northwest Ave exit of I-5 in Bellingham on July 8

An 18-year-old motorcyclist was killed late Monday when he slammed into a cable barrier along Interstate 5 at high speed. Troopers responded to the scene, in the northbound lanes of I-5 in Whatcom County, at about 10:45 p.m.

Date: 
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Roadway: 
Interstate 5
City: 
Bellingham, WA
Type: Motorcycle Accident
Topics: 
Accident Topics: Teenaged Drivers - Young Adult Drivers

Man injured in explosion in the 8300 block of Golden Valley Blvd in Kendall on June 12

What personal injury victims need to know:

Date: 
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Roadway: 
8300 block of Golden Valley Boulevard
City: 
Kendall, WA
Type: Other Type of Accident

6-year-old boy injured in fall from second-story window at 1840 Main St in Lynden on June 11

Date: 
Monday, June 10, 2013
Roadway: 
1840 Main Street
City: 
Lynden, WA
Type: Other Type of Accident

Scott Allen Monaghan, 45, found dead due to ATV crash on Cronk Rd off of Hwy 542 in Deming on June 10

A Deming man was killed in an ATV crash on a gravel road in woods north of the Mount Baker Highway. The Bellingham Herald reports it's not clear when the crash occurred but the body of 45-year-old Scott Allen Monaghan was found Monday morning.

Date: 
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Roadway: 
Cronk Road
City: 
Deming, WA
Type: Other Type of Accident
Topics: 
ATV/UTV Accident, High-Speed/Excessive Speed

Ramon Garcia, 21, dies in car crash on Lakeway Drive in Bellingham, Washington

Ramon Garcia died after striking a utility pole on Lakeway Drive. Troopers believe that speed was the primary factor, and that drugs and alcohol were not involved. Garcia was studying visual journalism at Western Washington University.

Date: 
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Roadway: 
Lakeway Drive
City: 
Bellingham, WA
Type: Car Accident
Topics: 
Overcorrection, High-Speed/Excessive Speed

Bruce White and Neville Kumar injured in crash on Slater Road in Ferndale on May 3

The things that you need to know about an accident with a drunk driver

Date: 
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Roadway: 
Slater Road near the bridge over the Nooksack River
City: 
Ferndale, WA
Type: Car Accident

Three adults and two children injured in a three car crash in Nooksack on January 4

The driver of a southbound Chevrolet Blazer — Norberto Bravo-Vasquez, 56 — didn’t stop at the intersection with a two-way stop at Van Buren Road and slammed into an Acura headed west at 11:24 a.m., said Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary.

Date: 
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Roadway: 
East Badger Road
City: 
Nooksack, WA
Type: Car Accident

Debra G. Peterson strikes two cyclists with her car in Sumas on January 26; Steven Waterman, 36, killed and Daniel McKay, 51 injured

A driver suspected of being under the influence of prescription drugs hit two bicyclists, killing one of them, then drove off after initially stopping at the crash scene.

Date: 
Friday, January 25, 2013
Roadway: 
Highway 547
City: 
Kendall, WA
Type: Bicycle Accident

Boy, 7, hit by bus near Ferndale on January 10

A seven-year-old boy has been airlifted to Harborview Medical Center after being struck by a bus Thursday. The boy was a passenger on the bus and got off at Lummi Shore Drive near Ferndale.

Date: 
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Roadway: 
Lummi Shore Drive
City: 
Ferndale, WA
Type: Pedestrian Accident