Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC | Washington Legal Blog

Edmonds motorcycle accident leaves 17 year old girl in coma

A 17-year-old Lynnwood girl, Melanie Thielman, was injured in a motorcycle crash this past August 2008 in Edmonds, Washington and was in an induced coma at Harborview Medical Center and was unlikely to come out of it for at least a year.  Doctors decided to put her in a coma "to relax the brain" and stabilize the clot.

Melanie was riding on the back of a motorcycle with a 23-year-old man when he crashed into a utility pole.  She suffered severe head trauma when she was thrown from the back of the motorcycle.  Both she and the driver were wearing helmets.  According to police, the crash happened about 10 p.m. on the 9000 block of Olympic View Drive in Edmonds.   

Both speed and the riding experience of the driver may have been contributing factors.  Usually, high speed motorcycle accidents result in serious and permanent injuries and sometimes death.  From a legal perspective in this case, you have to look at the available insurance of the at fault driver and any other insurance coverages available such as underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage through your own automobile insurance policy or your parents' insurance policy if you still live with them.

Often times, there is not enough coverage to fully compensate the seriously injured person because the medical bills are very high which may exceed all available insurance coverages.  You should consult with an experienced Seattle, Bellevue, Washington personal injury attorney like Andrew Y. Kim on these complicated cases before you make any decisions with the insurance companies.  Remember that the insurance companies are not looking out for your best interest, and the call to us is free at 1-800-636-3676.

Labels: Edmonds, motorcycle, crash, accident, coma, head trauma, UIM coverage, Melanie Thielman, injury, attorney, Seattle, Bellevue, Washington