Seattle Woman Goes Back To Work After Being Blinded In Car Accident | Seattle Car Accident Attorney

Seven years after she lost her eyes in a horrific accident on I-405, a Seattle woman has begin bartending at the establishment where she worked before her car accident. According to My Northwest, 31-year-old Maria Federici of Renton has gone back to work pouring drinks – and is enjoying her return. The woman has memorized the size and shapes of the bottles as well as the bar’s many beer taps.

Federici was seriously injured on Interstate 405 in 2004 when a U-Haul truck driver failed to properly secure his load. A board flew off of his truck and into Federici’s windshield, leaving her disfigured and blind. In the years following the car accident, Federici successfully sued U-Haul and the negligent driver for $15.5 million dollars in damages. She uses the money to pay for her multiple reconstructive surgeries, her other medical costs, and the changes in her daily life.

Two years after the accident, Federici helped pass a new law in Washington State that helps reduce the number of car accidents caused by unsecured loads and improperly secured loads. The new law, known as “Maria’s Law” was passed in 2005 and states that a person who causes an injury or death by failing to secure a load properly can be charged with a gross misdemeanor and face serious consequences. A driver whose unsecured items cause property damage can also be charged with a misdemeanor. In the past, the only penalty for an improperly secured load was a traffic ticket.

If you have questions about a car accident in which you have been involved and suffered injuries, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for your free consultation. In Bellevue and surrounding areas, (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.