Attorney Blog

Fatal Florida Pileup | Washington Car Accident Lawyer

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

KOMO News posted this article about a fatal pileup just south of Gainesville, Florida early Sunday morning.

At least 10 people were killed and 18 people were injured on Interstate 75 near the Paynes Prairie area. The highway was so hazy and smokey that the poor visibility caused a long line of cars and trucks to collide one after the other. When rescuers first arrived on the scene, the visibility was so bad that they had to listen for screams to locate the victims.

The smoke and haze is believed to have been caused by a nearby brushfire. A spokeswoman from the Florida Forest Service said the brushfire started Saturday. At the time of this article, it was unknown if the brushfire had been intentionally set or caused by an accident, as there were no controlled burns or lightening in the area.

The wreckage was devastating. Cars appeared to have crashed into big rigs, some smashed beneath heavier trucks. A tractor-trailer was burnt to its skeleton and the rubber of every vehicles' tires had burnt down to their steel belts. Debris was spread all over the roadway nearly a mile in both directions.

The injured victims were taken to nearby Shands Healthcare at the University of Florida, where 3 of the 6 trauma patients needed surgery, 4 patients remained in the emergency room and 8 patients had been treated and released. Most injuries were to the head and chest and broken bones.

All 6 lanes of Interstate 75 remained closed throughout the day, as firefighters sprayed foam on the wreckage to extinguish the remaining fires. At the time of the article, it was unclear as to when the interstate would reopen, as part of the roadway had melted. In order for the interstate to reopen, transportation inspectors must first sign off on the road to allow traffic again.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm is a personal injury firm in Bellevue that handles personal injury claims all over Western Washington. If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident or bus accident, our experienced Bellevue accident lawyer will handle your claim and work to get you a fair and reasonable settlement. For a free consulation, call us at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Washington Kid Injury Prevention: Legal Sledding Areas in Seattle

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Seattle got its first taste of winter last week as snow fell across the Northwest and blanketed the city. While it was bad news for those trying to commute, it was great news for the thousands of kids across Seattle who were eying their snow pants, mittens, and sleds. However, while we all have fond memories of sledding as a child, it is important to remember that Seattle can be a dangerous place for sledding and that it is illegal to sled in many places for safety reasons. In fact, each year dozens of children across Washington State are injured in sledding accidents.

What do parents need to know about sledding safely in Seattle?

While city parks across Seattle are open to sledding, none have significant hill or slopes for kids to enjoy.
Although some Seattle streets are popular for sledders, including East Denny Way and Queen Anne Avenue, sledding on city streets is illegal even when the streets are closed.
Sledding on city streets could result in a fine of up to $112, although sledding tickets are somewhat rare.
Sledding on public golf courses is a fun, safe, and legal options – courses in Seattle include Jackson Golf Course and West Seattle Golf Course.

Wherever you sled, be sure to follow sledding safety guidelines to prevent child accidents and injuries. If you or a family member has been injured in a Seattle sledding accident, you may wish to speak with a Washington child injury attorney. Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm today to schedule a free appointment.

Wet & Dark Conditions Likely Factors in Auburn Pedestrian Accident

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 62-year-old Washington man was struck and killed in an Auburn pedestrian accident on Thursday, December 26. Police believe that dark and wet roads were a major factor in the fatal crash.

The fatal pedestrian collision took place at around seven in the morning on Auburn Way South when the man attempted to cross the street outside of a marked crosswalk. The man, who has yet to be identified, died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. The Auburn Police Department reported that the dark, wet roads likely contributed to the crash. The driver, who was not injured in the accident, has not been charged or cited.

This deadly Washington pedestrian accident is an important reminder that a combination of two poor road conditions can be especially dangerous – while you may not think that driving at night is particularly hazardous or driving in the rain is particularly hazardous, driving on a rainy, dark night can significantly lower visibility. At the same time, while jaywalking is often not considered a serious violation, jaywalking on a dark and rainy night can have tragic consequences.

Do you understand the underlying causes of the Washington pedestrian accident that you were involved in? Is the person or entity responsible for your Auburn pedestrian accident paying damages? You may wish to speak with a Washington personal injury attorney about your case. Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm today at 800.636.3676.

Washington Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed After Girl's Death

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Parents John Tam and Tamami Okauchi have filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington State against the United States Forest Service following their daughter's death at the Big Four Ice Caves last summer.

In July, 11-year-old Grace Tam traveled with her family to Verlot, Washington, to visit the famed ice caves in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. During their visit, a large block of ice fell from the caves and crushed the young girl, a student at Kellogg Marsh Elementary School in Marysville. Her parents say that the Forest Service was negligent because they did not properly warn visitors about the dangers of falling ice and snow around the area of the caves.

Tam was the second visitor to the ice caves to die in an accident in recent years. In 1998, 27-year-old Catherine Stockton Shields was crushed and buried in an avalanche while visiting the caves with her family.

This Washington child accident lawsuit, which was filed in Seattle in December, brings up a number of difficult legal questions: what responsibility does the U.S. Forest Service have to protect visitors from natural dangers? Were enough signs posted to alert hikers about the dangers of the caves?

If your child has been injured or killed in a Washington State accident and you believe that negligence was a factor in the incident, you may wish to speak with a Washington child injury attorney. At the Andrew Kim Law Firm, we represent child injury cases free of charge. Call today at 800.636.3676.

Snohomish County Faces $70 Million Road Design Lawsuit After Crash | Marysville Car Accident Attorney

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The families of two teens seriously injured in a Marysville car accident in October 2011 have taken the first steps in filing a personal injury lawsuit against Snohomish County. The two families believe that the vehicle accident would never have happened if not for the poor design of the road where the crash took place.

Marysville Getchell High School cross county running teammates 16-year-old Juan Mendoza, 16-year-old Lars Kundu and 17-year-old Andy Vavrousek, were headed out for Slurpees before practice when Mendoza, the driver, lost control on 108th Street NE near 83rd Avenue NE. The car ran off of the road and crashed into a number of trees, killing Mendoza and injuring the other two boys.

The families of the teens maintain that the accident should never have happened – if only Snohomish County had recognized that the steep slope in the road was extremely dangerous.

While the investigation into why the Washington car accident took place continues, the families of the boys say that a privately hired traffic engineer found that the slope should not be driven at over 18 miles per hour – despite the current 35 mile per hour speed limit. The intersection was altered shortly before the accident took place, solving some safety issues, but creating others.

While drivers are often assumed to be the cause of car accidents, it is vital to remember that poor road design can absolutely cause crashes. If you believe your car accident injuries were caused by negligent road design or dangerous road conditions, speak with a Seattle personal injury attorney today at Andrew Kim Law Firm 425-289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676.

Bikewise.org Provides Seattle Bike Crash Data & Cyclist Hazards | Seattle Bicycle Attorney

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

What are the most dangerous roads for cyclists in Seattle, and where do Washington bike accidents most commonly occur? Cascade Bicycle Club might have the most accurate answers to these important questions on their website, BikeWise.org.

In the last two years, the Seattle cycling website has pinpointed the location of over 1,800 incidents of interest to bike riders, including bike accidents, bike hazards, and bike thefts. Visitors to the website can examine their neighborhood for dangerous routes, check out their commute for hazardous intersections, and learn lessons from Seattle bike accident victims.

The Washington bike accident website provides readers with a Google Map that shows the location of recent accidents, provides crash reports, and details new obstacles and dangers. Any serious hazards that bikers report to the site – such as missing traffic signs, or dangerous potholes – are passed on to the Seattle Department of Transportation.

Why might this cyclist collision website be more helpful than official reports of bicycle accidents? Users of the site say that many bike accidents don’t result in a police report and many hazards aren’t serious enough to attract coverage from other outlets.

If you have been injured in a Seattle area bike accident, it is important that you understand what caused your crash and who was responsible for the damages incurred. Speak with a Washington bike accident attorney, Seattle bicycle accident lawyer today to make certain that your bike accident legal needs are handled properly in the wake of a crash. Call Andrew Kim Law Firm at 425-289-1990 or 1-800-363-3676.

Rollover Crash Kills One, Injures Three | Tukwila Car Accident Lawyer

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reported of a rollover accident Saturday night in Tukwila that killed the driver and injured her three passengers.

Just north of SR 518 on Interstate 5, 20 year old Katerina Valavala of Des Moines allegedly made a quick turn to the right after missing an exit, then hit a curb which caused her car to roll over. She was killed and her three 16-17 year old passengers were transported to Harborview Medical Center. There was no available update on their conditions.

If you have been injured in a car accident, or any other kind of accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our Tukwila car accident attorney is experienced in personal injury claims all over Western Washington, and will handle all aspects of your car accident injury in Tukwila, including property damage, wage loss and out of pocket expenses. For a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Tukwila, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Tanker Truck Crash in Bellevue | Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyer

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kiro News 7 reported of a tanker truck that overturned and spilled 3,500 gallons of gasoline after a collision on Interstate 405 in Bellevue.

Just before 10:00 p.m. on Sunday evening, a vehicle lost control and crashed into the tanker truck, causing the truck to overturn. The vehicle's driver was taken to a local hospital while the truck driver was not injured.

Northbound lanes of Interstate 405 reopened at approximately 3:00 a.m., after being closed for nearly 5 hours.

If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, and are needing the help of a Bellevue accident attorney, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our office features an attorney experienced in Bellevue injury claims and will represent you for all aspects of your claim, including wage loss, out of pocket expenses and property damage. For your free consultation, call our office at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Equipment Failure Causes Truck Towing Boat To Crash On I-5 In Seattle

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Washington State Patrol says that an equipment failure was to blame in an Interstate 5 crash that closed lanes in both directions. The October incident involved a towed boat.

According to the Columbian, 46-year-old Glen Reddemann was towing a 28-foot boat north along I-5 in Seattle when he lost control of his pickup truck and trailer near the 39th Street exit. His vehicle slammed into the concrete barrier that divides the two sides of the interstate, smashing through the median and scattering debris. Although no one was injured in the accident, the collision caused two southbound lanes and two northbound lanes to be closed as trucks were brought in to clear the damage and move the barriers from the road.

An initial investigation into the Washington vehicle accident has suggested that equipment failure was likely the cause of the crash, though it is unclear exactly what went wrong with the boat trailer and why. Currently, Reddemann has not been issued any traffic citations.

Equipment failures are a more common cause of Seattle traffic accidents than many think - and towing trailers comes with a number of complexities that can lead to such failures. If you have been involved in a Washington motor vehicle accident that you believe was caused by equipment failure, it is vital to speak with a Seattle personal injury attorney about your crash.

Seattle Builds First Bicycle Greenway In Wallingford This Fall

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

After a recent rash of fatal Seattle bicycle accidents, and as more and more residents choose biking as a means of transportation, city officials, bicycle safety advocates, and citizens are working on adding more bicycle greenways to the urban area - with the first greenway on its way this Fall in the Wallingford neighborhood.

What is a bicycle greenway? A greenway is a residential bike route that gives bicycles and pedestrians a path that is safer to travel than the busier main roads. A greenway will often be outfitted with speed bumps, narrower portions of road, landscaping, and other features that encourage cars to drive slower and which give cyclists priority.

Currently, new greenways in other parts of the city, such as Beacon Hill, Ballard, and the University District, are being considered as part of Proposition 1, a proposal that would add a car-tab fee in order to raise funds for the project. Opponents of Prop 1 argue that more money should be going to other transportation projects such as bridge repair, road repair, and sidewalk installation.

What do you think of building more greenways in Seattle? Let us know in our comments section.

And remember: if you are in need of legal assistance regarding a Seattle bicycle accident and injury, contact Washington State personal injury attorney Andrew Kim.

Wrong way crash on I-90 | Bellevue Car Accident Attorney

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Times reports wrong way crash on I-90 Sunday morning that closed all eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 for over two hours. According to State Patrol , 20 year old Shelby Smith of North Bend was driving westbound in an eastbound lane of I-90 and crashed into a vehicle driven by Alstair Harper of Snpqualmie. Due to the crash Harper's vehicle cut on fire. Both drivers were transported to the hospital.

If you have been injured as a result of a North Bend car accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. We are a Bellevue personal injury firm who will handle your injury claim, everything from wage loss, out of pocket expenses and property damage resulting from your accident. For a free consultation, call us at (425) 289-1990 or toll free at (800) 636-3676

Early Morning Accident Creates Delays | Renton Car Accident Lawyer

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reported that an early Friday morning accident limited traffic travel to the HOV lane in Interstate 405.

A car rolled over southbound near S. 3rd Street in Renton around 6:00 a.m. The accident caused major delays for investigation and cleanup.

There were no reported injuries and the cause of the accident is unknown.

If you have been involved in a Renton car accident and need a car accident lawyer in Renton, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. An experienced Renton car accident attorney will speak with you in a free consultation where you will discuss your injuries, property damage and any questions you may have. In the Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma and the South Sound call (253) 682-2000. Our office can also be reached toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Fatal Bicycle Accident Draws Attention To Dangers Of Interurban Trail

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Washington State officials and bicycle safety advocates are discussing urban trail safety after a fatal bicycle and pedestrian accident on the Interurban Trail in Everett left one cyclist dead and others injured.

The bicycle and pedestrian collision took place on Monday, July 11, when friends and cycling buddies Warren Bare and 73-year-old Wendell Hultman decided to bike to an Everett bakery. At the same time, Eric and Cathy Wedlund were walking their terrier in the opposite direction. As the two cyclists went down a hill and passed another group of pedestrians, they turned a corner and collided with the Wedlunds. Hultman struck the dog and flew off his bike headfirst. He died of a traumatic brain injury twelve days later.

While authorities believe that this is the first fatal accident on the Interurban Trail, it is hard to know since many accidents that don't involve a motorized vehicle or a public road simply aren't reported.

The Washington State trail accident, however, has drawn attention to the lack of safety, the lack of rules, and the lack of accident reports on many of the state's urban multiuse trails. Currently, no changes have been made to prevent similar accidents from taking place in the future.

If you have been injured on an urban trail in Washington, you may wish to speak with a Seattle accident attorney about what caused your injury and who is responsible for damages. Schedule a free, private meeting with Andrew Kim today.

SR-599 Blocked in Tukwila | Tukwila Accident Lawyer

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Komo News reported that late Wednesday morning, all northbound lanes of SR-599 were blocked after an accident involving a semi-truck left the semi-truck overturned and a person injured.

The accident occured near S. 133rd Street just before 12:00 p.m.

If you have been injured as a result of a Tukwila car accident or an accident involving a semi-truck, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. We are a Tukwila personal injury firm that features a car accident attorney in Tukwila who will handle your injury claim, everything from wage loss, out of pocket expenses and property damage resulting from your accident. For a free consultation, call us at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Pedestrian Injured on Lower Spokane Street Bridge | Seattle Injury Lawyer

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by King 5 News, Tim Nelson of West Seattle was trying to do his part in reducing traffic congestion caused by the viaduct closure by jogging to work in downtown Seattle. But shortly after 8:00 a.m. Monday morning, he was struck by a semi-truck and sent to Harborview Medical Center.

Directly below the West Seattle Bridge, Nelson was jogging on the Lower Spokane Bridge when the semi-truck hit him. It is still unclear as to the cause of the accident.

In the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center, Nelson is recovering from a broken back, shoulder and arm as well as a fractured skull and a collapsed lung.

If you have been injured in an accident as a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. We are a Seattle personal injury law firm with an accident lawyer in Seattle who will help handle your injury claim. To have a free consultation with an experienced Seattle injury lawyer, call us at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Man Killed in Interstate 5 Accident | Seattle Car Accident Lawyer

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Komo News reports that at around 12:10 a.m. Sunday morning, Washington State Patrol responded to a car crash on Interstate 5 at the 85th Street exit.

The 40 year old Seattle man, driving a 2000 Honda Civic was pronounced dead at the scene after it is believed that he was driving southbound on Interstate 5, took the 85th Street exit and crashed through the guardrail. After crashing through several objects, the vehicle was found on its top.

The man's name was not released and the cause of the accident is still being investigated.

If you need a Seattle car accident lawyer, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our car accident attorney in Seattle is experienced in Seattle injury claims and will work hard to get a fair and reasonable settlement for your injuries and pain and suffering. To reach us in the Bellevue and greater Seattle area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma and the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. We can also be reached toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Multiple Car Accident Kills 2 | Issaquah Car Accident Lawyer

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

Near milepost 56 in Interstate 90, 2 passengers were killed in a 5-vehicle collision late Monday morning, reports Komo News.

Just past 11:30 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 90, three semi-trucks and 2 passenger vehicles were involved in the accident. Near Snoqualmie Pass in an area where traffic was down to one lane because of road construction, the eastbound lanes closed as a result of the accident.

There was no further information available regarding other injuries.

If you have been injured in a car accident or have lost a loved one in a car accident where someone else was at fault, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our Issaquah accident attorney is experienced in Washington State injury claims as well as Washington State wrongful death claims, and will work hard for you and your family to receive a fair and reasonable settlement. To contact us in Bellevue or the greater Seattle and eastside area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma and the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. We can also be reached toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Man Charged in Fatal Car Accident | Buckey Wrongful Death Lawyer

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

The News Tribune reported the driver of an August 3 fatal car accident has been charged on Monday with vehicular homicide and failure to remain at the scene of a deadly accident when his vehicle split in half and left his ejected passenger mortally injured.

According to charging documents, Ryan Bogue, 18, was eastbound on 112th Street E. in Buckley when his vehicle reportedly slid off the road and into a power pole in the 29000 block. The impact of the crash was strong enough to rip the vehicle in half and throw Traevon Norton, 17, to the side of the road. He was pronounced dead just minutes after respondents first arrived.

Bogue was found soon after at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Enumclaw with injuries to his hands, arms and face. He told investigators he'd consumed three beers and had swerved to avoid three deer that were in the roadway. When his blood was drawn and analyzed, alcohol, THC and commonly found substances in prescription depressants were found. Also found was a bottle of whiskey on the driver's floorboard.

When Washington State Patrol detectived downloaded airbag control system data from the crashed car, it showed the vehicle was going 57 miles per hour when it crashed. Only seconds before, 86 miles per hour. The psoted speed limit is 35 miles per hour.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm with your Buckley wrongful death claim. Andrew Kim is a Buckley car accident lawyer who can handle your car accident claim in Buckley as well as a wrongful death claim in Buckley. Serving Western Washington, our Washington personal injury law firm offers free consultations to discuss your injury claim in Washington. Call (425) 289-1990 for Bellevue accident lawyer, (253) 289-1990 for Tacoma accident lawyer or (800) 636-3676 for personal injury attorney in Washington State.

Seattle Cyclists Visit Three Recent Bike Accident Victim Memorials

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST

After a cluster of three fatal Washington State bicycle accidents shook the Seattle cycling community last month, dozens of riders gathered last Saturday on a cross-city slow ride to visit the makeshift memorials of the crash victims.

According to a Seattle Fox News affiliate, the group Safe Streets Social Ride rode from one "Ghost Bike" memorial to the next in the hopes of raising awareness of cyclists on city roads and in memory of the three lives lost this Summer and Fall in bike accidents.

The group of bikers first visited the corner of Dexter Avenue and Thomas Street, where 44-year-old Michael Wang was struck and killed by a hit-and run driver in July. Then they pedaled across the city to an outdoor stairwell on Fairview Avenue where 50-year-old barista Brian Fairbrother received a fatal head injury last month. Finally, the memorial tour ended in the University District, where the riders visited the ghost bike of 23-year-old Robert Townsend, who was killed when a car turned left into the sandwich deliveryman.

An average of ten cyclists are killed in Seattle each year; ten have died so far this year. This most recent cluster of deaths has both cyclist safety advocates and city officials wondering what the next step is in reducing these bike accidents.

Have you suffered serious injuries in a Washington State bike accident? A Seattle bike accident lawyer at the Andrew Kim Law Firm may be able to help. Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation meeting.

Seattle Officials Question Bike Path Safety After Fatal Bike Accident| Seattle Bicycle Accident Attormey

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last week, popular Seattle coffeehouse manager Brain Fairbrother suffered fatal injuries in a bike accident in the Eastlake neighborhood of the city. The 50-year-old man, who had worked at Espresso Vivace for two decades, apparently crashed his bike after descending down a flight of stairs on his bike instead of turning onto a bike path.

While the Seattle Department of Transportation claims that they have never received complaints about the spot where the crash occurred - a point near Fairview Avenue North in which cyclists travel from a pedestrian bridge to a bike path that runs along the west side of the street - many bike safety advocates and local cycling groups say that the spot is poorly marked and dangerous. Some are going as far as claiming that the poor street design of the pedestrian bridge, road, and bike path caused the deadly crash.

Detectives at the Seattle Police Department are continuing an investigation of the Washington bike accident - both to ascertain what caused the crash and to collect more information regarding whether or not signage is needed to make the area safer for cyclists.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a Seattle bike accident? Even if a car was not involved in the crash, you should understand that some cyclist accidents are caused by poor road design and that you may deserve compensation for a possible Wrongful Death claim. Learn more from Seattle Bike Accident Attorney Andrew Kim. Call 425-289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676

Accidents on I-5 Shut Down Traffic | Everett Car Accident Lawyer

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Two accidents on Interstate 5 near Bellingham shut down traffic for four hours, reports King 5 News.

At approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning, a tanker flipped over after hitting another vehicle while traveling northbound near Lakeway Drive. The tanker was carrying liquid nitrogen, which created a vapor cloud that covered the freeway for approximately 20 minutes. With minor injuries, the tanker driver was taken to the hospital. Northbound lands stayed closed for four hours until 12:00 p.m., while the southbound lanes reopened about an hour after the accident.

The second accident, which occured in the southbound lanes at Sunset Drive, involved a semi-truck and shut down southbound lanes for about an hour. There were no reported injuries following the accident.

If you have been involved in an accident and sustained injuries, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our Everett personal injury law firm features a car accident attorney in Everett who is experienced with Everett car accidents and injury claims. For your free consultation, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Car Runs Off Road, Injures Child Passengers | Gig Harbor Car Accident Attorney

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reported of an accident near Bremerton that sent the five children passengers to hospital.

On Wednesday, a 31 year old man from Kitsap County was driving his four children and a neighborhood child, aged 3 to 12 years old, back from a church event. His car crashed into a tree after running off the road. Investigators believe speed and alcohol and possibly prescription drugs caused the crash.

The accident left two of the children seriously injured and were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.

If you're child has been injured in a car accident or any other kind of accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our Gig Harbor injury attorney will represent your child injury claim in Gig Harbor free of charge. To contact our Gig Harbor personal injury law firm for a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Kent Police Officer Injured in Accident | Kent Injury Attorney

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Kent police officer was injured in an early morning accident on Monday, reports King 5 News.

Just before 1:00 a.m. early Monday morning, a red SUV traveled ran a red light at the intersection of S. 212th Street and 84th Avenue S. The Kent police office drove through the same intersection, right into the red SUV. The patrol car's hood was crashed in and the driver side door of the SUV was crushed.

The collision is still under investigation. Both drivers were taken to Valley Medical Hospital as a precaution. The officer, a seven year veteran, was treated and released with no serious injuries. The condition of other driver is unknown.

If you or someone you know has sustained injuries in a car accident, or any other kind of accident, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm. As a Kent car accident law firm, our experienced car accident attorney in Kent will work with the insurance companies to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. For your free consultation, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 628-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Mercer Island Targeting Underage Drinking | Mercer Island Injury Attorney

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reports the city of Mercer Island is working on an ordinance to discourage underage drinking by putting Mom and Dad in trouble.

Under the ordinance, The City of Mercer Island is proposing a $250.00 to parents, even if the underage drinking is taking place at their residence and under their supervision. Property owners where underage drinking is caught taking place would also receive the $250.00 fine.

The desired outcome of this ordinance is to reduce underage drinking and increase the incentive for parents to keep a closer eye on their children's behaviors.

Derek Franklin of Mercer Island's Youth and Families Department says "We're all about saving kids' lives, that's why we're bringing it to council."

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents Mercer Island accident victims, children, teens and adults. If your child or teen has a Mercer Island accident claim involving minors, call our office for a free consultation at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Local Teacher Dies in Car Accident | Everett Wrongful Death Attorney

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Everett Harold reported that local teacher Suzy Armstrong died Sunday evening after being involved in a head on collision last Thursday.

Armstrong was a teacher with the Granite Falls School District. She helped with students with learning disabilities who needed individual attention and extra help in the classroom. Known for her enthusiasm, Armstrong was popular among her students and co-workers.

"She just had such a big heart..She wanted them all to be successful," Carol Panagos, Granite Falls School District special services director remarked of Armstrong.

Armstrong left Monte Cristo Elementary School in her Subaru on Thursday. Approximately 15 minutes later at the 14300 block of Jordan Road, she was involved in a head-on collision with a 21 year old driver of a 1991 green Ford Explorer. The man was not seriously injured. Armstrong was transported to Haborview Medical Center, where she passed away on Sunday evening.

The events of the crash are still being investigated. The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office are asking for any information or witnesses to the accident to be directed to their tip line at (425) 388-3845.

If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, or any other kind of accident, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our Everett wrongful death law firm that features a wrongful death attorney in Everett who will help loved ones through the Everett wrongful death claim. To contact our office for a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Snohomish Man Killed in Car Accident | Snohomish Wrongful Death Lawyer

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Rocky Ottow, 34, was killed in a car accident on Saturday while his father watched in his rear view mirror, reported King 5 News.

While traveling a Ford Explorer eastbound on Highway 2 with his 3 children, a Chevy Astro van traveling in the opposite direction lost a wheel. The driver of the van, Tim Beeman, said he was driving then all of a sudden his car started shaking.

"Five seconds later a wheel flies off..I see the wheel head straight up to the sky," Beeman described.

Rocky was able to swerve to avoid the lost wheel, but swerved into oncoming traffic and was hit by a 31 year old man driving a Yukon.

In the meantime, Rocky's father, Lawrence, was driving in front of him and saw the crash happen in his rear view mirror.

Rockey was killed. His 11 year old son was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center while is 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter were not injured.

The driver of the Yukon and his 2 children were not hurt.

If you have lost a loved on in a car accident or any other kind of accident, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our Snohomish wrongful death law firm features an accident attorney in Snohomish who is experienced in Snohomish car accidents and wrongful death claims in Snohomish. For a free consultation, call our office at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000, or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Seattle Group Wants Pit Bulls Banned From Public City Parks | Seattle Dog Bite Attorney

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

Just in the past summer in Washington State, a Kent man was mauled by two pit bulls while walking in his neighborhood and a Seattle man had his lip disfigured by an on-leash pit bull in a public park. Because of these and other incidents, a group called People and Dogs Against Fighting Breeds is asking Seattle officials to ban pit bulls from public parks.

The group is planning to hold a "Protect Pets in Parks" rally against pit bulls in Westlake Park. This rally will feature those who have been injured in pit bull attacks, as well as other supporters of breed-specific laws.

The founder and leader of the group, Ellen Taft, believes that pit bulls and other fighting breeds are dangerous to both other dogs and humans. While she wishes that the entire breed could be eliminated, she has settled on pushing for more regulations regarding the dogs within city limits. In 2006, the group failed to get the breed outlawed altogether in Seattle.

Last week, the BullsEye Dog Rescue threw a pit bull parade in Issaquah, Washington that promoted the breed, encouraged adoptions, and spread awareness.

Have you been the victim of a pit bull dog attack in the Seattle area? Speak with a Washington State dog bite attorney today to learn your legal rights call 425-289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676 or visit us at Andrew Kim Law Firm

Car Hits Pedestrain Firefighter | Seattle Injury Lawyer

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday night in the Central District of Seattle, a firefighter was hit by a motor vehicle while he was directing a ambulance in reverse, the Seattle P.I. reported.

At about 6:40 p.m., the firefighter was assisting the ambulance at the intersection of 28th Avenue and East Yesler Way when a woman driving a Toyota Camry hit him. The 49 year-old firefighter fell to the ground after his head hit the windshield of the Camry. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he was released and is expected to make a full recovery.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian or have been involved in an accident involving injuries, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. As a Seattle injury attorney law firm, our experienced Seattle accident lawyer will help guide you through the claims process and will work with the insurance company to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. For a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Hit-and-Run Driver Injures Bicyclist | Lakewood Accident Attorney

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST

At approximately 7:00pm on Tuesday, a driver hit a bicyclist in the 3400 block of 112th Street in Lakewood and drove away, reports King 5 News.

The 44 year-old bicyclist was taken to Tacoma General Hospital to treat a fractured leg.

The police are still trying to locate the driver, who witnesses describe as driving a possible late 1990s, early 2000 red sedan. The vehicle may or may not have 4 doors and is suspected as having damage to the front end and/or windshield.

If you have any information regarding the suspect in this hit and run, contact the Lakewood Police Department at (253) 830-5000 or the Tacoma/Pierce County Crimestoppers at (253) 591-5959.

If you have been injured as a bicyclist or as a result of a car accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Our office a Tacoma personal injury law firm with offices in Bellevue and Tacoma that feature a Tacoma accident attorney who specialiizes in claims for a Lakewood car accident, Federal Way car accident and Tacoma car accident. For your free consultation, call us at (253) 682-2000, (425) 289-1990 or (800) 636-3676.

Woman Causes 3-Vehicle Accident | Kenmore Car Accident Lawyer

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Everett Herald reported a 34 year old woman from Kenmore allegedly caused a three-car accident in Mountlake Terrace on Saturday, and is currently under investigation for driving under the influence.

According to a witness, the woman who allegedly caused the collision was driving near the 21800 block of 60th Avenue W. when she pulled off to the side of the road before making an abrupt u-turn. In doing so, the vehicle behind her, who happened to be the woman's husband, was not able to stop in time to avoid hitting his wife. Her 33 year old husband hit her vechile, which pushed her Explorer into a third car.

The woman was transported to Swedish-Edmonds for head and abdominal injuries. A blood sample was also taken after she told police that she had been drinking wine before the accident.

Her 7 year old daughter was in the vehicle as well, but was not injured.

If you or someone you know was injured in a car accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. In a free consultation, our experienced Everett car accident lawyer will explain the Washington personal injury claim process and work to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. To reach our office, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Military Man Killed in Motorcycle Crash | Tacoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Komo News reports 28 year-old Brandon Butler, a sergeant in the Air Force, was killed on Friday after being involved in a motorcycle accident.

Butler, who was riding a high-perfomance sport bike that had a top speed of 165 miles per hour, was driving on Interstate 5 in Tacoma when he attempted to make a lane change and crashed into a concrete barrier followed by a traffic sign on the shoulder of the road.

This fatality marks the fourth member of the military that has died in Western Washington as a result of a high speed motorcycle accident.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a motorcycle accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. For motorcycle injuries, our experienced Tacoma accident lawyer will explain the Washington personal injury claim process and work with the insurance companies to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. Our office can be reached for a free consultation at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Loose Kayak On I-5 Causes Crashes Outside Of Seattle

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the minutes after midnight on Friday, several car accidents on Interstate 5 South outside of Seattle were caused by a kayak, which authorities believe flew off of a car or truck minutes before. Two women were transported to the hospital with injuries after a vehicle swerved to miss the boat and hit another car, scattering more debris.

Now the road is clear, but questions remain: where is the vehicle that didn’t properly secure its dangerous load – and did the driver realize that he or she had created a wreck, or were they unaware that they lost their cargo until later in their trip?

After a Seattle woman was left blind and disfigured following an unsecured load accident on I-405, Washington lawmakers make the consequences more serious for drivers who don’t properly tie down their loads, especially if their load causes serious accidents, injuries, or death. Instead of facing a small ticket and citation for a poorly secured load, the person responsible for the kayak accident on Interstate 5 will face up to a $5,000 fine, a year in prison, and a permanent mark on their record.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Washington State that was caused by an improperly secured load? Contact a Seattle Personal Injury Attorney today at1-800-636-3676

Bremerton Man Attacked by Dogs | Bremerton Dog Bite Attorney

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Komo News reported Bremerton man Leslie Harrison was injured when attacked by dogs in his front driveway earlier this week.

Harrison was in his bedroom dressing when two strange dogs he had never seen before caught his eye. They had gotten into his home when Harrison had left the front door open for some fresh air. Harrison immediately called 9-1-1 and waved his arms to make himself look big, which only aggravated the already aggressive dogs.

Harrison dressed and was going down his driveway to warn a neighbor when he was knocked down by three dogs. Before the Kitsap County animal control officers arrived at the scene, Harrison was viciously attacked by two pit bulls and a black Labrador. By the time he made it inside his home, Harrison had suffered nine puncture wounds from the attack and being knocked down.

Harrison treated at a local hospital while the three dogs were taken into custody by animal control officers.

Kitsap County's animal policy requires dogs involved in attacks to be quarantined for up to ten days- which the owner's can petition to serve the time inside the home. The county policy also carries a $40 per day, per dog cost for quarantine. For the three dogs involved in Harrison's attack to be quarantined the complete 10 days, it will cost the owner $1,200 to reclaim them.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our office specializes in Washington personal injury claims like a dog bite and will the insurance companies to reach a fair and satisfactory settlement. To reach our office, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Kent Police to Give Kent Elementary Schools a Change | Kent Injury Attorney

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kent elementary schools will be seeing some changes before their first day of school, reports King 5 News.

Kent police will be adding new flashing lights at crosswalks and intersections to alert drivers of school zones to three elementary schools in Kent- Kent, Scenic Hill and Meadow Ridge. After these improvements, 13 of the 28 elementary schools in Kent will have the flashing lights.

Currently, only 85% of elementary schools in the State of Washington have the flashing lights at their intersections and crosswalks. With hopes of installing these attention-grabbing signs to 100% of the state's elementary schools, The Washington Traffic Safety Commission is providing funds to schools all over the state.

If your child has been injured as a pedestrian or in any kind of accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Our office represents children at no cost in personal injury claims for children. In a free consultation, our experienced Kent accident lawyer will discuss the accident and the claims process with you. To reach our office call (253) 682-2000, (425) 289-1990 or (800) 636-3676.

Bellevue Girl Dies In Car Accident, But Her Cause Lives On

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A little girl's birthday wish has come true past the limits anyone thought was imaginable – but tragically, her dream was realized only after her death.

Last week in Bellevue, Washington, 9-year-old Rachel Beckwith was killed in a 13-car pileup on I-90. She, her mother, and her 2-year-old sister were approaching the 133rd Avenue Southeast exit when authorities believe a tractor-trailer was not able to stop for slowing traffic. The big rig jackknifed and a logging truck slammed in to the vehicle. Eleven other cars were unable to avoid the collision, and Beckwith suffered fatal spinal and head injuries.

Last month, for Rachel's ninth birthday, she set up a donation page in lieu of gifts. Her goal was to raise $300 for those who are regularly without clean water, but she only raised $220. After her car accident, her mother re-opened her donation page, and people from around the world began to give. In the last two weeks, her memory has raised almost one million dollars collected from tens of thousands of mourners. On I-90, a polka dot cross marks the spot of the crash.

What can Rachel's story teach us? At the most basic level, it is a tale about unselfish giving – and lesson taught by a wise little girl who was taken long before her time.

To donate to Rachel's cause, click here. or call Bellevue Car Accident Attorney at 425-289-1990 and we will help with your donation or answer anyquestions you may have.

5-Car Collision in Woodinville | Woodinville Car Accident Lawyer

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 59 year-old man from Woodinville was arrested after a Wednesday collision, reports The Everett Herald.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the man was driving eastbound on Highway 524 just west of Little Bear Creek Road when he reportedly crossed the center line, colliding with another vehicle. A total of 5 vehicles were involved in the collision after more cars struck the 2 vehicles.

A 35 year-old woman from Bothell was the only person who needed to go to the hospital following the accident after fracturing her arm.

The Woodinville man was arrested and is under investigation of vehicular assault. He is also suspected of driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm. We are a Washington personal injury law firm that can help with your need of a Woodinville accident lawyer, Everett car accident attorney or Bothell injury lawyer. For a free consultation, our office can be reached at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Southbound I-5 to Close Tonight | Seattle Car Accident Attorney

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Times reports that all lanes of southbound Interstate 5 will be closed Thursday-Friday from midnight to 5:00 a.m.

Crews will be testing the fire-supression system underneath the Washington State Convention Center, closing lanes of traffic from Stewart Street to James Street. At Stewart Street, traffic will be detoured and will re-enter I-5 just south of the convention center.

During the closure, the express lanes will run southbound.

If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Our experienced Seattle car accident lawyer will handle your Washington injury claim and any additional out of pocket expenses, wage loss or property damage claims. For a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Arrest Results after Pierce County Crash | Tacoma Car Accident Attorney

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The News Tribune reported that a crash just north of the SR 512 overpass on Canyon Road E. resulted in a man suffering injuries and another arrested last Friday evening.

According to witness reports, a man driving a Hummer in the left turn lane on Canyon Road was traveling approximately 60-70 miles per hour when he swipped another car on the driver's side. The impact caused to Hummer to spin out of control and hit another vehicle. The second vehicle the Hummer hit was being driven by a 55 year old man from Puyallup. He suffered contusions and a collapsed lung and was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment.

The crash occurred near 104th Street East, and the driver of the Hummer wasn't found until he reached 112th Street East. The driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular assault and felony hit and run. Pierce County sheriff's deputies also suspect the driver had been drinking.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a car accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. In a free consultation you will speak with an experienced Tacoma car accident lawyer who can help with your need for a Lakewood car accident lawyer or Federal Way car accident lawyer.

Marysville Man Killed By Train | Marysville Wrongful Death Lawyer

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Everett Herold reported today that an investigation is underway regarding a man who was killed by a train on Saturday night.

Near the 10800 block of Smokey Point Boulevard, a Marysville man who is believed to be 28 years old, was struck and killed by a 75-car Burlington Northern freight train. The police were called to the site a little after 10:00 p.m. Later in a press release, the Marysville Police Department stated that the man stepped into the path of the train. They are working with railroad officials to investigate the accident.

If you have questions regarding a Washington wrongful death claim or need the services of a Washington wrongful death attorney, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. You will speak with an experienced Marysville accident lawyer in a free consultation who will help answer any questions about the accident or the claims process for a Washington wrongful dealth. We can be reached at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Accident in Lakewood Kills Driver | Lakewood Wrongful Death Lawyer

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

The News Tribune reported today that an accident in Lakewood killed one and seriously injured two on Monday.

At approximately 3:15 a.m., a commercial truck smashed into the back of a minivan who reportedly was slowing to change lanes just north of SR 512 on northbound Interstate 5. The 24 year old driver of the truck told troopers that he did not have time to stop and avoid the minivan.

The rear of the minivan was so severely crushed in that West Pierce Fire & Rescue took 15 minutes to get the occupants out of the van.

The rear passenger in the minivan, Shenekwa E. Asberry, a 24 year old woman from Lacey was killed. The driver, 28, and front seat passenger, 26, were rushed to local St. Joseph Medical Center with serious injuries. The driver of the truck was also transported to St. Joseph Medical Center with complaints of neck pain.

If you have been involved in a Lakewood car accident, or have lost a loved one in a Lakewood wrongful death, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. In a free consultation, you will speak with an experienced Lakewood accident attorney about your Washington wrongful death claim or Lakewood car accident. Our office can be reached at (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

I-90 Bridge Closure for Seafair Weekend | Seattle Car Accident Attorney

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

Prepare for extra delays crossing Lake Washington this weekend, as King 5 News reports Interstate 90 will see closures Thursday through Sunday to allow for the practices and performances of the Blue Angels for this weekend's famous Seafair.

Practice times for the F/A-18 Hornets are Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and noon then again from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Interstate 90 will be closed from Mercer Island at Island Crest Way to the Interstate 5 interchange from 9:45 a.m. until noon then again from 1:15 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. The express lanes on Thursday will close at 9:00 a.m. and reopen to eastbound traffic at 3:30 p.m.

The Blue Angels will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. For the performances, Interstate 90 will close again at 12:45pm until 2:40 p.m. Friday though Sunday, the express lanes will close at 10:45 a.m. and will reopen to eastbound traffic at 3:30 pm.

These closures are for all vehicles traveling on Interstate 90. For bicyclists and pedestrians, the I-90 bridge will close approximately up to 30 minutes before the above listed times.

Metro bus routes have been rerouted to Highway 520 wil shuttle services between Mercer Island and South Bellevue park and ride lots during the above times. For more information on the Metro reroutes, go to their website.

While this upcoming weekend in meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience for the whole family, injuries may happen to you or a loved one in a Seafair boating accident, Seafair traffic accident or Seafair bicycle accident. Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss your accident and any injuries you have sustained. In the Bellevue area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma or the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Semi-Truck Crash in Bothell| Bothell Accident Lawyer

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reports that just past midnight on Tuesday, a semi-truck driver hit light poles and the guard rail in Bothell, causing three additional accidents.

The truck driver, a 30 year-old man from Idaho, was westbound on SR 522 and entering the southbound Interstate 405 on-ramp. After colliding with the light poles and guard rail, debris spilled down to traffic below the on-ramp, causing the subsequent accidents. Washington State Patrol troopers say 6 other vehicles were involved with only minor injuries reported.

The accident caused blocked lanes at the Interstate 405/SR 522 with backups lasting until 6:00 a.m. this morning. Stuck in the backup was a woman going into labor. Assistance was sent, but her condition is unknown.

The driver of the semi-truck is currently in King County Jail, as he was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

If you have been injured as a result of an accident with a semi-truck, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. In a free consultation, you will speak with an experienced Bothell accident attorney and will be able to discuss the claims process and your sustained injuries. Call our office at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Seattle City Council Passes New Dog Bite Ordinance | Seattle Dog Bite Attorney

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Seattle has approved a new dog bite ordinance that was supposed to clarify what a dangerous dog is and which dogs could be euthanized after an attack; however, many critics of the new dog bite law believe that the wording of the ordinance is too vague and could lead to putting dogs that aren’t dangerous to sleep after minor bite incidents.

The new Seattle dog bite ordinance states that any dog that causes severe injury to a human could legally be put to sleep or banished. A severe injury is defined as:

(1) One or more broken bones.
(2) One or more disfiguring lacerations, avulsions, cuts or puncture wounds, requiring medical attention including but not limited to one or more sutures, steri strips or staples.
(3) Permanent nerve damage.

Some are concerned about the wording of the second point, which seems to suggest that any wound requiring any kind of medical attention could lead to a dog being euthanized. Others, though, say that the new ordinance will successfully keep more dangerous dogs out of the streets and out of Seattle’s neighborhoods. The general consensus: most agree that the law should be in place, but many believe that the ambiguous wording may lead to problems down the road.

Have you been bitten or attacked by a dog in Seattle? Speak with a Seattle Dog Bite Attorney today about your case. Call 425-289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676.

Northbound I-5 to Reduce Open Lanes This Week | Bellingham Accident Attorney

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to King 5 News, construction is to begin on a 12 mile stretch of Interstate 5 between Burlington and Bellingham today at 7:00 p.m. until 10 a.m. on Friday.

Between Chuckanut Drive and Nulle Road (exit 230 to exit 242), Interstate 5 will be down to one lane, which is expected to cause major delays- up to an hour or more.

Drivers should be warned that the longest delays are expected to be between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

If you have questions about your car accident or any injuries sustained in a traffic accident, an experienced Washington injury attorney can help. The Andrew Kim Law Firm is a Washington personal injury firm than can handle claims all over the state of Washington, from a Bellevue accident attorney, Tacoma accident attorney, Everett injury lawyer and Lynnwood injury lawyer. For your free consultation, call our office at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Possible Road Rage Kills Kirkland Man | Kirkland Car Accident Lawyer

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Times reported a Kirkland man was killed Sunday afternoon in what is believed to be a case of road rage.

In Kirkland near Interstate 5, the driver of an SUV was reportedly chasing another vehicle southbound at the exit ramp of NE 85th Street when they careened off the exit and crossed the center line. After losing control, the SUV collided with a vehicle driven by Steve Lacey. Lacey, 43, was killed.

The driver of the SUV was arrested and is under investigation of vehicle homocide.

If you have questions about your wrongful death claim, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our office can handle the wrongful death claim of your loved one and answer any questions you may have for a Kirkland car accident attorney. For a free consultation, call our experienced wrongful death attorney at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Olympic Drive Overpass to be Replaced | Gig Harbor Car Accident Attorney

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the Olympic Drive overpass is to be replaced early next year after it was damaged beyond repair when a semi-truck hit its underside.

Construction is expected to begin in March 2012 after the repair contract will go to bid this September. The project is estimated to take 2 months to complete. During construction, the overpass will go down to one-lane of travel in each direction. To alleviate congestion with the reduced open lanes, the City of Gig Harbor reportedly will provide alternate routes and detours.

If you have been injured in a car accident, or have questions about your Gig Harbor car accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Our office is Washington personal injury fim that can handle your need for a Gig Harbor car accident attorney. For a free consultation, call (253) 682-2000, (425) 289-1990 or (800) 636-3676.

Man Dies in Motorcycle Accident | Everett Accident Lawyer

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Herald reported on Sunday that a 61 year-old man from Surrey, British Columbia died in a motorcycle accident about 3 miles west of Stevens Pass.

At approximately 2:50 p.m. on eastbound U.S. 2, a medical condition caused the man to cross the center line, cross westbound lanes of traffic and hit the concrete barrier on the westbound shoulder. The man was thrown off his motorcycle and down an estimated 150 foot embankmant. The motorcycle, still in drive and going the wrong direction on westbound U.S. 2, crashed head on into a Volkswagen Jetta. The passengers in the Jetta sustained injuries and were taken to Valley General Hospital.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, or any kind of Everett car accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. You will be able to talk with an experienced Everett motorcycle injury attorney who can discuss your injuries and Washington personal injury claim. For a free consultation, call our office at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

High Speed Crash Injures 3 | Sammamish Accident Attorney

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Komo News reported today that a speeding vehicle of three local teenagers lost control and wrapped around a tree after crashing through a fence. All three occupants were rushed to the hospital.

The accident happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. near the intersection of SE 25th Way and Beaver Lake Way SE in Sammamish. After they heard the loud crash, neighbors near the scene called 9-1-1. The jaws of life were needed to get two of the occupants out of the wreck.

All three occupants are expected to survive.

If you have been invloved in a car accident and have been injured as a result, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Our experienced Sammamish personal injury attorney will handle your insurance claim and work hard to get you a fair and reasonable settlement. For a free consultation, call our Sammamish accident attorney at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Bike Smart- Seattle Bicycle Program | Seattle Bicycle Attorney

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Department of Transportation has launched the BikeSmart Program in the City of Seattle. Striving to become the most bicycle-friendly city in the country, the program is designed to increase Seattle bicycling and reduce the number of bicycle related injuries/accidents by 2017.

To do so, the program has been working on several projects within city limits to improve city travel for bicyclists. These plans include work on Dexter Avenue N. in the Queen Anne area, 20th Avenue NW in Ballard and Woodlawn Avenue N. in Greenlake. To see their complete list, go to Seattle Department of Transportation's Plans and Projects page.

As a bicyclist and as a motorist driving on the same roads as bicyclists, it is important to know local regulations so you and those around you stay safe. Seattle's regulations regarding bicycling can be found on their website.

If you have been injured as a result of a Seattle bicycle accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. You will speak with an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney who can handle your injury claim and any associated property damage, out of pocket expenses or wage loss. For your free consultation, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Multi Vehicle Crash in Bellevue- Huge Back-up | Bellevue Car Accident Attorney

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reports that as of 10:00 a.m. this morning, 3 westbound lanes of Interstate 90 in Bellevue were blocked and a 6 mile backup clogged the road between 148th Avenue SE and I-405 due to a collision involving at least 13 cars, a semi-truck and a logging truck.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the chain reaction began at approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning when the semi-truck was unable to stop in time for traffic congestion. The logging truck fishtailed to avoid crashing into the semi-truck, causing the continued pile-up.

At least seven people have been taken to the hospital, including one in critical condition.

If you have been injured in a car accident, the Washington injury attorney at the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Specializing in Washington personal injuries, our office can help with your need for a Bellevue car accident lawyer, Everett accident lawyer or Seattle injury attorney. For a free consultation to discuss your injury claim, call (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Man Killed in Buckley Crash | Pierce County Wrongful Death Attorney

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reported today that a man was killed while driving northbound on SR 165.

At approximately 2:00 a.m., the driver was approaching a curve in the road when he hit a pole, ran off the road and into a tree, causing the vehicle to burst into flames.

When firefights got to the scene, they found the man trapped in his vehicle while it was engulfed in flames.

It is not known what caused the crash.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm handles Washington car accidents as well as Washington wrongful death claims. Our personal injury attorney in Washington is experienced to handle your need for a Pierce County wrongful death, wrongful death in Tacoma or Bellevue wrongful death claim. For your free consultation, call our office at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Police Stepping up Speeding Patrols | Washington Car Accident and Wrongful Death Attorney

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reports that Thurston, Pierce, King and Snohomish county officials' presence will see an increase over the next three weeks. Extra patrol will be out looking for speeders while participating in "Target Zero," a program aiming to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries as a result of car accidents to zero by 2030.

If caught speeding in Thurston County between July 15 and August 7, you will be given a photo of William Johnson. William died last October after speeding caused him to lose control of his vehicle in Olympia.

Police say 40% of Washington State fatal car accidents involve speeding.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of car accident or has a potential wrongful death case, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Our experienced Washington State car accident attorney can help with your needs. To contact Tacoma car accident lawyer, Seattle car accident lawyer or a Bellevue car accident lawyer call us at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or (800) 636-3676.

Bellevue Teens And Adults Participate In Distracted Driving Challenge | Bellevue Car Accident Attorney

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

Adults often say that teens are too often distracted when driving – whether by cell phone calls, smart phone texting, or rowdy passengers. At the same time, many teens believe that their parents and other adults are dangerous behind the wheel because they didn’t learn about the dangers of mobile devices when they learned to drive.

Last week at a parking lot at Bellevue Community College, ten adults and ten teens decided to set the record straight. In an unscientific competition organized by Allstate Insurance, drivers navigated a closed driving course while distracted by various factors. Drivers took to the course four times: once with no distractions, once while talking on the cell phone, once while texting on a cell phone, and once while distracted by talkative passengers. In some cases, children competed against their parents, who others participated with other relatives or grandparents.

The results? Everyone who participated hit at least one cone during the demonstration, and many were surprised at how dangerous it was to take your hands off the wheel and your mind off of the road while driving. Many reported that while cell phone use and distracting passengers were a hindrance, texting while driving was by far the most dangerous activity.

All in all, no matter what your age or your driving experience, driving distractions affect all drivers. And remember: talking on a handheld device or speaking on a cell phone to text message is illegal for drivers of all ages in Washington State.

For more information or to talk to Andrew Kim, the Bellevue Personal Injury Lawyer call 425-289-1990 or visit us at Andrew Kim Law Firm.

Washington State Life Jacket Safety | Seattle Boat Accident Attorney

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

When the sun is shining on a beautiful Seattle day, local lakes are filled with boats and various watercrafts. Before you leave dry land, familiarize yourself with Washington State Parks' life jacket safety and recommendations to make sure you and your passengers enjoy a fun and safe boating experience.

-If your boat is less than 16 feet long, a buoyant cushion is no longer considered a legal personal floatation device. It is now a legal requirement that on a boat this size, every passenger must have a Type I, II or III Personal Floatation Device. This includes use of canoes and kayaks.
-All life vests or jackets must be US Coast Guard approved. Go to the US Coast Guard's website for more information on their requirements.
-Be familiar with your life jacket- wear it, adjust it and test it while in the water to know what to expect in the event of an emergency.
-Keep your life jackets out and accessible while on the water. Do not store them in plastic or in hard to reach places, as they must be ready to put on quickly.
-Every passenger, even if they are not planning on swimming, must have a life jacket.

This information was provided as a service by the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Specializing in Washington personal injury claims, our office can handle your legal needs for a Tacoma car accident attorney, Bellevue motorcycle attorney or Seattle boating accident attorney. To speak with an experienced Washington personal injury attorney in a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding area, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma and the South Sound, or toll fee at (800) 636-3676.

Boating Safety Tips | Washington Boat Accident Attorney

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:00:00 EST

It's summer time! Which means fun in the sun while relaxing on your boat. Washington State has many lakes and waterways for recreational boat use: Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish and Lake Chelan to name a few. As a boat owner, you must be knowledgeable on boat safety. 2 boaters are killed every day all over the United States, with thousands more injured. Washington State Parks provides important safety tips you should know before hitting the water.

-ALWAYS wear a lifejacket. Not only is it a lifesaving flotation device, but it can also give you additional insulation to protect from hypothermia.
-Limit the weight you're carrying on your boat. If overloaded, your boat is less maneuverable and is more likely to capsize.
-If you do capsize, stay close to your boat. It will provide additional floatation support and you'll be spotted quicker and easier by potential rescuers.
-Don't dress for air temperature, but for water temperature. Keep an eye on wave and wind activity and always check the weather forecasts before leaving land.
-Bring extra clothing in the event of cooler temperatures, especially for children- they get colder faster than adults.
-Don't drink and boat. Not only will it affect both your judgment and reaction time, but it is a criminal offense in the State of Washington.
-Store your cell phone in a waterprooff zip lock bag.
-If you are 12 years of age or older, you will need a Mandatory Boater Safety Education card to operate a boat 15 horsepower or more.
-Walk around your boat and check for loose bolts or loose wires or any other potential trouble spots.
-Trade in your old flares for new ones often.
-For at least 4 minutes, allow your blowers to run after you fuel up your boat and before you start the engine.

This information was provided as a service by the Andrew Kim Law Firm. Located in Bellevue, Washington with meeting space in Tacoma, Washington, the Andrew Kim Law Firm features a Washington personal injury attorney, who handles cases involving Bellevue car accident injuries, Seattle boating accident injuries and Tacoma wrongful death. To speak with an attorney experienced in personal injury claims, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Driver Slams Into Washington State Patrol Car | Tacoma Car Accident Attorney

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Kiro News reported that a man lost control of his truck and crashed into a Washington State Patrol trooper's vehicle in Des Moines, Washington during rush hour on Monday.

The driver of the truck was driving on Interstate 5 when he was reportedly cut off by another vehicle. He swerved to avoid collision and ended up slamming into Trooper John Pierce's patrol car parked on the shoulder. Pierce was out of his vehicle checking on another vehicle also parked on the shoulder.

No one was injured and the driver of the truck was not cited.

If you have been injured in a car accident or any other kind of accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. A personal injury law firm with years of experience can help guide you through the claims process, handle any property damage claims and claims involving wage loss, and will work hard to get you a fair financial settlement. Our office is located in Bellevue, but we also have a meeting office in Tacoma. For your free consultation, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Seattle Is Tenth Most Dangerous City For Mail Carrier Dog Attacks

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A new report released by the United States Postal Service has found that Seattle, Washington ranks tenth in the country when it comes to mail carriers being attacked by dogs while delivering mail.

According to the study, 28 mail carriers were injured by dogs while walking their routes in 2010. The worst city in the country for postal worker dog bites was Houston, where 62 mail carriers were bitten by dogs while on the job.

Here are the complete rankings:

1.    Houston: 62 bites
2.    Columbus and San Diego: 45 each
3.    Los Angeles: 44
4.    Louisville: 40
5.    San Antonio and St. Louis: 39 each
6.    Cleveland and Phoenix: 38 each
7.    Minneapolis and Portland: 35 each
8.    Denver and Philadelphia: 31 each
9.    Sacramento: 30
10.    Seattle: 28

While some residents laugh it off as a stereotype, dog bite attacks are a serious problem for Seattle-area mail carriers – and dog bites cost the Post Office $1.2 million just last year. According to a press release distributed by the Post Office, one-third of all homeowner insurance claims involve a dog attack.

What can Seattle residents do to help prevent their postal worker from being injured by a pet? The US Postal Service recommends that you keep your dog inside and away from the mail carrier whether or not you believe your dog may bite. In addition, be sure to train and socialize your dog.

Possible $20 fee to add to Car Tabs in Seattle? | Bellevue Washington Auto Accident Attorney

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In order to avoid cutting Metro Transit funds in King County, it is possible to see $20 added to car tab fees, reports King 5 News.

Car owners in King County could have the $20 addition to their car tabs over the next 2 years. A $60 million deficit is plaguing Metro Transit and they may need to reduce bus services to make up the difference.

King County Executive Dow Constantine is bringing this matter to the King County Council on Monday, looking for approval of the hike. If 6 of the 9 council members agree, the increase will be approved. If not, the matter may go before the voting public.

Without the $20 increase, we could see cuts to Metro Transit as high as 17%. This would be similiar to eliminating all King County bus services during rush hour or over the weekends.

This information was provided as a service by Andrew Kim Law Firm. Andrew Kim Law Firm is based out of Bellevue Washington. Andre Kim Law Firm focuses on Washington personal injury cases such as: Bellevue car accidents, Seattle bus accidents, and Tacoma motorcycle accidents.

If you've been injured in an accident involving a city bus or any other auto accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. An attorney experienced in personal injury claims against city busses and various other auto accidents will be available to discuss your claim with in a free consultation. If you're in the Bellevue or surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. If Tacoma or the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

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

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

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.

Dog Bite sends 3-Year-Old Boy to Hospital | Washington Dog Bite Attorney

Sat, 25 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday, a 3-year-old-boy was attacked by the family dog near Copalis Beach, reports Komo News.

The boy was airlifted to Seattle with face and left eye injuries. Radio stations KBKW and KXRO reported that the boy allegedly touched the 4-year-old Australian shepherd while it was eating.

The dog will be euthanized after a 10-day quarantine for rabies precautions says Dave Pimentel, Grays Harbor sheriff's Deputy.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm. The Andrew Kim Law Firm is located in Bellevue, Washington and also has a meeting office in Tacoma, Washington. Our office specializes in personal injury cases, such as dog bites, car accidents and wrongful death cases.

For your free consultation, call us at (425) 289-1990, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Motorcycle Broadsides Truck in Auburn | Washington Auto Accident Attorney

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Working as a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer and at a Bellevue Personal Injury Law Firm, I am fully aware that motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being seriously injured in a accident with a car.

Motorcyclists are usually pinned with the fault of an accident, but in many cases it is actually the fault of a negligent car driver. Three factors play a role in serious injuries that result from motorcycle accidents: time of year, wearing a helmet, and distracted car drivers. Check out our motorcycle FAQ's or my educational blogs for more information about motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle drivers are at a higher risk for serious injuries, so it is extremely important for both car drivers and motorcycle riders be aware of their surroundings

Komo News reports a crash Tuesday night left a motorcyclist critically injured.

On the 4200 block of Auburn Way N., a woman driving a truck was pulling into a local Mexican restaurant when she was broadsided by a motorcyclist. The impact was strong enough to push the truck onto its side, causing both vehicles to burst into flames.

After bystanders pulled the motorcyclist out of the burning flames, he was rushed to the hospital- his injuries life threatening. The woman driving the truck was not injured.

This information was provided as a service by Andrew Kim Law Firm. Andrew Kim Law Firm is based out of Bellevue Washington. Andre Kim Law Firm focuses on Washington personal injury cases such as: Bellevue motorcycle accidents, Seattle car accidents, and Tacoma truck accidents.

If you've been injuried in a motorcycle, truck or car accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. In a free consultation, you will speak with an attorney experienced in injury claims who will answer your questions about your injuries, property damage and any out of pocket expenses. Call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma, or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Ride your Bicycle on the Sidewalk or the Street? | Seattle Bellevue Lawyer

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a brochure published by the Bellevue Police Department and City of Bellevue, they indicate what bicyclists should know about riding their bicycle on city streets.

Between riding one's bicycle on the street versus the sidewalk, it is usually safest for adults to ride their bicycles on the street. If your child is less than 10 years old, though, they are better off riding their bicycle on the sidewalks.

While riding your bike on the sidewalk, it is important to watch for drivers pulling out of or into driveways. Also stop and look for cars before crossing intersections- make sure the driver sees you before continuing through the intersection.

Whenever you enter a roadway, do it in a way a driver would expect- like at a street corner and not coming between parked cars.

As you approach a pedestrian, alert them that you are near by saying "excuse me" or "on your left" or have a bell to ring before you pass.

If you were in an accident while riding your bicycle and were injured as a result, call the bicycle accident lawyer at the directly Andrew Kim Law Firm. In a free consultation, you will speak with an attorney experienced with personal injury claims who can explain the process and help get you the most out of a settlement. In Bellevue and surrounding areas, call (425) 289-1990. In the Tacoma area call (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Washington State Trooper Injured in Motorcycle Crash | Seattle Bellevue Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

When the weather starts to get nicer in Seattle, we usually see an increase in motorcycle riders on the road. I am aware, sfter working as a Bellevue motorcycle accident lawyer and at a Seattle personal injury law firm, that motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of being seriously injured in a accident with a car.

King 5 News reported today that Washington State Patrol trooper Lance Ramsay of Snohomish was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Snohomish County on Tuesday.

Ramsay, 41, was thrown from his motorcycle when he ran into the back of a Kia minivan that was waiting behind another vehicle to make a left turn.

The trooper, who is still in intensive care, was transported by ambulance to a local Everett hospital with broken ribs and injuries to his back and face. He was later transported to Harborview Medical Center. The investigation as to the cause of the accident is still ongoing.

This information was provided as a service by Andrew Kim Law Firm. Andrew Kim Law Firm is based out of Bellevue Washington. Andre Kim Law Firm focuses on Washington personal injury cases such as: Bellevue car accidents, Seattle wrongful death, and Tacoma motorcycle accidents.

If you've suffered any injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. You can speak to an experienced attorney to discuss your accident and your injuries in a free consultation. In the Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma and the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Bellevue Bicycle Laws | Bellevue Bicycle Injury Attorney

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Bellevue Police Department and the City of Bellevue published a brochure outlining bicycle safety for children and adults. They outline specific laws every bicyclist should know before riding their bicycle in Bellevue city limits.

If you are riding your bicycle on the sidewalk, it must be done cafefully and at a reasonable speed thats appropriate for the current conditions.

Pedestrians have the right away, so a bicyclist must yield to them. If you are passing a pedestrian, you must give an audible signal to alert them before you pass.

A helmet is required at all times while operating a bicycle on city owned property (ie public roadway, bicycle path or sidewalk) regardless of the rider's age.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, the Bellevue bicycle attorney Andrew Kim at the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. When you call for your free consultation, you will speak with an attorney experienced with personal injury claims who will help you through this process. In the Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Do Motorcycle Helmets Interfere with the Vision and Hearing of Riders? | Bellevue Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study to address the long standing debate regarding helmet use for motorcycle riders. Some believe that a motorcyclist wearing a helmet is effective in reducing injuries, but that the helmet will cause the rider to be more likely to crash due to vision imparements and difficulty hearing.

In the study, 50 motorcyclists drove their own motorcycles on a 5.5 mile 4-lane divided highway. The motorcyclists varied in age and drove the test route 3 times: once wearing a full coverage helmet, once wearing a partial coverage helmet and once without a helmet.

To test the riders' vision, a car followed the rider and after an audible signal, the rider was to rotate their head to check for traffic before changing lanes. The volume of the signal would be changed periodically to test the riders' ability to hear.

The results for the vision test showed that to compensate for their lateral vision lost from wearing the helmet, the rider had to rotate their head more than when they were not wearing a helmet. There was no apparent inability to see traffic or increased time needed to check the adjacent lane.

The results for the hearing test also did not show any major imparements with helmet use.

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call the Bellevue motorcycle accident attorney at the Andrew Kim Law Firm. In Bellevue and surrounding areas, call (425) 289-1990. In the Tacoma/South Sound area, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

10 Bicycle Safety Tips | Seattle Washington Bicycle Injury Attorney

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Bellevue Police Department and the City of Bellevue published a brochure designed to bring awareness to the importance of bicycle safety. Here are their top 10 safety tips to reduce the chance of injuries to you and your loved ones:

1) Protect your head- wear a helmet!
Make sure yours and your child's helmets fit properly. Wearing a helmet reduces the chance of brain injuries by 85%!

2) See and be seen- wear proper clothing.
Wear light colored clothing and avoid clothing that is loose fitting, as it may interfere and get tangled in the bicycle's moving parts.

3) Go with the flow of traffic- stay on the right side of the road!
Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and lights, just as motorists do. Use hand signals and ride on the right side of the road to follow traffic, and not against it on the left side.

4) Keep your eyes on the road- be aware of traffic around you!
Always pause, look left then right, then left again before pulling out of a driveway or onto another street. If the road is busy, walk your bicycle across the crosswalk.

5) Ride defensively.
Be aware of potholes, road cracks, railroad tracks and loose gravel- ride with caution! Never assume drivers can see you or that they will stop at a stop sign or red light.

6) Avoid bicycling at night.
If you have to ride your bicycle at night, use front and rear lights, wear reflective clothing and reflective material on helmets, ankles, back and wrists. Try to travel on roads that are well lit.

7) Consider off-road paths and designated bike routes.
These routes are away from busy roads and give children a chance to learn bicycle handling skills.

8) Fit it right- check your bicycle!
Make sure all your bicycle's parts are secure so it will ride steadily.

9) Properly stop a bicycle
Use your rear brakes before your front brakes so as not to flip yourself over the handlebars. In adverse weather conditions, allow yourself more room to come to a complete stop.

10) Keep your wheels on the road
Monitor your bicycle's tire pressure levels and make sure they are property inflated. Also check the wheels whenever it is transported to make sure they are secured properly.

If you have been injured while riding your bicycle, an experienced Bellevue, Seattle bicycle accident attorney Andrew Kim at the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. For your free consultation, call (425) 289-1990 in the Bellevue and surrounding areas, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

What to Do if You've Been Involved in a Boating Accident | Washington Boating Attorney

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you're boating in the State of Washington, it is important to be familiar with what to do in the event of an accident. The Washington State Parks Department lists what to do and when the accident needs to be reported:

The local sheriff's office or police department needs to be notified of any boating accident when:
-the vessel is deemed a complete loss, or its damage exceeds $2,000.00
-medical assistance is needed for injuries that is beyond first aid
-loss of life
-the disappearance of a person where serious injury or death is indicated

If you suffered injuries in a boating accident, a boat accident attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. When you call our office, you will speak directly with a boat accident attorney. For a free consultation in the Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma or the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach us toll free at (800) 682-2000.

4 Common Bicycle/Car Crashes | Bellevue Accident Attorney

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to a brochure by the Bellevue Police Department and the City of Bellevue, here are the 4 most common bicycle/car crashes for young children along with what you can do to prevent them:

The Drive Ride-Out
This type of accident refers to when a child rides their bicycle out of the driveway and is hit by a car. Drive ride-outs account for approximately 8% of bicycle/car accidents. The average age of the bicyclist in these crashes is 10 years old.
-Make sure you don't have trees or bushes blocking the view of the street from your driveway. If you do, make sure to keep them trimmed to improve visibility.
-Teach your children to STOP before entering the street.

Running a Stop Sign
Running a stop sign or red light can refer to either the motorist or the bicyclist. The average age for these types of bicycle/car crashes is 11.
-As a driver or bicyclist, make sure you don't "roll" stop signs- your child may pick up on the bad habit.
-Teach your child to completely stop at ALL stop signs and red lights.
-Never assume vehicles will stop- watch and make sure you see the vehicle slowing before you cross in front of them.

The "No-Look" Left Turn
Crashes resulting from a bicyclist making a left turn without looking behind them for traffic accounts for 10% of crashes involving bicyclists and motorists.
-When you're traveling across a busy street, always walk.
-Be aware of traffic in front of and behind you at all times. If you get confused or worried, just walk your bicycle to the crosswalk and walk across the street.
-Yield to all traffic and always use signals.

The Sidewalk Crash
When a motorist is making a right turn out of a driveway, they usually look to the left to make sure no oncoming traffic is coming, then they make their right turn. Without looking to the right, they may miss a bicyclist or pedestrian, who may just assume the motorist has seen them and will continue across the driveway.
-Make eye contact with the driver or bicyclist to make sure you both know the other is there.
-Yield to driveway traffic

If you have been injured in a car, bicycle or as a pedestrian, an experienced bicycle accident attorney at the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. For your free consultation to discuss your accident and injuries, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Washington State Motorcycle Helmet Laws | Washington Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you ride a motorcycle in the State of Washington, it is important to know the state's laws regarding helmet use. As reported by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, here is what you need to know:

-All motorcycle drivers and any passengers, regardless of age, must wear a helmet at all times (no exemptions).
-The fine for the 1st offense is $42, with possible penalties in the amount of $10, $5 and $2.
-Unless the motocycle has a windshield, eye protection is required.
-If you are carrying any passengers, they must be 5 years old or older.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and sustained injuries, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for your free consultation. You will speak with an attorney experienced with personal injury claims and will help you through the claims process. If you are in the Bellevue or surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma call (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Symptons | Bellevue Washington Injury Attorney

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you lose consciousness and/or experience confusion and disorientation for less that 30 minutes, then you probably have suffered from mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). This occurs when the head is involved in a forceful motion or impact that results in a change of mental activity.

CAT and MRI scans usually show no sign of problems and the most common symptons are often overlooked. Don't let the word "mild" fool you; mild TBI and its effects can be devastating.

Those who suffer from mild TBI often seem normal after the initial injury and may show no signs of brain trauma for several days or weeks, which is why it is a usual missed diagnosis. Be familiar with the common symptoms in case you or a loved one might be at risk:

-Fatigue
-Headaches and dizziness/balance-loss
-Vision problems/hallucinations
-Difficulty with memory, attention and concentration
-Trouble sleeping
-Mood swings, irritability and emotional disturbances
-Seizures

If you think you or a loved one suffers from mild TBI or any other injuries as a result of an accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. Call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676 for a free consultation to speak with an experienced attorney who can help guide you though the claims process.

What Causes Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? | Bellevue Seattle Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

TBI, or traumatic brain injury, has many causes, but no cure. The United States Centers for Disease Control say that every year, about 5.3 mllion people in the U.S. live with long term disabilities stemming from TBI, around 1.5 million suffer from a traumatic brain injury, 85,000 experience life long disability and 50,000 people die.

Many different actions can elicit TBI, but there are 8 main causes:

Open Head Injury
-Penetration to the skull, ie a bullet wound, etc.
-Focal damage

Closed Head Injury
-No penetration to the skull, ie falls, car accidents, etc.
-Along with focal damage, diffuse damage to axons

Deceleration Injuries (Diffuse Axonal Injury)
-Imagine the skull is a rock and the brain is Jell-O; the brain soft and moves at a different rate than the skull.
-As the skull comes into contact with a stationary object, the brain will move, compressing and stretching and possibly tearing the axons of the neurons in the brain, causing brain injury.

Chemical/Toxic
-Exposure to harmful chemicals, such as insecticides, carbon monoxide, etc.

Hypoxia (Lack of Oxygen)
-When blood flow is slowed or stopped to the brain, permanent brain damage can occur
-Can be caused by heart attacks, drops in blood pressure or being in a low oxygen setting

Tumors
-A tumor can take over space, creating extra pressure on the brain.

Infections
-The surrounding membranes around the brain and the brain itself are very sensitive and prone to infections.
-If a virus or bacteria break through the blood-brain barrier, life-threatening diseases may occur.

Stroke
-Blocking blood flow or blood loss in or on the brain will result in brain dammage.

If you or someone you know suffered serious brain trauma or any kind of injury as a result of an accident, contact the Bellevue Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation. You will speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will answer any questions you may have and help you through the claims process. If you're in Bellevue or surround areas, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma or the sound Sound, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury? | Bellevue Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, can be different on a case by case basis. Since our brains control more in our body, like our personality and basic mental functions, TBI is much more different and serious than a broken bone or torn ligament.
A broken bone or torn ligament does not affect brain activity or the brain's ability to function. This is why TBI's results and outcomes are so unpredictable. Because no two brains are alike, the consequences are uncertain from injury to injury. A brain does not heal the way a broken limb does, leaving it uncertain what mechanisms imapct the injury's recovery.

If you or a loved one have suffered from TBI or any kind of personal injury, contact the Bellevue Washington Personal Injury Attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm. A Bellevue personal injury attorney will go over your injuries and the details of your case in a free consultation. In the Bellevue or surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma or the south Sound, call (253) 682-2000 Or call our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Bike Safety Fair This Weekend | Bellevue Bicycle Accident Attorney

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The 6th annual bike safety fairs will be held this weekend in Issaquah and Bellevue, held by the Optimist Club of Issaquah & the Eastside.

Focusing on the importance of bicycle safety, free events will be taking place from 12:00pm-3:00pm for fun experiences the whole family can enjoy:

Obstacle courses
Children can bring their own bicyles and participate in an obstacle cource, get free bike tune-ups, register their bike. There will also be face painting and resources for adults regarding education, recreation, safety and health.

Helmets
While supplies last, there will be free bicycle helmets for children who do not have one or whose families can't afford one. The Bellevue and Issaquah Police Department will be present to help with proper helmet fittings.

Pedbee
Bellevue's pedestrian mascot Pedbee will be at the Bellevue location to teach children about bicycle safety, having the correct equipment, road rules and how to handle their bicycle correctly.

Food Drive
Thsose who attend are asked to bring donations of non-perishable foods for younger children (ie canned fruit, juice, peanut butter).

Saturday, June 11
Issaquah Valley Elementary School

Sunday, June 12
Newport Heights Elementary School

If you or your child have suffered any injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation. You will speak with an attorney experienced in bicycle accidents and will be able to ask any questions you may have. If you are in the Bellevue or surrounding areas, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma or the south Sound, call (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settles for $1.5 million | Washington Wrongful Death Attorney

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Earlier this week, a settlement was announced regarding the wrongful death lawsuit resulting from a February 4, 2009 bicyclist/van accident, reports Komo News.

Just over a year ago, 39 year old Kevin Black of the Ballard neighborhood was riding his bicycle southbound on 24th Avenue NW, commuting to the University of Washington for his job as a research scientist. Owned by Ambient Control Company, a van made a u-turn into Black's path near NW 64th Street, causing Black to crash into the van. He was rolled over by the tires and killed.

In September 2009, a lawsuit was filed against the van's driver. The lawsuit settled 8 months later, awarding $1.5 million to Black's estate.

If a loved one has been killed in a wrongful death accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. A compassionate and experienced attorney can help you through this emotional process. For a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma and the south Sound or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Texting and Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving | Washington Injury Attorney

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

In a recent article from CNBC, a study shows that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving above the legal blood alcohol content levels.

Car and Driver Magazine conducted a study to test the driver's response time to brake by installing a red light in a vehicle, alerting the driver when to come to a stop. Driving 70 miles per hour on a deserted air strip, the driver was tested four times:
-sober
-0.08 BAC
-reading an e-mail on a cell phone
-sending a text message

The results documented just how much worse cell phone use impacts one's response time than being intoxicated.
-sober: .54 seconds to break
-0.08 BAC: add 4 feet
-reading an e-mail: add 36 feet
-sending a text: add 70 feet.

It takes on average 4 times longer to brake while texting than when the driver is unimpared.

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.

Bus Crash Near Cle Elum Kills 2, Injures 21 | Washington Car Accident Attorney

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Saturday, Jeffrey R. Irmer, 24, of Spokane was standing by his disabled pick-up truck along Interstate 90 when a tour bus transporting soccer fans after a match in Seattle crashed into his truck, reports King 5 News.

Shortly after 6:00 p.m. the bus attempted to change out of the right lane to avoid Irmer's vehicle, but struck another vehicle in the left lane. Both the bus and other vehicle rolled, causing the bus to crash into Irmer's truck and the other vehicle to crash into the median.

Ciro R. Astudillo, 51, and Virginia Ocamposoriano, 45, both of Pasco and passengers on the tour bus, were killed. Irmer was transported to Harborview Medical Center with a broken leg and is in satisfactory condition. 21 other people were injured and were transported to Kittitas Valley Community Hospital and a triage center, both in Ellensburg.

If you have been injured as a result of any kind of car, bus or truck accident, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. An experienced attorney will discuss your accident and injuries and answer any of your questions in a free consultation. In Bellevue and surrounding areas, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma, (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Holiday Traffic Adds 90 minutes to Interstate 90 Commute | Washington Injury Attorney

Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

King 5 News reports holiday commuters on the roads Monday afternoon had a tough commute westbound on Interstate 90. Starting east of Easton, a 20-mile back up extended just west of Thorpe.

Adding to typical holiday traffic, one of the commuters in traffic was reported as having breathing problems. Parametics reporting to the scene only added to the traffic.

If were involved in a car accident and have questions about pursuing a claim, contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation. For the greater eastside, call (425) 289-1990, in the south Sound (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Distracting Driving Leads to Fatal Crashes | Bellevue Car Accident Attorney

Fri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

An article taken from Distraction.gov lists statistics and facts about the dangers and rising fatalities linked to distracted driving.

They list three different types of distractions:
-Visual
-Manual
-Cognitive

Within these three types of distractions:
-Cell phone, PDA, MP3 or GPS use
-Eating, drinking or grooming
-Conversing with other passengers
-Reading a map
-Changing the radio station or car stereo use

Any of the above distractions were involved in reports of 20% of injury crashes in 2009. 5,474 people were killed in the U.S. and approximately 448,000 were injured in car crashes involving distracted driving. The ratio of distracted driving and fatalities increased from 10% in 2005 to 16% in 2009. Of the 1,517,000 injury crashes, approximately 20% were caused by distracted driving.

Cell phone use is probably the most common and recognizable form of distracted driving. It can be the most dangerous, as it involved all three of the above types of distrations (visual, manual and cognitive). Whether it is a hand-held or hands-free device, cell phne use delays the driver's reaction time comperable to having a blood alcohol concentration of .08%. 18% of distracted driving fatalities reportedly involved cell phone use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration conducted a survey in 2009 which showed that hand-held devices were in use by 672,000, or 9% of drivers at any given moment between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

If you have been injured in a car accident, The Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. For a free consultation with an experienced attorney, call (425) 289-1990 in the Bellevue area, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Remains of a Texting-While-Driving Accident on Display | Bellevue Accident Attorney

Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by the Maple Leaf Life, the remains of Heather Lerch's vehicle was on display Monday and Tuesday at Northgate Mall to show what can happen as a result of texting and driving.

Just over a year ago, former Centralia College student Lerch was texting while driving when she crashed into a guardrail and was instantly killed. She was just 3 miles from her home.

Lerch's parents created the website Heather's Story as a result of her tragic accident. The campaign was designed to discourage texting and driving. They released her vehicle remains as a display to show the dangers of texting while driving.

Andrew Kim and everybody here at the Andrew Kim Law Firm are big advocates for No Texting While Driving! If you or someone you know was injured as a result of a car accident, Andrew Kim Law Firm call help. An experienced attorney will speak with you in a free consultation to discuss your accident and any questions you may have. In the Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma (253) 682-2000 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Crash Near Duvall Leaves Man Critically Injured | Washington Car Accident Attorney

Wed, 25 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

In Duvall, Washington just before 11:00 p.m., a man lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a power pole, as reported by KOMO News.

He was driving on NE Woodinville-Duvall Road at the 24000 block when he lost control of his vehicle. It took 15 minutes for fire crews to rescue the man from the wreckage before he could be rushed to Harborview Medical Center. As a result of his life-threatening injuries, he is listed as being in critical condition.

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. For a free consultation with an experienced attorney, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Signs of Brain Injury | Bellevue Injury Attorney

Tue, 24 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Brain Injury Association, seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following after severe head trauma:

-Numbness
-Excessive drowsiness
-Severe headache
-Weakness in your arms or legs
-Dizziness or loss of vision
-Slurred speech
-Loss of consciousness or confusion
-Vomiting or nausea

For more information, contact local Brain Injury Association.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents victims of brain injuries resulting from car, motorcycle, bicycle and truck accidents. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced Bellevue personal injury attorney, call us and 425-289-1990 or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Did you know we represent kids for free? | Bellevue Seattle Injury Attorney

Thu, 19 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Most attorneys charge between 33% and 40% of the
total recovery when a child's car accident is settled before a lawsuit is filed.

Andrew is a father of two young children and feels that kids are special and if a child's car accident case is settled without filing a lawsuit, then that child should not be charged an attorney's fee.

Andrew is the first personal injury attorney in the State of Washington to offer a program that his friend and fellow Northen Virginia injury attorney Ben Glass developed.

Here are the program specifics:

1. Children who are 12 and under at the time of the car accident are eligible.

2. The accident must have occured in Washington State

3. No attorney fee will be charged if the case can be settled before a lawsuit is filed

4. Other costs, such as the cost of obtaing medical records, getting reports from doctors, etc. will be charged (as they would be in every case)

For more information or to contact Andrew privately
please visit us at Andrew Kim Law Firm or call toll free (800) 636-3676, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding area or (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma and surrounding areas.

Woman Escapes Injury After Car Crashes Down Elevator Shaft | Washington Injury Attorney

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by the Seattle Times, a woman in her 60s required the Seattle Fire Department's rescue after crashing down 10 feet to the bottom of an elevator shaft. The woman was exiting a handicapped spot on the 3rd floor of the parking garage at the Virginia Mason Medical Center on 9th Avenue and Seneca Street when instead of reversing she moved forward. When she moved forward, her vehicle crashed through a wall.

The elevator shaft did not have an elevator in use. It was an empty shaft built in to accommodate for future growth of the parking garage.

The woman was surprisingly not injuried.

If you have suffered any personal injuries as a result of a motor vehicle accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation. For an appointment in the Tacoma area, call (253) 682-2000. In Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990, or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Washington Motorcycle Accident Rates Rise With Gas Prices

Mon, 16 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that the rate of motorcycle accidents rise right along with rising gas prices? According to the Washington State Patrol, motorcycle accidents and motorcycle fatalities skyrocketed in 2008, the same year that gas prices rose over four dollars a gallon across the state. Now, as gas prices rise again this spring, police are concerned that motorcycle accidents will go up again.

Why are motorcycle accidents and gas prices correlated? Many believe that high gas prices encourage those with motorcycles to choose riding their bikes over using their larger, gas-guzzling cars or pickup trucks. In addition, many people concerned with higher commuting costs may go buy a new bike and hit the road on a motorcycle without having much experience or knowledge. The result is that there are more motorcycles on the road and more inexperienced motorcycle riders on the road.

Just this week, police and EMT responded to a deadly motorcycle crash on I-90 in Seattle, where a couple on a motorcycle crashed while negotiating an off-ramp. The driver of the motorcycle was killed, while the passenger was critically injured.

What can we do to prevent motorcycle accidents in Washington State, even when gas prices are high? Those who ride motorcycles should be sure to follow all traffic laws and take a training course if they haven’t already. Those who drive cars and trucks should be aware that more bikes will be on the road in coming months.

New Law in Washington State for Student Athletic Injuries | Washington Student Athlete Injury Attorney

Sat, 14 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Washington is the first state in the United States to pass a law prohibiting students atheletes who appear to have symptoms of a concussion from returning to the game until cleared by a licensed health care provider. This same law requires both the parents and the injured athlete be given information regarding concussions and brain injuries.

If your student athlete suffered any injuries as a result of a school sporting event, call The Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation to discuss the accident and injury. In the Tacoma area (253) 682-2000, Bellevue and surrounding area (425) 289-1990 or toll free (800) 636-3676.

Toyota to Recall models after airbag defects discovered | Bellevue Car Accident Attorney

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Toyota is voluntarily recalling approximately 214,000 RAV4 and 94,000 Highlander models from 2007 and 2008 for possible airbag malfunctions.

The recall, which affects only those models sold in the United States, comes from a flaw in the sensory system that detects the vehicles' roll angle. This system is designed to protect passengers in the event of a roll-over crash. In the event that one of the two sensors malfunctions, the airbag warning light will activate and the roll-detection sensory system will stop working. The worrisome scenerio comes with the possibility of both sensors malfunctioning, which may cause the airbags to inadvertently deploy.

Toyota has advised that no other Lexus or Toyota models have been affected. Since vehicles in other markets do not have the sensory system causing this recall, only those models sold in the United States are being recalled. For more information, visit the Toyota website.

If you have been injured in a roll over crash or any other kind of car crash, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you. The Andrew Kim Law Firm offers free consultations to discuss your accidents and your injuries and will help you with the insurance companies. For an appointment in the Tacoma area, call (253) 682-2000; in Bellevue and surrounding areas, call (425) 289-1990 or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

City Officials Ask Landlords To Secure Roofs After Fatal Fall Accident

Fri, 13 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

After a Seattle man fell to his death from a rooftop in Boston last month, city officials are asking landlords in the area to make sure to secure roof access to prevent future accidents as well as liability.

In mid-April, Emerson film student and Ballard High School graduate 21-year-old Justin Amorratanasuchad died in a fall accident while filming a project for school on a roof five stories up. While witnesses to the accident say that the young man slipped and fell while walking backwards near the edge of the roof, authorities are beginning to wonder whether the landlord of the building should have been responsible for keeping residents from accessing the roof.

Residents of the building have said that while the roof access door was sometimes locked, it had been tampered with several times before the accident. Since the fall, the building’s property managers have installed metal plates and dead bolts on the door. The Inspectional Services Department has reported that the landlord of the building may have been cited for broken locks in the past. The investigation will continue.

It is important to understand that even in accidental slip and fall incidents, a building owner, property owner, or landlord could have been negligent in securing their property or keeping residents safe while on their property. For example, in the above case, the landlord may be responsible for damages if he knew about the dangerous condition of the broken lock but failed to fix it. Have more questions about who is responsible for fall accidents and injuries? Contact a Seattle slip and fall attorney today.

Driving Smart: Teen Drivers | Washington Car Accident Attorney

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

As a parent, you have reason to worry when your teen driver gets behind the wheel. Taken from an article by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), drivers between the ages of 15-20 are the most likely age group to get in a car accident.

Don't just rely on driver's education when it comes to your teen learning how to drive. Drive with them and coach them about how to drive safe and other roadway hazards. Remind them to:

-Not drink any alcohol before driving
-Use their seat belts
-Follow the speed limit
-No phone use (calls or texting) while behind the wheel
-How to recognize potential road dangers

Additional passengers and night/weekend driving increase the chance of fatal car accidents; limit your teen's number of passengers and nighttime/weekend driving to reduce their danger. This goes for when your teen is a passenger in another teen's vehicle as well- you may want to limit how often your teen rides with another inexperienced teen driver.

Start your teen by having them drive in less potentially hazardous situations. In most states, your teen will be issued a graduated driver license (GDL). The idea behind this license is to "phase" your teen into driving by not allowing them to drive past certain hours or with any other teen passengers in the vehicle. As they gain driving experience, they will "graduate" to the later phases of driving privileges.

It is important as a parent to know the laws in your state regarding the GDL and to make sure your new driver is obeying them.

If your teen is involved in a car accident and sustained injuries, you need an experienced attorney who is familiar with Washington state's license laws and injury claims. Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation at (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue/Seattle/Everett or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Fatal Car Crash in Arlington Shuts Down Interstate 5 | Washington Car Accident Injury Attorney

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Just after 3:30 a.m. this morning, a Honda Accord driven by an 87-year-old-man reportedly from Camano Island was rear-ended by a semi-truck. As reported by the Seattle Times, the Honda Accord was either stopped or driving extremely slow with a female passenger in her 70s in the right lane. The semi-truck was unable to brake in time to avoid the vehicle and pushed the vehicle in to the center median, causing extensive front and back end damage.

The female passenger was killed in the crash. The 87-year-old-driver was last reported in critical condition after being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. The semi-truck driver was unharmed.

If you've been injured in a car accident in the state of Washington, the Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. You can discuss your accident and injuries with an attorney experienced in car accident injuries and dealing with insurance companies. For a free consultation please call us at (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Attorneys Referring Cases in Washington State | Washington Personal Injury Attorney

Tue, 10 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Are you a lawyer with a case that you wish to associate with or refer to Andrew Kim Law Firm? We regularly receive referrals and requests to associate on cases from attorneys who are located in and outside the state of Washington. To learn more about the many different ways that you can work with Andrew Kim and the staff at Andrew Kim Law Firm, call (800) 636-3676.

How to Spot a Drunk Driver | Bellevue Injury Attorney

Tue, 10 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

When we get behind the wheel, we can be certain that we are sober and safe to drive. But there is no way to know if the other drivers we are sharing the road with have the same certainty. It is important to be alert of other drivers' behavior to protect you and your passengers from being hit by a drunk driver. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have a list of some things to look for to avoid other drivers who appear to be intoxicated:

-Quick changes of speed (acceleration or deceleration)
-Failure to maintain proper following distance
-Weaving across the roadway, almost hitting curbs or other cars
-Irregular braking patters
-Drifting between the center line and side lane
-Incorrect signaling
-Sudden stops or delayed starts
-Straddling lanes
-Swerving
-Driving significantly below the speed limit
-Irregular turning (too quickly or illegally)

If you have been injured by a drunk driver, The Andrew Kim Law Firm can help. To speak with an experienced injury attorney and discuss the accident and your injuries in a free consultation, call (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding area, (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Maple Leaf crash leaves 2 injured in Maple Valley| Washington Car Accident Attorney

Mon, 09 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Seattle Times, an early Wednesday car accident shut down Highway 169 and S. 288th Street in Maple Valley for 2 hours.

The driver of a motor vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 169 crossed the center line after losing control and struck, head-on, a vehicle traveling the opposite direction. A third vehicle was involved as it collided with the struck vehicle. Both driver of the vehicle that crossed the center line and the driver of the vehicle it hit were taken to the hospital.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents those who were injured as a result of a car accident. For a chance to discuss your case and your injuries with an experienced attorney as a free consultation, call (253) 682-2000 in the Tacoma area, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at (800) 363-3676.

The Pregnant Woman's Guid to Buckling Up | Washington Car Accident Attorney

Sat, 07 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

If you're pregnant and have questions about seat belt use, follow these tips from the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration:

"I'm pregnant. Should I wear a seat belt?"
YES! Doctors recommend it. In a crash, a seatbelt is the best protection for both you and your unborn child.

"Should I adjust my seat?"
YES! You should move the front seat back as far as possible. If you're driving, make sure that you can still comfortably reach the pedals. But always keep at least 10 inches between the center of your chest and the steering wheel cover or dashboard. As your abdomen grows during pregnancy, adjust your seat to maintain this 10 inch minimum.

"What if my car or truck has air bags?"
YOU STILL NEED TO BUCKLE UP! Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. Without a seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag, which could injure or even kill you and your unborn child. Also, if you're not buckled up, you could collide with other passengers or be ejected from the vehicle.

"Should I turn the air bag off if my vehicle has an OF/OFF air bag diabling switch?"
NO. Doctors recommend that pregnant women wear seat belts and leave air bags turned on. Seat belts and air bags work together to provide the best protection for you and your unborn child.

"What's the right way to wear my seat belt?"
The shoulder belt should lay across your chest (between your breasts) and away from your neck.

If you have any questions about injuries resulting from a car accident, get a free consultation at The Andrew Kim Law Firm. Call (253) 682-2000 in the Tacoma area, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Seat Belt Safety- What You Need to Know About Seat Belts | Washington Car Accident Attorney

Fri, 06 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

For your safety and for the safety of all vehicle passengers, it is important to be well informed about proper seat belt use. Follow these tips provided by the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration to ensure you and all vehicle passengers are protected:

1. Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.
In 2008, seat belts saved more than 13,000 lives nationwide. From 2004-2008, seat belts saved over 75,000 lives- enough to fill a large sports arena. During a crash, being buckled up helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, whereas being completely thrown out of a vehicle is almost always deadly. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers.

2. Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.
In fact, if you don't wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag; a movement of such force could injure or even kill you. See www.safercar.gov for more on air bag safety.

3. How to buckle up safely.
Place the shoulder belt against your rib cage and across the middle of your chest, away from your neck. Adjust the lap belt against your hips and across your hips below your stomach. NEVER but the shoulder belt behind your back or under and arm.

4. Fit matters.
-Before you buy a new car, check to see that its seat belts are a good fit for you.
-Ask your dealer about seat belt adjusters, which can help you get the best fit.
-If you need a roomier belt, contact your vehicle manufacturer to obtain seat belt extenders.
-If you drive an older or classic car with lap belts only, check with your vehicle manufacturer about how to retrofit your car with today's safer lap/shoulder belts.

5. Occupant protection is for everyone.
Visit the National Highway & Traffic Safety Administration web site and click on 4 Steps for Kids to find out how to secure your littlest passengers.

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

Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet | Bellevue Washington Bicycle Injury Attorney

Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

To select and properly fit for a bicycle helmet, follow these helmet fitting instructions provided by The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration:

Step One: SIZE
Try the helmet on to ensure it fits snuggly. While it is sitting flat on top of your head, make sure the helmet doesn't rock side to side. Sizing pads come with new helmets; use these pads to securely fit to your head. Mix or match the sizing pads for the greatest comfort. If the helmet has a universal fit ring instead of sizing pads, adjust the ring size to fit the head.

Step Two: POSITION
The helmet should sit level on your head and low on your forehead - one or two finger-widths above your eyebrow.

Step Three: BUCKLES
Center the left buckle under the chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. This task is easier if you take the helmet off to make these adjustments.

Step Four: SIDE STRAPS
Adjust the slider on both straps to form a "V" shape under, and slightly in front of, the ears. Lock the slider if possible.

Step Five: CHIN STRAP
Buckle your chin strap. Tighten the strap until it is snug, so that no more than one or two fingers fit under the strap.

Step Six: FINAL FITTING
a) Open your mouth wide. The helmet should pull down on the head. If not, retighten the chin strap and test again.
b) Does your helmet rock back more than two fingers above the eyebrows? If so, unbuckle, shorten the front strap by moving the slider forward. Buckle, retighten the chin strap and test again.
c) Does your helmet rock forward into your eyes? If so, unbuckle, tighten the back strap by moving the slider back toward the ear. Buckle, retighten the chin strap and test again.
d) Roll the rubber band down to the buckle. All four straps must go through the rubber band and be close to the buckle to prevent the buckle from slipping.

Some other tips to ensure proper use of you helmet:

- Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash or is damaged.
- Buy a helmet that fits your head now, not a helmet to "grow into."
- Select a helmet brand and size that fits well prior to any adjustments. If it feels small, put in the thinner sizing pads or purchase a larger helmet. If you buy a helmet that you find comfortable and attractive, you are more likely to wear it.
- The helmet must cover your forehead.
- The chin strap must be tight and properly adjusted.
- The helmet should not rock forward or backward on your head.

Many States and local jurisdictions have bicycle helmet laws; please refer to your State or local jurisdiction. To find this information, go to http://www.helmets.org/mandator.htm.

A bicycle crash can happen at any time. A properly fitted helmet reduces the risk of head injury by as much as 85% and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%. More children age 5-14 go to hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with bicycles more than any other sport. Many of the injuries involve the head. Everyone- adult and children- should wear bicycle helmets each time they ride. Helmets are the single most effective way to prevent head injuries resulting from bicycle crashes. Wearing a helmet each time you ride a bicycle can encourage the same smart behaviors in others.

If you've been injured in a bicycle crash or accident due to the negligence of another or due to a defective part on the bicycle, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue or Seattle and King County and (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or Pierce County and we can let you know whether you have a possible claim for injuries or damage to your bike.

Children Die Each Year from Heatstroke, After Being Left Alone in Vehicle | Bellevue Children Injury Attorney

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

With summer quickly approaching, it is important to pay close attention when you or a caregiver who helps with you children break a well-established routine. Children die each year from heatstroke after being forgotten in the back seat of a car. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following tips may help you and your family prevent these disasters:

-Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.
-Do not let your children play in a vehicle. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
-Never leave your children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open. The inside temperature of a vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
-Make a habit of looking in the vehicle, front and back seat, before walking away. Some children die in hot cars after climbing into an unlocked vehicle without an adults' knowledge. Always lock vehicle doors and keep keys out of children's reach. If a child is missing, check the vehicle, including the trunk, first.
-Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare. If the person who is dropping off your child is not the primary person to do so, have them call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
-Write yourself a note and put it somewhere you will see before you leave the vehicle.
-Place something you need (ie your purse, briefcase, etc.) in the back seat so you will have to check the back seat before you leave the vehicle
-If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police immediately. If they are in distress, get them out at quickly as possible and cool the child rapidly.

The following information is important to realize why leaving a child in a hot vehicle is so dangerous:

-Vehicles heat up quickly, even when the windows are rolled down. The temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in just a matter of minutes.
-Children's bodies overheat easily. Infants and children under the age of 4 years old are among those at greatest risk.
-Children's bodies absorb more heat on a hot day than an adult. Children are less able to lower their body temperature by sweating. Similarly, they're body temperature increases 3-5% as fast as an adult.

Warning signs and symptoms of heatstroke may vary. Some things to look for:

-Red, hot and moist or dry skin
-No sweating
-A strong, rapid pulse, or a slow, weak pulse
-Throbbing headache
-Dizziness
-Nausea
-Confusion
-Grouchy behavior or acting strangely.

The office of Andrew Kim Law Firm represents children seriously injured in any motor vehicle accidents. If you would like to talk to a personal injury attorney to see whether you have a case, please call us at (253) 682-2000 in the Tacoma area, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free (800) 636-3676.

Small Talk Can Kill Your Washington Personal Injury Claim | Washington Personal Injury Attorney

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

After a serious accident, you feel injured and victimized, and a sympathetic ear may be just what you need to feel better about what's happened to you. That's exactly the attitude that insurance company claims adjustors prey upon and that's how hundreds of Washington personal injury victims lose their injury claims each year.

A friendly, sympathetic voice on the other end of that telephone is an enemy in disguse when it comes to gathering information about your accident. Even though you know that you weren't to blame for the injuries you sustained because of the negligence of another, the insurance claims adjustor doesn't want to report that you're an innocent victim. If they did, that means they'd have to pay for your damages!

Instead, they'll establish a friendly relationship with you, luring you into a false sense of security that they want to help pay for your medical bills, lost income wages and pain and suffering. Don't forget that they're employed by the insurance company to help report your claim so that the company has to pay as little as possible to its customers.

Be wary of overly chatty adjustors, as they're trying to get you to open up and stop thinking about what you're telling them. The more friendly the discussion, the better they can lead it and get you to potentially say something that can harm the severity or validity of your claim. Phone calls with the adjustor are recorded, so anything you say has the potential to harm you- this includes online correspondence, as well.

Before filing a Washington personal injury claim, you should know all that you face while working on your settlement. A Bellevue personal injury attorney will know the things to best negotiate your settlement and will help you avoid the hassle of taking a claim to court (but will help you do so if it becomes necessary).

Contacting a Bellevue Personal Injury Attorney

You don't have to deal with insurance companies and paperwork alone when you're looking to file a Washington personal injury claim. Bellevue personal injury attorney Andrew Kim fights to help victims in the Puget Sound areas settle their personal injury claims. For a free consultation, call us at (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at (800) 636-3676

Vehicle Strikes Bicyclist | Bellevue Bicycle Accident Attorney

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Tacoma News Tribune, an unidentified male riding a bicycle was struck by a vehicle in Olympia, Washington. On April 30, 2011 at approximately 10:00 a.m. medics from the Olympia Police & Fire department responded to the accident. The unconscious man, who is believed to be in his 30's or 40's was transported first to Providence St. Peter Hospital, then to Harborview Medical Center. The driver and passenger did not suffer serious injuries and remained at the scene.

For important bicycle helmet use statistics, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

-Bicycle helmets are 85-88% effective in mitigating head and brain injuries, making the use of helmets the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting from bicycle crashes.

-Despite the fact that nearly 70% of all fatal bicycle crashes involve head injuries, only about 20-25% of all bicyclists wear bicycle helmets.

-Universal bicycle helmet use by children 4-15 would prevent 39,000 to 45,000 head injuries, and 18,000 to 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually.

If you've been injured in a bicycle crash or accident due to the negligence of another or due to a defective part on the bicycle, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue or Seattle and King County and (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma or Pierce County and we can let you know whether you have a possible claim for injuries or damage to your bike.

Settlement Calculators for Car Accidents & Other Personal Injury Claims | Washington Personal Injury Attorney

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Looking for a Settlement Calculator?

There are a number of settlement calculators on the internet. People often go looking for these settlement calculators and settlement formulas after they have been injured in an accident and are trying to determine how much money to request from the insurance company or to find out if the insurance company has made a fair offer in their case.

How Settlement Calculators are created?

Many, if not most settlement calculators on the internet were created by insurance companies. They are part of a campaign that is designed to lower your expectations and decrease the amount of money they pay for insurance settlements.

The Truth About Settlement Calculators

There is no formula for determining the value of a car accident or personal injury claim. The circumstances of every accident are different. Injuries are different for every person. The impact injuries have on one's life is different from person to person. The amount of time that it takes to recover from an injury is different for everyone. And pain and suffering is different for each person. How do you put a value on a life? You can't. Are you average? No. Are you just like everyone else? No. Then don't be tricked into a formula that doesn't really estimate the impact that your accident had on your life.

Most Common Settlement Formulas you may find

3 x Medical Costs + Lost Income = Fair Settlement Value
(Medical Costs + Lost Income) x 2 = Fair Settlement Value

Don't don't be tricked by the insurance adjustors into believeing these simple formulas. There is absolutely nothing simple about determining a fair settlement value in personal injury claims. If you have been injured in an accident you would be well advised to seek the help of a qualified personal injury attorney to help you. Only an experienced personal injury attorney, someone who has settled thousands of cases, has the skill and experience necessary to help you determine the fair value of an injury claim.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents those injuried in car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites and other accidents causing injury. Call our office at (253) 682-2000 in the Tacoma area, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at (800) 636-3676 for your free consultation.

Have a skeleton in your closet? | Washington Personal Injury Lawyer

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

When you are hurt in a Washington car accident, your mind is focused on your injuries. You are in pain and have medical bills to think about. Generally, you aren't thinking about past accidents or injuries you sustained a few years back.

The problem is - if you don't share this type of information, you could seriously impact your chances of recovering compensation. You know why? The insurance company will be doing some digging and you better believe that they are going to use past accidents and injuries against you.

The good news is that if you are upfront with your Washington personal injury lawyer about the "skeletons in your closet", he or she can deal with them.

The insurance company will be on the hunt for information that can be used against you. They want to show that your current injuries are associated with your previous medical history or some accident from your past. Your attorney can prepare for these arguments, by building a strong case on your behalf.

Don't let the insurance company be the first one to know about your history. Tell your lawyer everything, so that the insurance company has nothing on you.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons in car crashes, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Call us at (253) 682-200 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Seattle Authorities Patrol Golden Gardens To Prevent Dog Bites

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A high volume of complaints regarding off-leash dogs at Golden Gardens park in Seattle, Washington, has led to more Humane Law Enforcement Officers in the area handing out citations for not having animals leashed as well as other animal-related illegal activity. Even though there is a fenced two-acre dog-friendly area of the park where animals are allowed to play without leashed, many owners say that they worry about cleanliness and disease in the area and would rather walk their dogs on the beach, which leashes are required.

Animal control officers say that having so many dogs off leash at the beach area leads to an increased number of dog bite incidents as well as cruelty incidents. The leash laws, they explain are for the safety of humans and pets alike.

In Seattle, a dog owner can be charged anywhere from $50 to $500 for breaking leash laws, which higher fines at beaches such as Golden Gardens. There are 13 designated off-leash areas for dogs in the Seattle area.

Fatal West Seattle Motorcycle Accident Caused By Left Turn

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Washington man was killed in a West Seattle motorcycle accident on Wednesday night at the intersection of 35th Avenue South and South Juneau Street.

According to Seattle Police and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the motorbike accident took place at 9:30 p.m. when a car turned in front of the oncoming motorcycle, which was driving on 35 Avenue South. The biker slammed into the broad side of the vehicle and the rider was thrown from his bike and onto the pavement. The man was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in downtown Seattle, where he died of a traumatic brain injury. No one else was injured in the wreck.

While a witness has reported that the motorcycle may have been speeding, it is unclear whether the bike rider caused the crash or whether the other vehicle didn’t see the bike and turned in front of the motorcyclist.

Washington Teen Injured In Equestrian Competition Accident

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Washington State teen has suffered a traumatic brain injury from a horse riding accident this week in Elma. She was flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she remains in serious condition.

According to witness reports, 17-year-old Skye Morris was riding her horse as part of the Castle Rock equestrian team at a horse riding competition when the animal collided with a steer, fell, and rolled on top of the Kelso High School student. Although the girl was wearing a helmet, she suffered a traumatic brain injury. Her mother told reporters that although the teen was still intubated, doctors think that the girl should be able to breathe on her own and should wake up soon.

The equestrian community has rallied around Skye and her family after the child's accident, with at least four benefits for the teen taking place in the coming weeks. The benefits will help pay for the girl’s medical bills. In addition, those looking to help can contribute to the Skye Morris Benefit Fund.

Wrong Way Driver On I-5 Dies In Car Accident; Two Others Injured

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST

One person was killed and two others suffered injuries in a wrong way interstate crash on Insterstate 5 near Marysville this week. According to the Washington State Patrol, troopers began to receive reports of a driver going northbound on I-5 south around five in the morning, but police were unable to locate or stop the car before it crashed head-on into a pickup truck with the right-of-way and then struck another car

The driver of the wrong-way vehicle, a 43-year-old Everett resident, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, while the driver of the pickup truck and the driver of the third vehicle were both transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

It is unclear why the man was driving the wrong way down the interstate and the fatal Washington car accident is still under investigation. Most wrong way interstate accidents involve drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, elderly drivers, poor weather conditions, or confused drivers.

Kent Man Dies In I-90 Rollover Accident In Ellensburg

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Washington State man was killed this week when a car that he was a passenger in lost control on I-90 and rolled several times after leaving the roadway. The Washington car accident took place just outside of Ellensburg on Sunday afternoon.

According to Washington State Patrol, 40-year-old Tony Bey died of his car accident injuries after the car he was traveling in lost control and flipped several times. The driver of the car, 19-year-old Elric Bey, and the third passenger, 38-year-old Linda Bey, were not injured in the car accident. Tony Bey was not wearing his seat belt while the other two occupants were buckled up. All of the occupants were from Kent, Washington.

Tony Bey was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he died of his injuries.

The WA car accident is under investigation, though police have stated that they are not yet sure what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

One Killed, One Saved In Fiery Car Accident In Auburn, Washington

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST

A one-car accident in Southeast Auburn left one person dead and one person seriously injured on Wednesday night. According to NWCN.com out of Washington State, the car accident took place at around one in the morning, when the car left the roadway and slammed into a telephone pole.

The car burst into flames upon impact. While the male driver of the car was pulled to safety by a Good Samaritan that heard the crash, the female passenger of the car was killed when the car was quickly engulfed in flames. The driver of the vehicle was rushed to Harboview Medical Center in Seattle where he is recovering from the crash.

The single-car crash is under investigation by Washington Police. There is no current information on whether drugs, alcohol or speeding were a factor in the accident.

Over 7,000 Auburn residents in the southeast section of the city lost power because of the car accident. The street where the accident occurred was also closed for several hours.

West Seattle Teen Suffers Head Injury While Biking Through Intersection | Seattle Lawyer

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

According to the Seattle Times and West Seattle Police, a 15-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries in a car and cyclist collision at the intersection of Delridge Way Southwest and Southwest Cloverdale Street.

While the teen was wearing a bicycle helmet, the Seattle Fire Department reported that the boy did not stop at a stop sign and slammed into a truck that had right-of-way. Emergency responders rushed the teen to Harborview Medical Center, where he is being treated for his injuries.

The Washington bike accident is still under investigation, though the driver of the pickup truck is not expected to be cited or charged. The intersection was closed for under an hour as police collected evidence at the scene of the accident.

A note: while helmets do not prevent all head injuries from taking place during a bicycle accident, they have been proven to significantly reduce the occurrence and seriousness of traumatic brain injuries.

This information was provided as a service by Andrew Kim Law Firm. Andrew Kim Law Firm is based out of Bellevue Washington. Andre Kim Law Firm focuses on Washington personal injury cases such as: Bellevue bicycle accidents, Seattle wrongful death, and Tacoma motorcycle accidents.

If you've suffered any injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm. You can speak to an experienced attorney to discuss your accident and your injuries in a free consultation. In the Bellevue and surrounding area, call (425) 289-1990. In Tacoma and the South Sound, call (253) 682-2000. You can also reach our office toll free at (800) 636-3676.

Seattle Police Shoot Two Dogs That Were Allegedly Attacking Woman

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

For the second time in less than a month, Seattle Police shot and killed a dog after the dog displayed aggressive and dangerous behavior. In the most recent incident, Seattle Police were responding to a domestic violence disturbance when they found a 55-year-old woman on the ground in her house with two dogs appearing to attack her. Both dogs were shot after allegedly charging the officers. One dog died of its injuries.

More insight into the incident revealed that the woman was the instigator of a domestic dispute against her 57-year-old brother. The dogs, a lab and a pit bull mix, had been impounded multiple times in the last two years for menacing behavior, violating the city’s leash law, and other issues.

In a similar Seattle dog attack incident that took place earlier this year, Washington Police shot a pit bull after it was acting aggressively towards a neighbor on New Year’s Day.

Tractor-Trailer Crashes Into Fallen Rock In Wallula, Washington

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

A truck accident that took place on Highway 730 near Wallula, Washington, this week highlights the dangers of falling rock zones and rocks in the roadway.

According to the Washington State Highway Patrol, a large rock fell into the highway lane on the night of Sunday, December 13th, causing two different tractor-trailer accidents. The first tractor-trailer accident occurred when a truck driver was unable to avoid the large rock in the roadway and crashed into a guardrail on the shoulder. The second truck accident took place when a big rig ran over a truck axle left in the road from the first truck accident.

The driver of the first truck was taken to the hospital with injuries, while the second trucker was uninjured.

Washington drivers are reminded to be wary of debris in the road, especially in falling rock and fallen rock zones.

Seattle Man Falls To Death Down Outdoor Stairwell

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 EST

Seattle Police have determined that a Washington State man found dead in an alley last week was the victim of a fatal fall incident.

The man, who police say was 41 years old, was found at the bottom of an outdoor flight of stairs fully clothed on Third Avenue on Thursday morning. Nearby residents called in the incident, telling police that they found a face down, unresponsive male in an alley. Authorities described the flight of stairs as steep and wooden. The man lived in an apartment building near where the slip and fall accident took place. Police have confirmed that the man was the victim of a fall, and that no foul play was involved.

The man has not yet been identified and his exact cause of death has yet to be determined. Police also do not know what the cause of the slip and fall accident was.

Seattle Woman Dies In Fall Accident From Boat

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

An initial investigation into the death of a woman pulled from the water from the Ballard Bridge last week has determined an accidental fall from a boat led to the tragedy.

According to the Seattle Times, 33-year-old Lia Hawkins was an employee on the M/V Sahara, a 300-foot boat that was formally a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ship. She was reported missing last week after she left for work, and her body was recovered by divers a day later. While rescue teams had no luck finding the woman on Thursday, she was found floating near a pier near the Ballard Bridge on Friday.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office found that she died from drowning after suffering a skull fracture, and Seattle Police believe that she most likely fell from a dock or from the boat. They believe that Hawkins’ death was an unfortunate fall accident and that no foul play was involved.

West Seattle Father Blames Negligent Owner For Son's Dog Bite

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

A concerned father believes that a negligent dog owner is responsible for his son’s dog bite injuries.

The dog attack took place in West Seattle on Saturday, October 23, when 5-year-old Yusuph Hassan was standing outside with his sister and waiting for his mother after taking Islamic cultural classes on 34th Street and Morgan. The big black dog ran up to the children, bit Yusuph, and was then chased away by an adult at the multipurpose building where the classes were held. His dog bite wounds required a trip to the hospital and stitches.

The boy’s father says that the dog has been wandering loose for several weeks because of a negligent owner and that a number of children and families have complained that the dog has been frightening them and chasing them. The dog has been turned over to King County Animal Control. It is unclear if any citations have been issued against the dog owner, or if the Hassan family will file a dog bite injury lawsuit.

Kent Toddler & Aunt Struck By Cars After Child Steps Into Traffic

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

A two-year-old child was struck and killed by a car after he wandered into traffic near his home in Kent, Washington. Even more tragically, his aunt was critically injured when she was struck by a different car while trying to save the boy.

The accident took place on Saturday evening on 108th Avenue Southeast when an unidentified child slipped out of the back door of the family household and wandered into the street in front of the house. At the same time that the toddler was entering the street, his aunt drove by and saw the child in danger. In a terrible turn of events, the child and the aunt were hit by separate oncoming cars at the same time.

Both the little girl and her aunt were rushed by EMS to Harborview Medical Center, where the child was pronounced dead and the aunt was listed in critical condition with multiple car accident injuries.

Fisher-Price Recalls Trikes After Six Toddlers Injured

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Six girls between the ages of two and three have been hospitalized with injuries caused by a toddler trike made by Fisher Price.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fisher-Price Trikes and Tough Trike tricycle toys have a defective part that makes them dangerous for children. In response to the danger, toy company Fisher Price and the CPSC are working together to recall 7 million of the trikes from across North America.

The toys are dangerous because of an ignition key that is located near the seat of the bike. In the past few months, at least half a dozen serious injuries have taken place when girls sit, strike, or fall onto the protruding ignition key. These injuries can cause bleeding and injury to the genital area that necessitate medical attention.

All trikes made before June 16, 2010 should be placed out of your child’s reach and owners should contact Fisher-Price for a new and safe key.

Cyclist Injured After Running Red Light In Seattle

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Washington bicycle rider was struck by a car and seriously injured in Seattle last week. Seattle Police say that the accident was the cyclist’s fault.

The cyclist accident took place at the intersection of First Avenue Northeast and North 145th Street in downtown Seattle. The bike accident took place during the morning commute – at approximately six in the morning on Thursday. According to witnesses and the Seattle Times, the cyclist ran a red light and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The man, who has not yet been identified, was rushed to Harborview Medical Center with serious injuries, including a head injury, facial injuries, and a broken femur. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the Seattle cyclist accident.

The bike accident stalled traffic in the area for several hours as the man was removed from the scene and as police investigated the accident.

Five-Year-Old Yakima Boy Dies In Rollover Accident

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

A young boy was killed in a one-vehicle rollover accident outside of Toppenish, Washington last week. Washington State Patrol said that 5-year-old Daniel R. Ezekiel died at a Seattle hospital after suffering fatal injuries in a late-night car accident.

According to the Yakima Herald-Republic, the Washington car accident took place just after three in the morning on Yost Road south of Toppenish. The driver of the car and the apparent mother of the boy, Chantel Peters, made a hard maneuver with the car causing it to flip. The boy was thrown from the vehicle while Peters suffered minor injuries. The boy was rushed to Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and then transferred later in the day.

Police say that the driver of the car was under the influence drugs or alcohol at the time of the car crash and that vehicular homicide charges could follow.

Seattle Woman Attacked By Pit Bull In Beacon Hill Apartment Building

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 65-year-old Seattle woman was attacked by a pit bull in a Beacon Hill apartment building this week, with the woman suffering several serious dog bite wounds.

According to the Seattle Police department, the woman and her sister went to her daughter’s Beacon Hill apartment to check on the girl when a pit bull inside the residence lunged at the woman, biting her several times. The woman’s sister hit the dog with her purse, but the dog followed the two women as they ran out of the apartment, biting the first woman multiple times. After the attack, the dog went back into the apartment.

The woman was treated for dog bite wounds at Harborview Medical Center, who 911 respondents to the dog attack brought the aggressive pit bull to animal control. The woman said that the dog was never provoked and attacked immediately. The woman’s sister was not injured by the dog.

Two Washington Men Die In I-5 Car Accident In Downtown Seattle

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST

Washington Police believe that alcohol was a factor in a deadly late night car crash in downtown Seattle last weekend.

According to authorities, the accident took place just before 3 AM on Saturday night on Interstate 5 near Lakeview Boulevard. A car driving north on I-5 struck another car before spinning and hitting a medic unit behind them. Two people, both men, in the first car were pronounced dead at the scene of the Seattle car accident while two people, a man and a woman, in the medic unit were rushed to Harborview Medical Center with injuries. No one in the third vehicle was injured in the crash.

The WA car accident is still under investigation, though police believe that the driver of the first car was drinking and driving. The fatal traffic accident shut down northbound I-5 for several hours. No charges have been filed.

Eight-Year-Old Dies In Fall Accident In Washington's San Juan Islands

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

An eight-year-old girl died while on vacation with her family in the San Juan Islands last week, according to local reports.

The family was staying in a cabin off of the coast of Washington when the girl, Ella Taylor Bisbee, fell from a loft and struck her head on the building’s hard wood floor. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and internal bleeding. She was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and directly went into emergency brain surgery. However, she died of her fall accident injuries on Friday morning. Her parents expressed gratitude for the medical team and emergency rescue workers who struggled to save their daughter’s life in the hours after the fall accident took place.

She is survived by her parents and her three-year-old sister, Catherine. Ella had just finished second grade.

Seattle Woman Killed By Crane On Construction Barge

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Seattle woman was killed on a barge in Elliott Bay after being struck on the head with a crane. The Seattle boat accident took place just before 11 AM on Thursday, June 24, according to the Associated Press and King5.com. The barge was docked near Waterfront Park on Alaskan Way.

The woman, 26-year-old Vanessa Downing of SeaTac, was later identified by the King County Medical Examiners Office. It is unclear what Downing was doing on the barge, which was about 30 feet away from the dock at the time of the boat accident.

Seattle Firefighters responded to the scene of the WA boat accident, where they rescued the woman from the barge using an extended ladder, a rescue basket, and rope. The woman was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle in critical condition, though she soon died of her head injuries.

Woodinville Man Seriously Injured In Kenmore Bike Accident

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Kenmore witnesses say that a serious bike accident may have been due to a medical emergency suffered by the cyclist in the moments before the crash. According to the Seattle Times, a 64-year-old Woodinville man was biking along Juanita Drive in Kenmore when he apparently lost control of his bike and ran into the broad side of a truck. The man was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he remains in stable condition.

The King County Sheriff's Office reported that the Kenmore bike accident took place just before three in the afternoon on Thursday, June 3, and that the rider was driving his bicycle erratically in the moments before the collision. The man swerved across the street and struck a vacuum truck driven by a 47-year-old Everett man. It is unclear what the medical emergency was at this time, and no traffic citations have been issued in relation to the WA bike accident.

Seven Injured In Seattle Bus And Truck Collision

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:00:00 EST

Seven Washington State residents were transported to a local hospital after a Seattle Metro bus was struck by a big rig. The Washington bus accident, which occurred at the 4th Avenue and South Stacy Street in the Sodo neighborhood, resulted in seven bus passengers feeling back pain and neck pain after the collision. The Seattle bus crash involved a #124 bus and took place at around 11:30 AM on Friday, June 7.

According to Seattle Police reports, the commercial tractor-trailer backed into the broad side of the bus, though witness reports vary and the truck’s cab seemed to have been damaged according to bus accident pictures and video. Police also told the media that they were not sure if anyone would be cited for the Washington bus accident at this time.

Baby Gap Swimsuits Recall Due To Strangulation Risk

Mon, 17 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

Clothing manufacturer The Gap has recalled almost 7,000 children’s swimsuits saying that the tied halter-top and plastic ring design of the bathing suits could pose a strangulation risk to children. While no child injuries or child deaths have been reported, The Gap says that it decided to announce a voluntary recall after several parents issued complaints about the strangulation danger.

Parents who have purchased this bathing suit are urged to take the swimsuit away from children and return it at a Gap store for a full refund. Consumer are encouraged to contact Gap representatives if they bought the children’s clothing piece online. The girls swimsuits were sold at Gap stores and online from February 2010 through April 2010 for between $17 and $20.

For more information about the children’s recall, call contact Gap toll-free at (888) 747-3704 or email them at custserv@gap.com.

Seattle School Closes After Chemical Smell Injures Children

Sun, 16 May 2010 08:00:00 EST

We assume that our children are safe when they go to school – but that might not always be the case. Last month in Seattle, a chemical odor in a new wing of a school caused one child to need medical attention and sickened several others.

South Shore K-8 elementary school in Seattle closed its second floor wing after teachers and children reported a strange smell that burnt their lungs and noses. While school authorities are still unsure of what caused the smell, or whether exposure to the smell is safe, they have closed the wing until an investigation takes place. In the meantime, they have treated the injured Washington children and notified parents of the problem. In addition, a nurse will be examining children at the school in the week following the incident.

According to King County school officials, experts will be brought to the school to conduct air quality tests and find the source of the chemical odors.

Boat Capsizes In Puget Sound, Four Boaters Rescued With Hypothermia

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Four Washington State residents were pulled out of the chilly waters of Puget Sound on Wednesday evening, March 31, after their watercraft capsized near Redondo Beach in Des Moines.

South King County Fire and Rescue reported that the four boaters, two men and two women in their early 30s, had problems with the drainage plug on their 25-foot motorboat which sunk the vessel just after 7 pm. All four people were wearing life jackets at the time of the Washington State boat accident. The boaters were in the water for about 20 minutes before rescue workers reached them. A Redondo beach witness called 911 when they witnessed the boat accident.

The WA boat accident occurred about 0.25 miles from the beach. Emergency responders treated all four for mild hypothermia at the scene before they were released, while their boat was towed to shore.

Tacoma Police Search For Reckless Driver Who Injured WA Woman

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Tacoma woman was seriously injured in a rollover accident on Highway 512 when a reckless driver cut her off on Wednesday afternoon, April 7. Witnesses say that a red Ford Taurus cut in front of the woman and crossed several lanes of traffic before merging onto the ramp leading to Interstate 5 North near Steele St. The 23-year-old Tacoma woman lost control of her car and rolled her vehicle onto the left lane of traffic, closing three lanes of traffic for a number of hours.

The woman is being treated for serious car accident injuries at Tacoma General Hospital. The car that caused the traffic crash was not damaged in the accident and the driver was not hurt.

The Washington State Patrol is asking the public for any information they may have regarding the reckless driver that caused the WA car accident. Those with tips are encouraged to call 253-538-3240.

Ballard car crash kills three muscle car friends | Seattle car accident attorney

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST

Early Sunday morning April 4, 2010 at about 4:00 am, three buddies Mike Turner, Spenser Millard, Kellen Jones were killed in a deadly one car wreck near the intersection of NW Market Street and NW 54th Street in Ballard, Washington (Seattle) when they collided into a sign pole. A teenage girl found in the back seat of the 1986 Pontiac Firebird sustained life threatening injuries.

The police are investigatiing the cause of the crash and whether any alcohol or drugs were involved. It is not known who the driver of the car was at the time of the collision. It was raining at the time of the crash and high speed certainly was a factor. The common bond of the three friends was their love for fast muscle cars.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents those injured and/or killed in car crashes. If you have any questions about your case, please feel free to call us at (425) 289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676.

Issaquah man killed in motorcycle accident|Issaquah Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Issaquah Press reports that a 56-year-old Issaquah man Kenneth Earl Solders died Saturday around 1:15pm when his motorcycle hit a pickup at Tiger Mountain Road and 241st Place Southeast. According to the King County Sheriff's Office a Toyota Tundra was headed eastbound on Tiger Mountain Road when a 18-year-old driver made a left hand turn onto 241st Place Southeast, struck the motorcycle which he apparently did not see.
The motorcycle driver died at the scene and the pickup driver was not injured.
The sheriff's office said that the investigation continues.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Issaquah, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676 or 425-289-1990.

One Dead In Head-On West Seattle SUV And Truck Crash

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A head-on crash in West Seattle left one man dead on March 21, according to Seattle Police. At around 2 in the morning on Sunday, an SUV driver lost control of his vehicle and slammed into a pickup truck head on. The West Seattle car accident took place at the intersection of Southwest Admiral Way and 37th Avenue Southwest. The SUV had been heading eastbound while the truck was traveling westbound.

The driver of the SUV died at the scene of the car accident while the two people riding in the pickup truck were rushed to Harborview Medical Center with serious car accident injuries. Southwest Admiral Way was closed for several hours while police investigated the fatal WA car accident.

Though the accident is still under investigation, police believe that alcohol could have been a factor in the Washington head-on SUV accident.

Kitsap Boy Drowns After Disappearing With Alcoholic Mother

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

An 8-year-old Silverdale boy, who was found washed up on Fox Island, died in an accidental drowning according to Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office. The boy, Azriel Carver, was with his mother last Saturday when the two disappeared. The mother and child had been on their way to visit woman’s stepfather but never arrived at their destination.

According to friends and family, the mother, 29-year-old Shantina Smiley, was a recovering alcoholic who had recently suffered a relapse. She also had a history of trouble regarding her son, neglect accusations, and abuse charges. In fact, Child Protective Services fielded at least ten calls involving the woman and her child, the latest in April of last year.

Smiley called her boyfriend several times on Saturday to say that she was lost or had stopped for food. The woman’s van was found in Olympia the following day partially submerged in the water. The search for Smiley continues throughout the area.

Driver dies in highway shoulder accident in Auburn|Washington Car Accident Attorney

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A driver was killed after hitting a park semi-truck on the shoulder of southbound Highway 167 in Auburn about 4:30 am Tuesday morning, The Seattle Times reports.

Kin D. Beliakoff of Bremerton was identified as a driver who died at the scene. The truck driver was not injured.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, approximately 2,000 people die every year in highway shoulder accidents which are one of the worst crashes on our highways. When a moving car hits a parked vehicle on a highway it usually ends tragically.

Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation regarding car accident injuries or death claims. We can be reached toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Gig Harbor fatal car crash | Tacoma car accident attorney

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A Gig Harbor woman was killed Sunday night when she was thrown from a car and suffered head injuries.

Diane Dorsey Racine, 57, was a passenger in a 2000 Ford Escort driven by her 21-year-old daughter, also from Gig Harbor. The Kitsap County Sheriff's office said the driver lost control traveling westbound on Lake Helena Road in South Kitsap.

The daughter was taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center in Tacoma with non life- threatening injuries.

Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free consultation regarding car accident injuries or death claims. We can be reached toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

One Dies In Lake Padden In Bellingham After Canoe Capsizes

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

One man drowned and another suffer from exposure after a canoe capsized on Lake Padden on Friday afternoon in Bellingham, Washington. Cole Smith and Clay Weden, both 28-year-olds, were Canoeing in the lake when their boat capsized and both fell into the frigid water. A witness called 911 after seeing the boat accident and an officer was on the scene in minutes.

Bellingham Police say that an off-duty Bellingham fire fighter and a police officer were able to rescue Smith using a paddle boat but could not find Weden. Search parties combed the lake and area for the man until dusk, but it was not until the next day that divers were able to recover his body. Smith was taken to the hospital for treatment for exposure.

Two lifejackets were found inside the canoe. It is not clear how the canoe capsized in calm waters.

Are Washington's Cell Phone Laws Working? New Study Says No.

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Washington is one of the few states in the nation that bans all mobile phone use and texting while behind the wheel. But do cell phone and texting bans actually reduce the number of car accidents and car accident injuries? King 5 News out of King County reports that a new study shows that cell phone laws are ineffective at lowering rates of vehicle accidents.

The study, run by the Institute of Highway Loss Data, collected insurance company car crash claims data in four different jurisdictions and found that cell phone bans aren't reducing the number of car accidents. However, it is unclear whether drivers are abiding by cell phone and texting laws.

A number of other studies have recently linked text messaging and cell phone use to car accidents and truck accidents. These studies have led to a nationwide push against driving while talking on the phone or sending messages.

Elderly Renton Woman Killed On Benton Highway In Two-Car Crash

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A 97-year-old woman from Renton, Washington, was killed in a two-vehicle car accident on Benton Highway at 11 am on Thursday. The Washington State Patrol reported that the elderly woman, Marguerite Carruthers was in the passenger seat of a sedan driven by an 82-year-old woman also of Renton. The two women were involved in a collision when they struck a car traveling northbound and turning left in front of them.

Carruthers was rushed by emergency rescuers to Harborview Medical Center, where she died from her car accident injuries in the hours after the crash. The accident took place near the intersection of Benton Highway and Southeast 200th St. The woman driving the other vehicle, a 59-year-old Kent, Washington, resident was injured in the car crash but treated and released form the hospital with non-life-threatening medical issues.

The Washington State Patrol is investigating the cause of the accident to determine who was at fault for the fatal WA crash.

Drinking Kayakers Capsize In Puget Sound, One Suffers Hypothermia

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Two men smelled strongly of beer as the Coast Guard and Seattle Fire Department rescued them from Puget Sound on Thursday night after their kayaks capsized in rough water.

Seattle Police said a 911 call was received from one of the boater’s girlfriends after she had received a distress call from her boyfriend. She told police that the two men had watched a football game while drinking and then decided to go out onto the water despite the dimming skies. Though they did have life jackets they were not wearing wet suits.

The two men put in their boats at Bermerton and were pulled from the water from rescuers near the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. After spending a chilly hour in the water, one man was able to return home while the other man was taken to Harborview Medical Center to be treated for Hypothermia in the wake of the boat accident.

Rescuers called the two men lucky, as many winter weather boating accidents end tragically.

Washington Woman Killed By Kitsap Transit Bus

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

An unidentified woman was struck and killed by a Kitsap transit bus in Poulsbo, Washington on December 2 – Washington State Patrol officers investigating the case are still unsure of what caused the deadly bus accident.

According to witnesses, a woman was crossing Highway 305 at Johnson Way on Wednesday evening when she was struck by a northbound bus. The Kitsap County coroner pronounced her dead at the scene of the pedestrian accident and is now working to identify the woman and notify her family.

The bus driver as well as the nine bus passengers, who were traveling from Bainbridge Island to Hostmark, were not injured in the accident. The name of the bus driver has also not been released at this time. The left northbound lane of Highway 305 was closed as police investigated the bus accident scene.

Seattle Worker Dies In Four-Story Fall From Hotel Construction Site

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Seattle construction worker was killed by a fall on November 12, 2009, as he was competing a job in a new hotel in the Lynnwood area. Lynnwood Police say that the as-yet unidentified 45-year-old man was helping a crew offload rolls of carpeting when he fell out of the building structure four stories above the sidewalk. The carpet installer was taking the rolls of carpet from a forklift at the time of the fatal Lynnwood accident. The accident happened at around 10 am when the worker leaned too far out of the window and lost his balance.

Although Lynnwood emergency workers and the fire department rushed the man to Harborview Medical Center, he died of his fall injuries after arrival. Police are investigating the deadly fall incident.

Seattle Motorcycle Rider Dies After Losing Control Of Harley

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Seattle motorcycle rider was killed on Highway 101 after he lost control of his bicycle on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. State Police say that 55-year-old Alan Gelvin of Washington was negotiating a curve when he lost control of his bike and left his lane.

At 3:20 pm, the bike slid into oncoming traffic on the two-lane highway and went under a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. Gelvin, who was riding a 2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, died of his motorcycle accident injuries. He was wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the accident.

The two people riding in the pickup truck, a couple in their early 60s, suffered only minor injuries in the fatal motorcycle accident.

A memorial was held for Gelvin a week later - he was a United States veteran and an avid Harley-Davidson rider.

Body Washes Onto Beach Grays Harbor County From Boat Accident

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Washington State authorities believe that the body of a woman who washed up on a Grays Harbor Beach had been involved in a sailboat accident that occurred off of the coast of WA. The body has been identified as 47-year-old Teri Dascher of Kingston, Washington, who departed on a 25-foot sailboat from King County a few weeks before.

The body of the other person on the boat, 51-year-old John Phillip Stapp of Seattle, WA, has not been recovered. A large amount of debris, apparently from the wreckage of the sailboat, has also washed onto shore. Police are unsure of what could have caused the sailboat accident.

The couple was headed to the South Pacific, though they had stopped in Westport for boat repairs over the past few weeks. The Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate this boating accident case.

Two Yelm High School Teens Injured In Rainy Head-On Crash

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Slick roads, inclement weather, and young drivers were probably responsible for a serious Washington car accident involving two Yelm High School teens on Tuesday morning.

The Washington State Patrol reported that 16-year-old Skye Calhoun and her passenger, 16-year-old Alexandria Bachmeier, were driving northbound on Morris Road in Yelm when the rain-slicked roads caused the young driver to lose control of her vehicle and cross into the opposite lane. The girls hit a pickup truck head on.

Both were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, with Calhoun in critical condition and Bachmeier in serious condition. Both suffered head injuries, chest injuries, and leg injuries in the head-on crash.

The Washington State Patrol said that the rainy morning, in addition to the recent dry spell, made the roads especially dangerous on Tuesday morning. Although the crash is still under investigation, police also believe Calhoun was driving too fast for the road conditions.

Dog Pack Kills Two Horses In Maple Valley| Washington Dog Bite Attorney

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

What's more dangerous than an aggressive dog? A pack of aggressive dogs. Perhaps no one understands this better than Washington resident Patricia Clark, who lost two of her horses to a pack of dangerous dogs this week in Maple Valley. Clark runs Serenity Equine Rescue & Rehabilitation, where she rescues needy horses in the Washington area.

The five dogs were pit bull mixes and belonged to a neighbor. The dogs tried to attack the horses' two foals, but ended up killing the two mares. Reportedly none of the dogs are fixed and the neighbor's fence had a hole in it. King County Animal Care and Control, who is investigating the dog bite incident, told reporters that the dogs had been surrendered and will be put to sleep.

The horses had been rescued while pregnant from a slaughterhouse only to be killed because of negligent dog owners, the horse owner told reporters.

"It's not [the dogs'] fault. It's the owner's fault," Clark said.

For more informationon dog bites claims please call Andrew Kim Law Firm at 425-289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676

Car-friendly Bellevue is looking out for bikers|Bellevue Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Already car-friendly Bellevue is looking out for bikers as well, The Seattle Times reports. At the beginning of this year City Council passed a bike and pedestrian plan that included 80 miles of bike lanes, 90 miles of sidewalks and 20 miles of trail improvements.

During the summer months, the city installed two dozen bike racks throughout downtown, coordinated bike-safety fairs, offered urban-cycling techniques classes, printed bike maps and put in new bike lanes on Southeast 26th Street.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, a personal injury law firm with practice areas involving bicycle accidents and car crashes. We provide prompt responses and investigate the scene of the accident to preserve critical evidence that may disappear later. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Seattle or Bellevue, or toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for an immediate consultation.

Girl hit by a truck in Sunnyside|Washington Car Crash Attorney

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to The Seattle Times, a 12 year old girl was hit by a pickup truck in Sunnyside, WA on the Yakima Valley Highway at 7:00 am on Monday. She was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Two other children were not hit but suffered minor injuries.

Police reported that the driver was headed east and didn't see the children crossing the highway due to the sunlight in his eyes.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons in car crashes, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Call us at (253) 682-200 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Yelm High School students in critical condition after crash|Pierce County Accident Attorney

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Tacoma News Tribune reported that two 16-year-old Yelm girls were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center with critical injuries on September 29th, 2009. According to Washington State Patrol the teenager was driving 1985 Oldsmobile northbound on Morris Road just south of 110th Avenue in Yelm in Thurston County when she crossed the center line and hit a 2003 GMC box type truck head-on.

The Associated Press identified the two teenagers as Skye Calhoun, the driver and Alexandria Bachmeier, the passenger. The driver of the GMC, 43-year-old Matthew L. Benson of McKenna, wasn't injured.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons in car crashes, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Call us at (253) 682-200 in Tacoma, (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Musician dies in scooter crash in Tacoma

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Brian Redman died in a scooter crash Sunday morning Tacom News Tribune reports. He was trown from his scooter after clipping a curb in the 2400 block of North 21st Street in Tacoma, WA.

Redman was known as a leader of Dirty Knockers, a Tacoma hard-rock band and for his two year association with Vancouver, BC based 3 Inches of Blood. Redman also worked as a bartender at Doyle's Public House, 208th St. Helen's Ave. in Tacoma.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676 or 253-682-2000 or 425-289-1990.

Yakima Cyclist Seriously Injured In Bike Accident Hit-And-Run

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Yakima County Sheriff's Office is still looking for a purple or green Toyota 4-Runner that hit a cyclist and then fled the scene of the bike accident on Wednesday. Eyewitnesses describe the driver of the SUV as a male in his 40s.

The man who was hit by the car while riding his bike, 72-year-old Leslie Ross Bornfleth, suffered multiple fractures from the Washington State bicycle accident and was treated at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center for his serious injuries.

The WA bike accident took place on Wide Hollow Road when the bike rider stopped at 101st Avenue and signaled a left turn in broad daylight.

"As many are aware, there are more and more bicyclists on the roadways," Sgt. John Durand told reporters. "Drivers need to be aware of them and should always expect the unexpected. They should slow down and also allow for plenty of room when passing cyclists so as to not crowd them off the roadway."

Settlement Reached In Tacoma Monster Truck Child Death

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST

After his six-year-old son was killed by a piece of flying metal at a Tacoma Dome truck show at the start of the year, Jessie Hizey has reached a private settlement with the company that put on the event, Feld Entertainment Inc. The specific terms of the monetary settlement were not released to the public.

Sebastian Hizey of Graham, Washington, suffered a fatal head injury when a piece of metal flew off of one of the large trucks and into the Tacoma Dome audience. An investigation revealed that the flying metal was the result of a problem with the truck's rear drive shaft.

Hizey's Tacoma child accident lawyer explained that the family would not be seeking monetary damages from the city of Tacoma, since they did not believe the city was at fault for the child's death. Field Entertained released a brief statement saying that the matter had been resolved in a confidential manner.

Three Brothers Killed in Yakima Jeep Accident On US 12

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Times reported that A Sunday, August 3 Washtington State car accident near Rimrock Lake on U.S. Highway 12 left three brothers dead. The crash, which took place in Naches, Washington, on Sunday afternoon, took place when a Jeep Wrangler carrying six people turned into an oncoming Ford Explorer towing a boat.

Washington State Patrol reports that the 21-year-old driver, Roman Abundiz, along with two of his brothers, 15-year-old Raul and 11-year-old Fernando, died in the Naches car accident. The other Jeep occupants, including 43-tear-old Rosa P. Abundiz, 22-year-old Yesenia Verduzco Sanchez and 21-year-old and Rogelio Benavidez Ramirez, were rushed by emergency workers to Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center.

The Ford Explorer was also carrying six passengers, all hailing from Kennewick, Washington. Four of the Ford's occupants were also injured in the Naches intersection accident. The driver of the Ford, 32-year-old Daniel Leach, was among the injured.

Kittitas County Woman Loses Leg In Water-Skiing Boat Accident

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

As we reported in our News Section last month, a Kittitas woman was severely injured in a boating accident on the Columbia River on July 4. New updates report that 20-year-old Alison McWeeny is still in the hospital recovering from a lower leg amputation in the weeks following her water-skiing boat accident. The Central Washington University student and track and field athlete remains at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center in satisfactory condition.

The boating accident took place when a motorboat turned too sharply, capsizing and ejecting all seven passengers into the water. McWeeny was thrown under the boat, where she suffered extensive lower leg trauma from the boat's propellers on both legs, according to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. She has undergone three surgeries so far to repair damage caused in the Washington State boating accident.

Tacoma Toddler Injured In Fall Out Of Moving Minivan

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Washington car accident involving a Tacoma child has many across Washington State thinking about child protection locks and minivan safety this week. On Friday night, a four-year-old girl in Tacoma crawled out of her seat, opened her mother's minivan door, and fell out onto the road - all while the vehicle was moving.

The little girl, who was run over by the back wheels of the van driven by her mother was rushed to the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital and Health Center. A Tacoma Police spokesperson told reporters that she was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries from the car accident.

This child accident reminds us to keep our children securely restrained in child safety seats and to take advantage of the child safety locks that many recent cars are equipped with - these safety locks make sliding doors in minivans impossible to open from the inside.

Puppy Pug Bites Young Washington Boy In Groin

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

This week we learned that it is not only adult dogs that are dangerous - especially when they attack small children. In Wenatchee, Washington on Wednesday night, an 8-year-old boy was attacked by a young dog and bitten in the groin outside of the apartment complex where he lived.

The boy, who hails from Royal City, Washington, was playing outside with friends near Western Avenue when a black and tan pug dog began chasing the children. The young 8-month-old dog bit the boy in the groin area. He was rushed to Central Washington Hospital, where he was treated for dog bite wounds and then released.

The dangerous dog's owner was cited by police for having a dog at large.

To learn more about how to protect your children from dog bites and dog attacks, read our library article, Protecting Your Children From Dog Bites in Washington State.

Bike Safety Fair Comes To Bellevue, Washington Area

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Optimist Club will hold its fourth annual bike safety fair in Bellevue, Washington on Sunday, June 14, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Lake Hills Elementary School. The fair, which is held for children in grades K-5, is aimed at improving bike safety for kids across Washington State and preventing biking accidents, biking injuries, and biking fatalities.

The free safety fair will include a bicycle obstacle course, bike inspections, helmet inspections, bike tune-ups, free bike helmets for children in need, bike safety tip sheets, face painting, prizes, crafts, and goodie bags. In addition, Bellevue Police will help families with official helmet fittings while the Washington State Department of Transportation will host an information booth on bike safety and pedestrian safety. PedBuzz, the pedestrian safety mascot, will also be buzzing around the event.

Those attending the bike safety fair are encouraged to bring non-perishable food as part of a food drive.

Man Dies In Lake Washington Boating Accident

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

With warmer weather ascending on Washington State, the incidence of boating accidents, boating injuries, and boating deaths are on the rise. On Thursday, June 5, 56-year-old August Reyers of Kirkland, Washington died in a boating accident in Lake Washington.

Reyers and a friend were boating in rough waters late on Thursday when the boat capsized north of the Highway 520 floating bridge. The King County Sheriff's Department reported that although the friend swam to shore after an hour and a half in the water, his friend was no where to be found. On Friday, the body was located about seven yards off of Juanita Beach Park. The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the body.

To prevent boating accidents this summer, be aware of the weather conditions, wear a life vest, and do not drink while operating a boat.

Teens hurt in bus crash in Cascades | Washington Bus Accident Attorney

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A small bus was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Blewett Pass in the Cascade Range on Highway 97 Sunday afternoon, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports. All 12 teenage passengers were taken to Kittitas Valley Community Hospital in Ellensburg but only five or six were treated for minor injuries. The van was taking Northwest Youth Corps member from Eugene, Oregon to the Twisp area of north-central Washington to do trail maintenance. According to Trooper Dave Phelps of The Washington State Patrol, the cause of the accident was under investigation. The stretch of U.S. 97 between Interstate 90 and Highway 2 tends to be quite windy and often drivers take it too fast.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers in bus accidents, and other motor vehicle crashes. If you would like to speak with an injury attorney, call us now at 1-800-636-3676 for a free consultation.

Lake Coeur d'Alene boat accident injures man from Denver | Washington boat accident attorney

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

Nicholas McMordie, 25, from Denver, Colorado was injured in a boat accident on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Washington when he fell overboard from the back of the boat that his friend Benjamin Stein, 25, of Spokane was driving at the time. His right lower leg was severely lacerated from the propeller blades.

EMTs from the Coeur d’Alene City Fire Department responded to the Third Street Public Boat Launch and took McMordie to Kootenai Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. According to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department, it appears that alcohol was not a factor in the accident, and no citations were issued.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents persons injured from a boat accident involving motor boats, PWC, sailboats, canoes, and kayaks. You can speak with an attorney for free at 1-800-636-3676 to see if you have a case or not.

Finley boy attacked and bitten by dog | Washington dog bite attorney

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 9 year old boy from Finley, Washington was attacked by a dog while walking home from a friend's home. A medium-sized border collie tore up his face which needed 20 stitches to close wounds.

Sgt. Ron Sabin of the Benton County Sheriff's Office told the Tri-City Herald, "It sounds like he's lucky to be alive. It was a serious dog bite."

The boy's mother, Shanda Reed, says the dog attacked her son, Triston Jett, before her son ran home on Friday evening. He was then taken to Kennewick General Hospital, where he was treated for his wounds and later released.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents persons injured from dog attacks and bites resulting in serious permanent injuries and scarring. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 to discuss your possible dog bite case.

Issaquah man killed in car crash | Bellevue, Issaquah car accident attorney

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 27-year-old Issaquah man was killed Friday night when his SUV went off the road and rolled over several times near the 10100 block of Issaquah-Hobart Road, KomoNews.com reports. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Issaquah, Sammamish, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676 or 425-289-1990.

Motorcycle crashed into Ambulance responding to accident | Seattle Motorcycle accident lawyer

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to KIROTV.com a 29-year-old man crashed his motorcycle into an ambulance responding to a multi-vehicle accident on I-5 at 117th Avenue Northeast near the Nortgate Mall Monday morning. Southbound lanes of I-5 were backed up about 7 miles and northbound lanes backed up about 1 mile. Washington State Patrol reports that the motorcyclist was most likely looking at the southbound crash when he collied with the ambulance in the northbound lanes.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents persons seriously injured in motorcycle accidents in Bellevue, Seattle, King County, and Washington State. We are available for free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Driver crashes Porsche into water | Seattle car crash lawyer

Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A speeding driver crashed his car into the Puget Sound off Seattle's Alki neighborhood near 1170 Alki Avenue SW early Tuesday morning KomoNews.com reports. The fire department found the Porsche about 30 feet off shore. According to the witness the driver was speeding, crashed into a utility pole and went into the water. The male driver was taken to Harborview Medical Center and is expected to recover.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons in car crashes, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Renton man dies in a car accident | Renton car crash attorney

Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Renton man was killed when he crashed his car into a dozen cars in a Chevrolet car dealership lot in Parkland, Washington The Seattle Times reports. According to the State Patrol, Anthony T. McDonald was killed early Sunday when he was thrown from his Jeep Cherokee.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Puyallup, Tacoma, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676.

Lacey woman killed in a car crash | Tacoma car crash lawyer

Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to The Seattle Times, Natalie J. McLaughlin, a 22 year old woman from Lacey was killed early Sunday morning. A vehicle crossed the centerline on Highway 12 in Thurston County causing a head-on collision with McLauglin's vehicle.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Puyallup, Tacoma, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676.

Internet and social media warning to personal injury clients!

Sun, 24 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Please be aware!

We are seeing more and more cases where the insurance companies and insurance defense lawyers are searching social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube for photos and blogs about what the clients are doing while they are claiming to be injured. The courts are ordering injured plaintiffs to produce their Facebook pages to the insurance company lawyers.

Initially people were careful about what photos they posted online and who had access to them but these days everybody is more willing to post just about anything. Your friends may have photos of you, that can be searched by your name, tagged on their pages. Your own privacy settings cannot protect you entirely.

Here is what you can do to protect yourself and your possible injury claim:

1) Make sure there is nothing you would not want your mother or the insurance company lawyer to see.

2) Search your name to see that what comes up is acceptable. Make whatever adjustments are necessary.

3) Check your privacy settings.

4) Don't answer emails or requests from people you don't know (keep in mind that because of the lawsuit process, the opposing legal team knows a lot about you and could send you an email that might make you think you know each other).

If you are not sure if your pages are acceptable, speak to your personal injury lawyer about it now. The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons from car, motorcycle, bicycle and truck accidents. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced Bellevue personal injury attorney, call us and 425-289-1990 or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Increased number of WSP troopers during Memorial Day Weekend | Seattle, Bellevue Personal Injury Attorney

Sun, 24 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to WSP media release there will be approximately 75 extra troopers patrolling the roadways during the Memorial Day Weekend from Friday, May 22nd to Monday, May 25th. They will be looking for:

1) drivers who are speeding

2) drivers who are driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI)

3) drivers who fail to buckle up

4) vehicles carrying unsecured loads

5) aggressive and negligent drivers (WSP will use an aircraft to help with that)

The WSP also asks that motorists be aware of increased number of motorcycle riders this weekend!

The Seattle, Bellevue, Washington attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm represents people injured in car accidents whether through negligent or reckless driving of the other driver. Call us for a free initial consultation at 425-289-2990 or 1-800-636-3676.

Seattle's waterfront sidewalk collapses | Seattle slip and fall attorney

Sun, 24 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

NWCN.com reports that on May 21st near Pier 48 along Alaskan Way South in Seattle, Washington a sidewalk collapsed and a 60 year old man was trapped in a 10-foot deep hole. The Seattle Fire and Rescue crew pulled the man through a narrow opening over an hour later. The Washington State Department of Transportation is investigating this incident.

If you have been involved in a fall injury accident, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation at 425-289-1990 or 1-800-636-3676. We would be happy to discuss your case with you.

One dead, three injured in Auburn car accident | Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

One young man was killed and three people injured in a head-on car crash on A Street Southeast in Auburn, Washington onTuesday evening, The News Tribune reports. One injured woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Two other people were transported to Auburn Regional Medical Center. The cause of the accident is unknown and being investigated by the Auburn Police Department.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Puyallup, Tacoma, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676.

King County Assessor guilty in vehicular assault | Seattle motor vehicle attorney

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

King County Assessor guilty in vehicular assault. The Seattle Times reports that King County Assessor Scott Noble pleaded guilty to a vehicular assault Wednesday morning. On January 18, 2009 Noble was involved in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 causing injuries to him and two other woman.

Noble, 58 apologized to the victims, King County citizens, Department of Assessments' staff and the County Council. The sentencing is scheduled for June 19, 2009 and Noble is planning to resign before that after 16 years of service as a elected assessor.

The Seattle, Bellevue, Washington attorneys at Andrew Kim Law Firm represents people injured in car accidents whether through negligent or reckless driving of the other driver. Call us for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Great resources for Bellevue | Bellevue accident attorney

Thu, 21 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Great resources for Bellevue

Bellevue, WA

Official City of Bellevue Website

City Of Bellevue Police Department

City of Bellevue Fire Department

Bellevue Chamber of Commerce

King County District Court - Bellevue Courthouse

Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons from car, motorcycle, bicycle and truck accidents. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced Bellevue personal injury attorney, call us and 425-289-1990 or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

18 tips preventing dog bites | Bellevue dog bite lawyer

Mon, 18 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

18 tips preventing dog bites

An estimated 4.7 milion people in the United States are bitten by a dog each year.

1. Never approach an unfamiliar dog.

2. Never run from a dog and scream.

3. Stay still when an unfamiliar dog comes up to you ("be still like a tree")

4. If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still ("be like a log")

5. Do not look a dog in the eye.

6. Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

7. Do not pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you first.

8. Never play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.

9. Never leave an infant or child alone with any dog.

10. Teach your dog submissive behaviors, like rolling over to show its stomach.

11. Do not play aggressive games with your dog, such a wrestling.

12. Seek medical care for any serious dog bites and report all dog attack

13. Support animal control programs in your community.

14. Support dog bite prevention educational programs in schools.

15. Get the advise of a veterinarian about the right breed of dog if you are thinking about getting a family dog.

16. Spay or neuter your dog, this often reduces its aggressive tendencies.

17. Be sure all pets are properly immunized.

18. See a veterinarian's advice quickly if your dog becomes aggressive.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents victims of dog bites and attacks, who have suffered serious and permanent injuries. Please call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free consultation.

2 planes collide in Skagit County | Washington plane accident lawyer

Sun, 17 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Komonews.com reports two planes crashed at the Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington, Washington and all four people involved walked away from the collision without injuries! Skagit County sheriff's deputies said the biplane came in for a landing on top of the Cessna, which had just landed a moment before. The impact knocked the Cessna onto its side and the biplane flipped over after crashing into the Cessna.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the accident.

This information was provided by the personal injury lawyers at Andrew Kim Law Firm. We represent people seriously injured in plane crashes and other motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured from a negligent party, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 to discuss your potential case.

Collision coverage or property damage liability coverage? | Seattle Insurance Coverage Dispute Lawyer.

Sun, 17 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

What is collision coverage and should I purchase it?

Collision coverage is a type of voluntary coverage you can purchase which provides for the repair or replacement of your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault.

This is different than property liability insurance coverage. An innocent victim of an accident may present a claim for the property damage under his own collision coverage or under the negligent driver's property damage liability insurance coverage. Your own collision coverage normally includes a deductible, whereas property damage liability insurance coverage does not. In an automobile accident case, after a claim has been paid under your collision coverage, the insurance carrier who paid the claim may proceed against the property damage liability insurance carrier for the negligent driver to recover the amount paid out and refund you for your deductible.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents people involved in a insurance coverage dispute and bad faith claims. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Highway 101 - Quilcene biker killed | Washington Bicycle Accident Attorney

Sat, 16 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Washington State Patrol, a 51-year-old Quilcene man was hit by a car and killed when riding a bike on Highway 101, Komonews.com reports.

The Washington State Patrol Trooper stated that the bicyclist entered the roadway in front of the car just outside Discovery Bay, WA. The driver of the car did not receive a ticket for the bicycle accident but he was cited for driving with a suspended license.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, a personal injury law firm with practice areas involving bicycle accidents and car crashes. We provide prompt responses and investigate the scene of the accident to preserve critical evidence that may disappear later. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Seattle or Bellevue, or toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for an immediate consultation.

Monroe traffic accident - Sultan man killed | Snohomish County Accident Lawyer

Sat, 16 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Seattle Times reports that a 19-year-old Sultan man was killed in a car accident in Monroe. The driver was going west on Woods Lake Road when he hit a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, speed was the reason for the crash.

The Governors Highway Safety Association states speeding as a major factor in nearly one-third of motor vehicle crashes.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons in car crashes, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Five reasons for not speeding! | Bellevue accident attorney

Sat, 16 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Governors Highway Safety Association lists five reasons for not speeding.

Save lives - Slowing down increases your chances for surviving the crash.

Save money - Speeding reduces fuel efficiency. The Department of Energy estimates that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, you most likely pay $0.20 more per gallon.

Save the Earth - More gas consumed translates into more CO2 in the atmosphere. The faster you go the more fuel you consume.

Save yourself a ticket - Obey the speed limit or you will pay the fine.

Save your license - Each speeding ticket can increase points on your driving record. You may lose your license in the process and increase your insurance premiums.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured persons from car, motorcycle, bicycle and truck accidents. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced Bellevue personal injury attorney, call us and 425-289-1990 or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Motor vehicle accident victims | Seattle car accident attorney

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Have you or someone you care about been injured in a motor vehicle accident? You probably have concerns that need to be addressed right away. How should I deal with my insurance company? Should I seek medical treatment for my injuries right away? Who will pay the medical costs for the treatment I already received? What if I need a rental car? Do I have to pay for it while my car is being repaired? Should I call the police? Do I have to take photos of the car and accident scene now or can I wait? Should I hire a lawyer? How do I get the best settlement for my claim?

This website can help. It is designed to provide answers to all these questions and more. Find answers to questions by going to our Frequently Asked Questions section or find more in depth information in our Library articles.

Also our Car Accident practice area is a good source of information. Click on any of these links and find your way to valuable information on what to do if you are seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident or contact the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC at 1-800-636-3676 or www.wainjurylaw.com.

What should parents learn about car safety and kids? | Washington Kids Accident Lawyer

Fri, 15 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

From the time your new baby comes home from the hospital, until they are driving with their own driver's license, parents need to learn how to maximize their kids' safety in the car. At each stage, kids are at risk in different ways.

Most parents don't know how to use their infant or young child's car seat correctly. Too many school-aged kids are in danger because they don't use booster seats. Some kids are in danger from air bags because they ride in front seat before they are big enough to do so safely. Inexperienced teenage drivers are often overtired, driving under the influence, overly confident in their abilities, or aren't paying attention because they're distracted by their friends, cell phones and food.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of accidental death for all young people from one-year-old babies through teens. Too many motor vehicle deaths and injuries could have been prevented.

The American Academy of Pediatrics can help you get started on how to shop for and correctly install a car seat. Keep your child in a car seat for the longest recommended time. Don't "graduate" them before they are both the recommended age and weight.

The Bellevue, Washington office of the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents adults and children seriously injured in any motor vehicle accidents. If you would like to talk to a personal injury attorney to see whether you have a case, please call us at 1-800-636-3676 or visit www.wainjurylaw.com.

Pregnant woman killed in car crash - possible DUI Driver | Washington wrongful death attorney

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A young Concrete man is under investigation for a driving under the influence and vehicler homicide after killing a pregnant 22-year-old Sedro-Wooley woman reports The Seattle Times . Just before 10:00 pm on Highway 20 near Sedro-Wooley a car that caused the crash ran a red light, hit the victim’s car on the driver’s side and pushed it across the intersection and into a ditch.

Drunk driving is a cause of many motor vehicle accidents. The Washington State Court System posted in its 2008 Annual Report that over 40,000 DUI charges were filed in WA State in the past year.

This represents a decrease in over 5% of the total number of DUI charges in Washington from 2007. Over 17,000 people were convicted of DUI in Washington in 2008. Over 18,000 people in Washington were able to resolve their DUI case by way of a reduction to a lesser offense (Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving). And over 8,500 people in 2008 entered into a deferred prosecution as a result of their Washington DUI.

In addition to criminal charges, the family of the deceased may recover damages in a wrongful death civil suit. Washington State's wrongful death statue allows the surviving spouse, child or parent to file a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased loved one.

The Washington car accident attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm aggressively pursues claims against drunk drivers when someone was injured as a result of a car accident as well as families of fatal accidents and wrongful death victims. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for information about your legal rights and how to present your injury claim against drunk drivers.

Fatal Puyallup crash - car torn in half | Puyallup car accident attorney

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

One woman is dead and a man and a girl were injured in a four car crash on River Road in Puyallup reports The Seattle Times. The driver of a Mercedes was on Highway 167 when she lost control of her vehicle and crossed into lanes going the opposite direction. The Mercedes collided with two oncoming vehicles and was ripped in two according to the The Washington State Patrol. A 14 year old girl suffered several broken bones and a man is in critical but stable condition.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents injured passengers as well as families of fatal accidents against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Puyallup, Tacoma, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state at 1-800-636-3676.

$2 million settlement after Wal-Mart's employee death | Seattle wrongful death attorney

Thu, 14 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

CNN.com reported that Wal-Mart reached a settlement with the District Attorney’s Office in Long Island, NY and agreed to pay $2 million which includes $1.5 million for community programs in Nassau County, NY and $400,000 to compensate people who were injured in the "Black Friday" incident and repay out-of-pocket expenses.

The settlement was made in lieu of pursuing criminal charges in the death of 34-year-old man and Wal-Mart employee who was knocked over and trampled to death as 2000 shoppers ran into the store for the morning sales specials. As a part of the settlement Wal-Mart agreed to a crowd-management plan at each of its 92 stores in NY and it will consider applying new safety measures.

The Washington State wrongful death statue allows the surviving spouse, child or parent to file a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased loved one. Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents families of fatal accidents and wrongful death victims. Please call for a free consultation at 1-800-636-3576 or visit www.wainjurylaw.com

9-Year-Old Washington Girl Killed In Motorcycle Accident

Wed, 13 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

An elderly driver is being held responsible for the motorcycle accident death of a 9-year-old girl who was visiting her grandparents in Spokane, Washington, this weekend.

Nehalah May was riding on the back of her grandfather's motorcycle on Highway 195 on Sunday afternoon when a car turning left failed to see the approaching motorcycle. 89-year-old Esther Mae Westlund turned into the Harley Davidson driven by Robin Scholz. Scholz did not have time to break his bike or avoid the crash.

May died in the accident, while her grandfather, Scholz, remains in critical condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Westlund received only minor injuries and was cited for negligent driving.

Westlund has never before received a traffic citation and has a clean driving history. However, she will be re-evaluated in the days after the accident. May's father, Ron, wonders if age played a factor in the woman's negligent driving. Not seeing a motorcycle when turning left is a common motorcycle safety issue.

National Boat Safety Week Theme: Life jacket Safety

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The 2009 National Boat Safety Week kicks off on May 16 - around the time that most families hit the water for the first time this season. Boat Safety Week strives to raise awareness about the 600 boat accident fatalities each year and to urge everyone to "Wear It!" - their life jacket.

The National Safe Boating Council reminds boaters that 90% of people who drown during boating accidents are not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, and that two out of three people who die in boat accidents drown.

Boat safety advocates also reminded boaters that life jackets now come in lightweight, compact, and attractive styles, making them more comfortable and cool to wear even during the summer months.

During Boat Safety Week, the council will also run an essay contest in which writers can share their life jacket stories. The winner of the contest will receive a $1,000 shopping spree.

Head-on car crash in Renton | Car accident lawyer Renton

Mon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A pickup truck driven by a 21 year old traveling northbound on 108th Avenue SE near South 190th Street in Renton, Washington crossed the center line into the southbound lanes and crashed into two vehicles. The first collision killed an unidentified 56 year old woman who was a passenger in the vehicle. The pickup then struck a second vehicle before stopping in the northbound lanes.

All three drivers were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The pickup truck driver was arrested and taken into custody for investigation of vehicular assault and vehicular homicide.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents injured persons in car crashes, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue and surrounding areas and (253) 682-2000 in Tacoma and Pierce County.

Car crashed into tree in Renton | Renton car accident attorney

Mon, 11 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A single car crash on Southwest Seventh Street in Renton, Washington occurred at 12:22 am May 10, 2009 this Sunday morning. The 18-year-old driver and his two passengers were traveling at a high rate of speed when it left the roadway crossed over the sidewalk and hit a tree. All three were critically injured and taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents injured passengers against the at fault driver and helps seek medical coverage from the driver's insurance company, and negotiates a settlement for the injured clients. Call an experienced personal injury attorney today if you've been injured in a car accident in Renton, Seattle, Bellevue or anywhere in Washington state.

Our toll free number is 1-800-636-3676.

Tour bus crash in Perris, California | Bellevue bus accident attorney

Sun, 10 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A bus load of people from Colton, California were returning home on a tour bus from a festival in San Diego, when the bus crashed into a wall on Interstate 215. All 25 passengers were injured from the bus accident with eight of those critically injured.

The California Highway Patrol was investigating the cause of the crash. The tour bus was owned by Inland Empire Stages. The company said the driver was released from a hospital, but gave no further details.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC with offices in Bellevue and Tacoma to better serve your personal injury needs. Call us at 1-800-636-3676 if you've been injured in a bus accident and need some guidance and legal advice.

Man pleads guilty in fatal car crash near Toppenish | Washington car crash attorney

Sun, 10 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Kelly Leroy York, of Buena, Yakima County pleaded guilty in Yakima County Superior Court to all charges including fatality hit-and-run, vehicular homicide and vehicular assault in from a fatal car crash last Thanksgiving near Toppenish, Washington.

The car accident killed 37 year old Rose Magana of El Mirage, Arizona and injured five other people. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of 10 years. The sentencing date was set for May 13, 2009.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents injured persons from car accidents including cases involving drunk drivers and hit and run drivers. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced Bellevue personal injury attorney, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Boat explosion injures 11 people | Bellevue boat accident lawyer

Sun, 10 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

What started out as a nice boating trip for an extended family of 14 people who left from Apollo Beach, Florida on a 33 foot Sea Ray to anchor in three feet of water off Pine Key Island (also know as Beer Can Island) ended in an explosion in the rear portion of the boat.

Eleven people on board were injured, including the six who were seriously injured and flown by helicopter to Tampa General Hospital. Five other children were treated for smoke inhalation and released from the hospital. Three others were wading near the boat at the time of the explosion and were apparently not injured.

The cause of the explosion is under investigation. The boat's twin engines were not operating at the time, although a gasoline generator was. The boat burned to the water line and was owned by George Meyer, who was on the boat.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents those injured as a result of negligent maintenance and operation of a boat or water vessel. Call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Trolley crash caused by texting driver | Bellevue bus crash attorney

Sun, 10 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A Boston trolley train driver was texting his girlfriend on his cell phone when he crashed the train into a stopped train on the Green Line injuring 50 people. The National Transportation Safety Board found no mechanical problems with the brakes or other equipment on the train that caused the crash.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority already bans operators of trains and buses from using cell phones but will now further limit its drivers from bringing the phones on board when driving.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, a Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Washington personal injury law firm representing those injured on a bus, train, trolley and other public transportation. Call us at 1-800-636-3676 to speak with a lawyer now.

Seattle pedestrian hit by car | Bellevue pedestrian car accident attorney

Sun, 10 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 29 year old man was hit by a car at about 10:10 pm after getting off a Metro bus and trying to cross 9th Avenue SW at an unmarked intersection near SW Elmgrove Street in the Highland Park area of Seattle. He was critically injured and taken to Harborview Medical Center with life threatening injuries.

The 51 year old driver of the Chrysler Lebaron that struck the pedestrian was traveling north on 9th Avenue SW. According to the police, the driver showed signs of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He was also taken to Harborview for a blood draw for further investigation of DUI.

This is case where liability will be disputed by the car driver's insurance since the pedestrian was walking in an unmarked crosswalk at night. However, the car driver was most likely driving under the influence impairing his vision, reaction time, and ability to drive. It's important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney to investigate the facts of the car accident as soon as possible.

At the Andrew Kim Law Firm, we provide prompt responses and investigate the scene of the accident to preserve critical evidence that may disappear later. Call us at (425) 289-1990 in Seattle or Bellevue, or toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for an immediate consultation.

Semi-truck and motorcycle crash on I-82 | Washington motorcycle accident attorney

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The driver a 2002 International semi-truck, Johnny Harris, was heading westbound on Interstate 82 near milepost 36 near Yakima, Washington when a tire came off its rim causing the truck to hit the guardrail then veer across the median and into one of the eastbound lanes.

There was no contact with any other vehicles, however, gravel was scattered onto the westbound lanes of I-82 which caused 27 year old motorcycle rider Daniel Reich, 27, of Granger to lose control of his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle and crash. He was taken to Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center for his injuries where he was treated and released. Investigators blamed the crash on the defective tire.

The question in this case is whether the tire manufacturer was responsible for a defective tire or whether the trucking company was at fault for not properly maintaining the tire, or whether the semi-truck driver was an independent contractor or not which would make him responsible as well.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm investigates semi-truck accidents for those injured as a result of the truck driver and/or trucking company's negligence. Call us toll free for an immediate consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Car crashes into school bus in Bush Prairie | Bellevue car crash attorney

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

22-year-old Jace Delgado of Battle Ground, Washington crashed his car into the rear of a school bus on state Highway 503 in Brush Prairie, Washington. The bus driver Nina Millard also of Battle Ground was heading northbound near NE 149th Street when she stopped at a railroad crossing.

Delgado was following an SUV north on Highway 503 also behind the school bus. The SUV driver changed lanes but Delgado was unable to stop in time and ended up underneath the back of the bus. He suffered back pain and was taken by ambulance to Southwest Washington Medical Center where he was treated and released. The bus driver was not injured according to the report.

Oftentimes, a driver in an accident may not experience immediate pain at the scene and will tell the investigating officer that she feels "fine" and so the police report indicates the driver was not injured. Insurance companies will try use this against you but as long as you see a medical professional as soon after the car accident as possible, you will have a better argument to make your case.

For additional information, call a Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma, Washington bus accident injury attorney at the
Andrew Kim Law Firm at 1-800-636-3676.

Tour bus crashes on U.S. 101 in Monterey, California | Seattle, Bellevue, Washington bus accident attorney

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A tour bus owned and operated by Orion Pacific Tour Bus Co. in Orange County, California veered into a guard rail on a U.S. 101 overpass on the Monterey Peninsula and flipped and rolled, ejecting several passengers from the bus along with luggage and clothing onto the highway.

The bus was carrying French and Canadian passengers killing at least four people and injuring everyone else on the bus estimated to be up to 48 people on board. Because of the accident scene's remoteness, eight helicopters and 14 ambulances were needed to take the injured to hospitals in the region, officials said. The cause of the bus accident is still under investigation at the time of this writing.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents injured passengers in bus accidents, and other motor vehicle crashes. If you would like to speak with an injury attorney, call us now at 1-800-636-3676 for a free consultation.

Plane accident in Mansfield injures three | Washington plane accident atttorney

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A pilot and his two passengers, all from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho were injured from a single engine plane crash at Mansfield airport near Lake Chelan, Washington after it touched down on the runway, bounced, then veered into a field. The airfield is owned by the Port of Douglas County.

The pilot James Dunn who was taken by helicopter to Central Washington Hospital. The two passengers, Brian Dunn and Christopher Berard, were taken by ambulance to Lake Chelan Community Hospital. The cause of the crash was being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

This information was provided by the personal injury lawyers at Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC. We represent people seriously injured in plane crashes and other motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured from a negligent party, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 to discuss your potential case.

Car crash in Pullman by DUI driver | Seattle Bellevue car crash attorney

Mon, 04 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A drunk driver made a U-turn on Highway 270 and started driving the wrong way into the westbound lanes. 33 year old Nickole Head of Moscow, Idaho was arrested for DUI and vehicular assault after causing the car crash with a vehicle driven by Paola Segal, 20, of Sandpoint, Idaho and her passenger Hasiba Muhic, 22, of Moscow, Idaho. Muhic was airlifted Wednesday to Spokane’s Sacred Heart Medical Center from Pullman Regional Hospital where she was in satisfactory condition.

The Washington car accident attorney at Andrew Kim Law Firm aggressively pursues claims against drunk drivers when someone was injured as a result of a car accident. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for information about your legal rights and how to present your injury claim against drunk drivers.

Aggressive drivers beware of WSP near Hood Canal | Washington car accident attorney

Sun, 03 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

The Washington State Patrol will be looking for aggressive and reckless drivers near the Hood Canal Bridge which will be closed for six weeks for construction.

Speeding and other aggressive behaviors may result in car accidents and/or road rage incidents. Therefore the State Patrol asks that motorists call 9-1-1 and report any reckless behavior, providing dispatchers with a vehicle description and location.

The WSP asks you to please remember that collisions resulting in serious injury or fatality require lengthy investigations, making the commute time longer than expected so please be patient. If you are involved in a fender bender, you should safely remove your vehicle from the roadway if practical to do so. The Washington State Patrol's goal is to see zero fatalities or serious injury collisions during this time period as well as to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

The Seattle, Bellevue, Washington attorneys at Andrew Kim Law Firm represents people injured in car accidents whether through negligent or reckless driving of the other driver. Call us for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Spokane bicyclist injured in hit-and-run car accident | Washington bicycle accident attorney

Sun, 03 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

A bicyclist was struck by a silver pickup at 8:54 p.m. on Friday May 2, 2009 in north Spokane, Washington at the corner of Post Street and Cora Avenue.

The pickup left the scene of the hit and run accident. The bicyclist sustained broken bones in the truck crash and was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The Spokane Police is asking anyone with information about the crash is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, a personal injury law firm with practice areas involving bicycle accidents, car crashes, and truck accidents. Call us at 1-800-636-3676 to speak with an experienced Washington accident attorney.

Yakima DUI rollover car accident | Car crash Seattle attorney

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Another case of drinking and driving in Yakima, eastern Washington ending in a serious injury rollover car accident.

According to the Washington State Patrol, a 39 year old Rhonda Ruhland from Yakima was seriously injured in the early morning hours around 12:26 am when she was speeding eastbound on Maple Way, left the roadway, and overturned. She was not wearing her seatbelt.

Ruhland was transported to Yakima Regional Medical and Cardiac Center, where she is listed in critical condition. This woman is lucky to be alive and lucky that she didn't harm or kill someone else driving down the roadway.

Call the Andrew Kim Law Firm if you've been injured by a drunk DUI driver. We will pursue the responsible person and if necessary the bar or tavern that may have over-served the intoxicated driver. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Wapato car crash kills woman | Car crash Bellevue Lawyer

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A unidentified woman was killed when she crashed her car into a power pole on Campbell Road southwest of Wapato, Washington and her car caught on fire badly burning the vehicle and the victim.

Witnesses reported that the she was driving southbound on Campbell, south of Hoffer Road and traveling erratically since Interstate 82. The driver lost control of her car which went sideways in the road and then struck the power pole on the driver’s side.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents persons seriously injured or killed from a car crash, truck accident, motorcycle crashes. If you or someone you know has been injured and need to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Wapato car crashes into utility poles | Car crash lawyer Bellevue

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

As a follow up to my previous blog about this Wapato, Washington car crash, the woman who was killed when she crashed her car into power poles has been identified as 43 year old Angela M. Bueno.

The crash knocked out two power poles supporting two large regulators that spilled 50 gallons of cooling oil containing PCBs. Pacific Power cleaned up the mess and restored power that was out for about six hours to more than 600 customers.

The information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, helping injured clients put their lives back together.

Mason County car crash | Washington car accident lawyer

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

16 year old Joshua McGuire and his 14 year old brother Jordan McGuire were involved in a tragic one car crash on State Route 3, three miles from Allyn, Washington in Mason County. Joshua was driving a 1987 BMW northbound when he lost control of the car and truck a utility pole.

Jordan died at the scene from his injuries and Joshua was transported to Mason General Hospital with a serious head injury and a broken neck. He was later airlifted to Harborview Medical Center where he remained in serious condition. According to the Washington State Patrol, it did not appear that drugs or alcohol were factors in causing the car collision. Both boys attended North Mason High School in Belfair, Washington.

There was no mention in the report if the speed of the car, weather and road conditions, or mechanical failure were factors in the car crash. Investigation of these facts will determine whether the passenger and/or driver can make a claim for injuries against the insurance company.

The Washington personal injury attorney at the Andrew Kim Law Firm represents those injured in one car accidents, multiple vehicle collisions, and rollover crashes throughout the state of Washington including Mason County. If you would like to discuss your potential claim, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Yakima car crash injures 2 Sunnyside residents | Tri-City Washington car accident attorney

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two Sunnyside, Washington residents were injured in a one car rollover accident in Yakima, Washington. The Washington State Patrol has stated that alcohol or drugs may have contributed to the car crash. 20 year old Ricardo Chavez Jr. was driving westbound on Factory Road at around 10:30 p.m. when his car left the road, rolled and hit a power pole near Ray Road.

Neither Chavez nor his 15 year old passenger, Janet S. Castillo, were wearing a seat belt and were injured. They were taken to Sunnyside Community Hospital where Castillo was treated and released but Chavez was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with more serious injuries and was admitted into the intensive care unit. Chavez was likely be investigated for DUI with a blood draw at the hospital.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm aggressively pursues injury claims against drivers who have been drinking and driving whether charged with DUI or not. If you've been injured by a drunk driver, please call us for a free consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Boat crash kills 5 in Florida | Washington boat accident attorney

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 22 foot power boat with 14 people on board crashed into a docked tug boat on the Intracoastal Waterway on April 12, 2009 at about 7 pm about 25 miles southeast of Jacksonville, Florida. Five people were killed and nine were injured. The boat accident was serious enough to be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators are looking at several factors including speed, capacity of the boat, lighting and whether people were drinking.

Six victims were treated at Shands Jacksonville Hospital, two were in critical condition, one was in serious and three in fair condition. The report did not mention where the other three injured were being treated.

The five killed all died at the scene and were aboard the power boat. They were Jacqueline R. Allen, 44, of Jacksonville, Florida; Robert Trenton Craig, 23, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida; Elizabeth L. Rosenfeld, 20, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; Inmaculada Pierce, 42, of Orange Park, Florida; and Olivia Rose Carretero, 23, of South Lake Tahoe, California.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represent persons seriously injured or killed in boating accidents including motorboat crash, powerboat, sailboat, kayak, jet ski, and windsurfer collisions. Call a Bellevue, Seattle, Tacoma, Washington boat accident attorney at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Our clients are from Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Puget Sound, Beaver Lake, Pine Lake, Lake Chelan, Columbia River, Nisqually River, Moses Lake, Lake Wenatchee, Lake Tapps, American Lake, and Lake Roosevelt.

Jefferson County plane flips during take-off | Bellevue personal injury attorney

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

78-year-old John M. Cook of Sequim, Washington was seriously injured when his light airplane crashed during takeoff from Jefferson County International Airport on April 9, 2009. A wind gust caught a wing of the two-passenger, single-engine Light Sport by Remos causing it to flip over and corkscrew into the grass next to the runway.

Cook sustained serious injuries including broken bones and cuts to his face and was flown by helicopter to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the plane accident.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents persons seriously injured in plane accidents as well as other crashes involving motor vehicles. You can call us for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Colville woman killed in one car accident on Highway 20 | Washington car accident attorney

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

68 year old Linda Ann Lobdell from Colville, Washington was killed on April 8, 2009 when the driver of her car, 65-year-old John Edward Chaney, lost control of the 1994 Honda Civic and went off the highway onto the shoulder, partially rolled and hit a tree. They were heading eastbound on Highway 20 about 15 miles east of Colville when the accident occurred.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the passenger Lobdell was not wearing a seat belt. The driver was injured and taken to Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville where he was treated and released.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC handles car accident cases involving serious injuries and wrongful death caused by a negligent driver. Call us for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Motorcycle crash kills Maryland state delegate's son | Washington motorcycle accident attorney

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

23-year-old Ryan Andrew Myers was killed in a motorcycle crash on April 9, 2009 when a tractor trailer truck pulled out of a truck stop into his path. The accident happened on State Route 63 near French Lane near Hagerstown, Maryland.

According to Maryland State Police, Ryan was riding his motorcycle northbound at a high rate of speed before braking and skidding 300 feet to avoid colliding with the semi-truck. He was run over by the left rear tires of the tractor-trailer operated by Larry Garrett, 62, Edmond, Oklahoma.

No charges have been filed and is under investigation. Myers was the son of Maryland Delegate LeRoy Myers Jr., a Republican from Clear Spring in Washington County.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents persons seriously injured in motorcycle accidents in Bellevue, Seattle, King County, and Washington State. We are available for free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Car crash fees for police and fire response? | Bellevue car crash attorney

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Accident Response Fees?

A woman in Winter Haven, Florida was involved in a car accident in February. Almost immediately after the crash, local police officers and firefighters showed up at the scene. The quick response wasn't the surprise to the driver Shirly Kimel. Instead it was a $315 bill she received from the city for the cost of the police and fire department responding.

Kimel stated “I always thought this sort of thing was covered by my taxes.” It used to be. But last July, Winter Haven became one of a few dozen cities in the country to start charging “accident response fees.” The idea is to shift the expense of tending to and cleaning up crashes directly to at-fault drivers. Either they, or their insurers, are expected to pay.

The problem is that car insurance is not likely to cover this expense which leaves the driver stuck with the bill. With the downturn in the economy and local governments trying to make up for lost revenues, creative measures such as this accident response fee and other types of fees are popping up around the country.

Let's hope that the State of Washington doesn't get wind of this and start charging us for the privilege of having the police and fire department respond to a car accident.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents persons injured in a car accident, and other motor vehicle crashes. If you have questions about your case and want to speak with a Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Washington personal injury attorney, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Washington Police Chief Causes Accident While Texting On Blackberry

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson found himself in a car accident on March 18 when he decided to text while driving - an act that's against the law in Washington State.

Network World reports that the police officer was using his blackberry at an intersection in his police cruiser when he rear-ended the car in front of him. The car accident, which resulted in minor damage and no injuries, resulted in a reprimand and a public apology.

Using a personal mobile device while driving is illegal in Washington State, although it is considered a secondary infraction - drivers are only cited for breaking the law if they are pulled over for another reason or if they cause an accident. Police officers are exempt from the law altogether, although Wilson admitted that he had taken advantage of his exemption.

Washington became the first state to ban texting in 2007.

Snohomish motorcyle crash kills 16 year old boy | Snohomish motorycle accident attorney

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

On April 8, 2009, a 16-year-old boy from the Snohomish area was killed in a motorcycle, car crash collision in the 20400 block of 121st Avenue SE in unincorporated Snohomish. He was attempting to pass a vehicle in a no passing zone when the vehicle he was trying to pass made a left turn into him.

According to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, the boy was wearing a helmet. The driver of the other vehicle was a 19-year-old woman who sustained minor injuries.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents injured persons resulting from motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and other motor vehicle collisions. If you would like to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney about your case, call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Pickup truck collision with Stryker in Spanaway | Tacoma truck accident attorney

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

On April 7, 2009, a 55-year-old pickup truck driver, Gregory Wood from Roy, Washington, was killed in a collision with a Stryker vehicle from Fort Lewis on SR-507 near Spanaway.

According to Washington State Patrol, two Fort Lewis-based Strykers were stopped at an intersection. The first turned left onto the highway, and as the second was entering the roadway, it collided into the side of a Wood's Ford F-150.

It appears that the Stryker vehicle failed to yield the right of way to the pickup truck and may also have been inattentive causing the fatal crash.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents people seriously injured or killed by negligent drivers of cars, trucks or as in this case military vehicles. When dealing with an injury or wrongful death claim against a governmental entity such as the U.S. military, certain procedures must strictly be followed and different statutes (Federal Tort Claims Act) apply. Call an experienced Tacoma personal injury attorney at 1-800-636-3676 for a free consultation now.

University of Washington Bans Dogs After Dog Bite Incident

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

The University of Washington will no longer allow dogs in campus buildings following several dog bite incidents over the last semester. UW's newspaper, The Daily, reported that most recently a dog bit a person in Parrington Hall, beginning a number of rule changes. Non-service dogs will no longer be allowed in campus buildings and pets may not be left unattended outside on campus, even if tethered.

The decision was made by the UW Board of Regents and The UW Academic and Student Affairs Committee and will be enforced by the UW Police Department. Changes will be made to the Washington Academic Code (WAC) to not only bar animals from the university's buildings, but also to comply with Seattle Animal Control standards.

The UWPD will enforce the new rules by first issuing a warning and then to ask the pet owners to leave the building. Pet owners will only be ticketed or banned from the building if they refuse to cooperate by removing their animal from the premises. Animals that are unleashed or unattended on campus could be brought to animal control for the safety of those on campus.

Motor vehicle traffic death crashes fall in 2008 | Seattle car crash attorney

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

One bright spot in this country amid the recession is that the U.S. highway traffic crash deaths in 2008 fell to their lowest level since 1961 when John F. Kennedy was president. The recession and $4-per-gallon gas meant people drove less to save more. Experts also cited record seat-belt use, tighter enforcement of drunken-driving laws and the work of advocacy groups that encourage safer driving habits.

Tough economic times during the 1973 to 1974 oil crisis and inflation saw highway vehicle collision fatalities fall more than 16 percent and during the 1981 to 1982 recession under President Reagan saw a drop of nearly 11 percent.

The vehicle miles traveled in 2008 fell by about 3.6 percent, to 2.92 trillion miles, indicating many people adjusted their driving habits as gas prices fluctuated and the economy tumbled. You may have also noticed fewer vehicles on the roadways as there are fewer people working and driving.

The Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma offices of Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represent people seriously injured or killed in car accidents, but we always welcome news such as this where traffic deaths are at historic lows. Should you have any questions about your car crash case, call us for a free consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Roll through stop signs for bicyclists in Oregon | Bellevue bicycle injury attorney

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A proposed Oregon bill would allow bicyclists to roll through stop signs only in residential neighborhoods and is sponsored by a freshman legislator, Rep. Jules Bailey, D-Portland. Advocates argue that allowing bicyclists to make rolling stops makes it easier to maintain momentum, encouraging cycling in general and would take cyclists away from busy but dangerous arterial streets with few stops and into neighborhoods that have little traffic and many stops.

The measure is modeled after a similar law in Idaho that allows bicyclists to treat stop signs like yield signs. This measure is drawing fire in the Oregon legislature for a law that may be lethal for bicyclists.

If bicyclists are allowed to roll through a stop sign at an intersection, then how are operators of motor vehicles supposed to react to them?

At the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC, we can let you know whether you have a case if you are injured in a bicycle vs. car accident. The rules of the road are not always so clear cut and easy to understand when it comes to bicyclists on the roadway. So, call us at 1-800-636-3676 before you talk to anyone from the insurance company. It may make or break your case.

Everett woman killed crossing I-5 | Everett pedestrian injury attorney

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

On March 29, 2009, a pedestrian woman was killed after attempting to run across Interstate 5 in Everett and being struck by two vehicles. According to the Washington State Patrol, the woman was hit in the northbound lanes of I-5 near Everett Mall at about 8:30 pm. Neither driver was hurt according to WSP.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC. We handle personal injury cases involving car accidents, pedestrians, truck, motorcycle, bicycle accidents throughout the State of Washington. If you've been injured in an accident, call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Kemore worker injured by train in tunnel | Seattle personal injury attorney

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A worker was injured in Kenmore, Washington on March 30, 2009 when he was struck by the locomotive train that carries equipment and employees through a tunnel being bored to carry treated water from the Brightwater sewage-treatment plant, which is being built by King County, to Puget Sound. The nature of the worker's injuries were unknown at the time of the news report.

If the worker was injured by a third-party, as opposed to his employer, then he would have a claim for his injuries against the third party even though he would also be covered under a worker's compensation claim (L & I). Typically, the injured worker will receive an election of third-party claim form from L & I. The injured worker should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss the possible third party claim before filling out this form, the sooner the better.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC helps injured workers with injury claims against third-parties whether in a car accident, train accident, truck accident, construction site injury, or defective product. Call us now for a free consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Lake Tahoe bus crash on I-80 | Bellevue, Washington bus crash attorney

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST

A shuttle bus operated by the Resort at Squaw Creek crashed on April 4, 2009 on Interstate 80 which is the main highway through California's Sierra Nevada killing one passenger and injuring 27 others. The bus went off the road, hit a guardrail and rolled several times before coming to rest in a ditch.

Some of the 30 or so people aboard were thrown from the bus and one was pronounced dead at the scene according to California Highway Patrol. The injured passengers were taken to hospitals in Reno and Truckee, California including Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. Injuries ranged from serious and critical head injuries, broken bones and bruises.

The bus was transporting employees from Reno to the upscale resort north of Lake Tahoe when the accident occurred.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC handles serious injury and wrongful death cases involving shuttle buses, vans, trucks and other commercial vehicles which transport people. If you've been injured or know someone who's been injured, call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Federal Way woman killed in car accident | Federal Way personal injury attorney

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

On March 22, 2009, an elderly woman in her mid-80s accidentally backed a car over her passenger who was also in her 80s and killed her when she loading groceries into the car in a Federal Way, Washington parking lot of Top Food & Drug located at 315 Pacific Highway.

The Federal Way Police Department is calling this "just a tragic accident" and found "nothing criminal involved whatsoever." The accident took place in the lot of Top Food & Drug at 315 Pacific Highway S.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm handles claims for wrongful death and serious injuries from car accidents such as this tragic accident. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with the necessary information to make the proper decisions during these difficult times. Call us for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Fatal car crash on Redmond-Fall City Road | Redmond car accident attorney

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

On March 7, 2009, a 32 year old woman, Gretchen Forsman, was killed in a car crash on Highway 202 near Ames Lake Road in Redmond, after her car hydroplaned in a patch of water, spun into oncoming traffic and was hit by an 2005 Kia Sedona SUV. She was a passenger in a 2000 Honda Civic driven by 33 year old David Forsman who was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle in serious condition.

The driver of the Sedona was identified as Caroline Robinson, 38, and the passengers were Brian Robinson, 35, and two children, ages 8 and 6. Three of the four people in the Sedona were taken to Harborview for injuries as well.

The Washington State Patrol listed the causes of the collision as weather and speed.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents those injured by the negligence of other drivers who cause the car accident and personal injuries including neck and back strains, sprains, head trauma, and other permanent injuries. You can call us at
(425) 289-1990 for a free initial consultation.

Sequim man killed in helicopter crash | Washington personal injury attorney

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

66 year old Roger Hershner was killed in a helicopter crash in a field in central near Moundridge, Kansas. He was piloting the helicopter from Washington to Virginia to perform contract work for the U.S. Forest Service. The cause of the crash is still under investigation and unknown at this point. Weather and fuel have been ruled out as a possible cause of the accident. No other passengers were on board.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC. We handle serious personal injury cases resulting from helicopter crashes, plane crashes, and all other motor vehicle accidents including cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 if you have any questions regarding a possible claim.

Seattle Begins Enforcing Leash Laws For Dogs As Safety Measure

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

In an effort to keep children and adults safe in public parks, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Seattle Animal Shelter have teamed up to step up dog leash enforcement in several of the city's parks. The change is in response to the public's lax response to the law, and even the misunderstanding that parks are off-leash areas for dogs.

In reality, although many parks allow dogs to run free, others do not for the safety of both the dogs and those using the parks. Parks that will receive ramped-up leash law attention include West Queen Anne Playfield, Gilman Playfield, Bitter Lake Playfield, Ravenna/Cowen Parks, Green Lake Park and Volunteer Park.

In the first weekend of enforcement, Park and Humane Law Enforcement Officers issued 14 citations, ranging from $54 to $162. Tickets focused on leash laws, dog licensing laws, and scooping laws.

Officials also wanted to remind the public and increase awareness about other public places - although leashed dogs are allowed in most parks, some public places, such as athletic fields, children's playgrounds, and beaches, do not allow dogs at all.

South Kitsap Highway 160 Crash Leaves One Dead

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to the Kitsap Sun, 23-year-old Josh Heuer of Port Orchard died at Tacoma General Hospital after being involved in a serious car accident on Monday night.

Heuer was pulling on to Highway 160 from Bodle Road when he was struck by an oncoming car driven by a 19-year-old woman headed east. Some reports indicate that one of the two cars involved in the 2-vehicle accident did not have its lights on. Washington State Patrol is still investigating the incident and are waiting for results of drug and alcohol tests.

Heuer, who was not wearing a seat belt, had weak vital signs when emergency workers arrived at the crash site. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died on his injuries. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including a sore neck and seat belt abrasions. She was released from Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton.

Highway 160 was closed for two hours following the serious car wreck.

Fremont Bridge head-on car wreck kills driver | Seattle car accident lawyer

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

42-year-old Christine Duffy from Seattle was critically injured in a head-on car collision on the Fremont Bridge on February 18, 2009 but later died from her injuries. The exact cause of her death is unknown and according to one of her friends, Duffy may have suffered a seizure or some other medical emergency that may have caused her to lose control of her vehicle.

According to Seattle Police, Duffy was driving northbound over the Fremont Bridge when she crossed the double yellow line, clipped a mini van and then crashed head-on into a cargo van. The other drivers, a 49-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, suffered injuries and were treated at local hospitals.

If you've been injured in a car crash and the other insurance company is denying your claim because they are saying that their insured driver lost control of the car, truck or van due to a sudden and unexpected medical emergency such as a heart attack, then you need to contact us right away.

These types of defenses can be defeated with the proper investigation and argument by an experienced personal injury attorney. You may can call the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC at (425) 289-1990 or toll free at 1-800-636-3676.

Everett Sound Transit bus accident injures pedestrian | Everett personal injury attorney

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 44-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured by a Sound Transit bus in Everett on February 20, 2009 at the intersection of Pacific and Wetmore Avenues just before 5 pm. It was not clear if the Everett man was in the crosswalk at the time of the bus accident, and Everett police will review a bus-camera video to help determine the cause of the accident.

The man was taken to Providence Medical Center in Everett and then airlifted later to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he was recovering.

There are many facts and circumstances that may affect whether an injured pedestrian can file a claim against the driver of the bus. Whether the pedestrian was in the marked or unmarked crosswalk, whether there was a pedestrian traffic control device, lighting conditions, weather conditions, visibility of the pedestrian, point of impact of the collision, attention of the driver, etc.

Call us the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC to help you sort through all facts and details and gather the evidence before it's too late. We can be reached at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Boater who hit kayaker on American Lake found | Lakewood personal injury attorney

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Lakewood police have found the boater who hit a 14 year old kayaker on American Lake in a boating accident, leaving the boy critically injured. After interviewing the boater, police said today the collision was not "intentional, negligent or reckless".

14-year-old, David Kenny "DK" Ross, suffered severe head injuries. His father also said doctors had to remove his ruptured spleen. He's was in critical condition at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.

It's hard to imagine how the boat driver could not be at least negligent or even reckless. The operator of a motor boat has a duty to:

Operate at a safe controlled speed for the situation in which you are boating, and any
legally mandated speed requirements that there may be, such as a slow/no wake zone.

Take care to avoid careless, reckless or negligent boat operations--such as operating too closely to
other vessels, boating under the influence, or operating at an unsafe speed for the given conditions.

See the Rules of the Road as they apply to boats and other vessels here.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents those seriously injured in boating accidents involving motorboats, sailboats, PWC, jet skis, Seadoos, and kayaks. You can contact us at (425) 289-1990 in the Seattle / Bellevue area or at
(253) 682-2000 in the Tacoma / Lakewood area.

Bus crash injures track team on Highway 520 | Bellevue bus accident attorney

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Two buses carrying about 75 athletes and coaches from the Eastern Washington University track team were in a bus accident after a car going westbound on Highway 520 cut off the first bus forcing it to brake. The second bus couldn't stop in time and rear-ended the first bus.

The accident occurred on Highway 520, just east of 84th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue. Four people were taken to local hospitals for injuries. According to the Washington State Patrol, the driver of the car fled the scene but later crashed into a barrier at midspan of the 520 bridge. The driver was being investigated on suspicion of DUI.

The obvious at fault driver in this bus crash was the drunk driver but the second bus driver may also be partially at fault for following too close (to the other bus in front). The following vehicle has a duty to maintain a safe distance and to be able to stop even in an emergency situation like this one.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC can help you sort through the liability and insurance coverage issues and advise you what you need to do to bring a claim for injuries if you were hurt from a car or bus accident. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 to speak with an attorney now.

Pit bull dog owner sentenced for mauling | Dog bite injury attorney

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Travis Dean Cunningham was sentenced to one year in prison for possession of a dangerous dog, and a little more than five years for unlawful possession of a firearm. The judge also reinstated a previously suspended five year sentence from Cowlitz County.

His two male pit bulls attacked an elderly SeaTac woman Huong Le last September 8, 2008 while walking on the sidewalk and suffered serious and permanent injuries. Le had more than 10 hours of surgery to reattach her ears and repair other numerous bite wounds. According to her son Eric John Makus, one of her arms is permanently disabled.

Cunningham apologized to the court for the dog attack and promised never to own a dog again.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents people seriously injured from dog bites whether from aggressive dogs like pit bulls or other breeds like German Shepards, retrievers, and terriers. Call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Motorcyclist killed on I-405 in Renton | Motorcycle accident lawyer

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A motorcyclist was killed on February 22, 2009 shortly after midnight when his bike struck a barrier while traveling north on an exit ramp from Interstate 405 to Highway 169 in Renton. The rider was identified as Layne Poston, 46, of Auburn. According to the Washington State Patrol, he was riding a 1986 Harley Davidson FXSTC and lost control of the vehicle in a curve.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC which handles motor vehicle injury claims resulting from motorcycle, moped, and scooter crashes. You may contact us at (425) 289-1990 or toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for additional information regarding a possible case.

Drunk driver charged in fatal car accident | Auburn car accident attorney

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

Marcelino Rosales-Avendano was charged with vehicular homicide after he was going 100 mph on Interstate 5 and crashed his car and killed his passenger. He was driving southbound on I-5 near Highway 18 in Federal Way, Washington when the car fishtailed and spun before sliding off the highway.

The driver, Rosales-Avendano was ejected, and a 26-year-old Auburn woman, Nora Jerry, was thrown into the back seat and died of head injuries. Neither were wearing a seat belt. Alcohol was involved with Rosales-Avendano's blood-alcohol level measured at 0.10.

The this tragic accident was could have been lessened if the driver and passenger had worn their seat belts. It is fortunate that no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC aggressively pursues claims on behalf of injured persons against drunk drivers (DUI) and bars and taverns (dram shop claims) that may have over-served them. Usually, the crashes are quite severe and the injuries are often serious and permanent. An experienced personal injury lawyer like Andrew Kim can help you get back on the road to recovery. Call us now for a free initial consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

We handle case throughout the State of Washington.

UW lecturer dies after bike accident in Seattle | Seattle bicycle injury attorney

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST

A bicyclist who suffered head injuries after she was struck by a Toyota Prius Wednesday morning in Seattle's Wallingford neighborhood died early Friday in Harborview Medical Center. Carol Salomon was a University of Washington faculty lecturer specializing in the Bengali language, in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature.

The bike accident happened at the intersection of North 56th Street and First Avenue Northeast in Seattle just before 10:30 a.m. According to the police, the cyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC represents bicyclists injured by other motor vehicles who failed to yield the right of way or were inattentive and did not see the rider until it was too late. For a free consultation, call us at (425) 289-1990 in the Seattle area or (253) 682-2000 in the Tacoma area.

Turkish Airlines jetliner crash in Amsterdam | Seattle airline crash attorney

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Another plane drops from the sky. This time it's a Turkish Airlines jetliner that plowed into a muddy field just short of the runways at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. The Boeing 737-800 was flying from Istanbul, Turkey to Amsterdam when it lost air speed and fell out of the sky. Miraculously, some 125 people survived but nine died including both pilots. Six of the injured were in critical condition, 25 were seriously hurt and 24 had slight injuries, health authorities said.

The plane broke into three pieces. The fuselage split in two, close to the cockpit, and the tail broke off. But the wreckage didn't burn partly because of engineering advances that have resulted in strengthened structures and fire retardant technologies, and because the plane would have used up a major portion of its fuel. The soft muddy grounds also lessened the impact.

Investigators will explore a wide range of possible causes of the crash, ranging from weather-related factors such as wind shear or icing, to fuel starvation, navigational errors, pilot fatigue or bird strikes. They have checked the plane's documents and there is no problem concerning maintenance.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC which handles all major accidents and crashes resulting in serious injuries and death. You may call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Yakima man convicted in fatal car crash | Yakima car crash attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

22-year-old Blake Edward Young was convicted of second-degree murder by a jury in Yakima for a crash on October 22, 2006 that killed Edgar F. Trevino-Mendoza, 19, and Guillermo "Bobby" Aguilar, when they were broadsided by Young who was fleeing from police in a stolen car.

Young faces 32 to 49 years in prison. The Guillermo "Bobby" Aguilar and Edgar F. Trevino-Mendoza Public Safety Act which was passed by the legislature last year following this crash requires that a driver convicted of endangering others while fleeing from authorities be sentenced to an extra year and a day behind bars.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents those innocent parties that have been seriously injured or killed in a car crash as a result of the negligent or wrongful acts of another driver. We are available for a free consultation at 1-800-636-3676.

Pedestrian in critical condition after being hit on I-5 onramp | Seattle pedestrian accident attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

On February 4, 2009, a 25-year-old suspected car prowler suffered life-threatening injuries after running onto an I-5 on ramp near the Washington State Convention Trade Center in Seattle where he was struck by at least one vehicle. He was running away from a Seattle Police traffic-enforcement officer who yelled at him to stop but the man kept running and was able to lose the officer in the foot chase. The man was taken taken to Harborview Medical Center.

Cyclist killed in crash with van in Ballard | Seattle bicycle crash attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 39-year-old Seattle cyclist was killed in a collision with a van on February 4, 2009 in Ballard on 24th Avenue NW near the intersection of NW 65th Street. The bicyclist was riding downhill south on 24th Avenue NW when he entered the two-way left turn lane, attempting to pass a van on the left.

The van moved into the left turn lane and the bicycle and rider went underneath the van. Medics performed CPR at the scene on the cyclist who suffered life-threatening injuries. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center where he later died. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The case is still under investigation.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident and are not sure whether you should speak with the insurance company, call the Andrew Kim Law Firm first at (425) 289-1990 in Bellevue or (253) 682-2000 or 1-800-636-3676 in Washington for a free consultation before it's too late. Giving too much information or the wrong information to the insurance company can damage your case.

9 year old Everett girl hit by stolen car | Everett car accident attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

According to Everett police, a 39 year old man driving a stolen 2005 Dodge Magnum struck a 9-year-old girl at a crosswalk on February 6, 2009 at the intersection of Cady Road and Pecks Drive in Everett at around 8 a.m. when she was walking to school.

The driver then scooped her up and drove her around in a failed attempt to find a hospital before dropping her off at a Shoreline convenience store at the Aurora Village Mart located at 20003 Aurora Avenue North. She was found bleeding and crying at the store.

After the police were called, the girl was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and was listed in satisfactory condition with a broken jaw.

The man eventually turned himself in to police and is being held at the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of felony hit-and-run and first-degree kidnapping and possibly car theft charges.

In a pedestrian / car accident case like this, it is unlikely that the at fault driver had insurance to cover the injuries to the girl. The car owner is also not responsible since the car was stolen. Therefore, you will need to find out if the girl's parents had uninsured motorist (UM) coverage for the bodily injury claim and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to pay for medical bills.

At the Andrew Kim Law Firm, we handle cases involving a pedestrian hit by cars or other vehicles in a marked or unmarked crosswalk and intersection. Call us toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for a free consultation.

Pit bull dog attack owner pleads guilty | Seattle dog bite attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

36 year old Travis Dean Cunningham, who owned two male pit bulls that mauled 71-year-old woman, Huong Le, near her SeaTac home last September 2008, has pleaded guilty in King County Superior Court to possession of a dangerous dog. Le suffered severed ears, a crushed arm and deep bite wounds all over her body. She still suffers permanent disability with her right arm and scarring on her leg.

The Andrew Kim Law Firm represents victims of dog bites and attacks, who have suffered serious and permanent injuries, against the dog owners. Please call us at 1-800-636-3676 for a free consultation.

Auburn woman killed on I-5 near Highway 18 | Tacoma car accident attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

A 26-year-old Auburn woman was killed early Saturday morning February 7, 2009 around 3:20 a.m. when the car in which she was riding left southbound Interstate 5 near the Highway 18 interchange and hit some trees. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another occupant of the car, a 35-year-old Tacoma man, was taken to Harborview Medical Center with unspecified injuries. It wasn't immediately clear who was driving the car according to Washington State Patrol.

The police investigation report will be crucial in this case to determine who was driving and at fault and who was the passenger who may have a claim for injuries or wrongful death if it is determined that the woman was the passenger. Apparently, the bodies were were either thrown from the vehicle and/or not seat-belted in their final resting positions. However, a final determination of each person's seating position may never be conclusively made.

At the Andrew Kim Law Firm, we promptly investigate the facts of a car accident and preserve crucial evidence that may make or break your case. Call us at 1-800-636-3676 if you've been injured in an accident before it's too late to do anything about your car crash case.

Continental flight 3407 jet crashes into home | Seattle plane crash attorney

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

On February 12, 2009, Continental Connection Flight 3407 from Newark, New Jersey crashed into a suburban Buffalo house in a fiery plane crash that killed all 48 people a on board and one person Doug Wielinski in the home. Two others in the house, Doug's wife, Karen Wielinski, 57, and their 22-year-old daughter, Jill, escaped with minor injuries.

The cause of the accident was under investigation, but reports of ice building up on their wings seems to be a major factor. The twin turboprop aircraft was coming in for a landing when it went down in light snow and fog around 10:20 p.m. about five miles short of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York.

The 74-seat Q400 Bombardier aircraft, operated by Colgan Air, looked like it suddenly dropped straight down from the sky. The nearly vertical drop of the plane suggests a sudden loss of control and that icing or a mechanical failure, such as wing flaps deploying asymmetrically or the two engines putting out different thrust, might have caused the crash.

In general, smaller planes like the Dash 8, which uses a system of pneumatic de-icing boots, are more susceptible to icing problems than larger commuter planes that use a system to warm the wings. The boots, a rubber membrane stretched over the surface, are filled with compressed air to crack any ice that builds up.

A similar turboprop jet crash 15 years ago in Indiana was caused by icing, and after that the NTSB issued icing recommendations to more aggressively use the plane's system of pneumatic de-icing boots. But the FAA hasn't adopted it. It remains part of the NTSB's most-wanted safety improvements list.

Details For Bombadier Q-400 (DH4)
Source: Colgan Air

74-seat twin turboprop in single-class, four abreast configuration

Jet-like speed with state-of-the-art avionics

Performance profile allows operations below and away from congested airspace

"Q means Quiet" with advanced noise and vibration reduction

Full size cabin with 32" seat pitch and 6'5" of headroom

Two flight attendants for passenger safety and comfort

Continental Airlines short and medium haul in-flight service offerings

Arrives and departs at Terminal C at Newark Liberty Airport

Length 107' 9"
Height 27' 5"
Wingspan 93' 3"
Passengers 68-78
Engines 2 Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. PW150
360 kts (414 mph)

Continental said relatives and friends of those on Flight 3407 who want to give or receive information about those on board can call a special family assistance number, 1-800-621-3263.

This information was provided by the Andrew Kim Law Firm, PLLC. We represent people who have been seriously injured or killed in major accidents throughout the State of Washington. We can be reached toll free at 1-800-636-3676 for a free initial consultation.

Bellevue High School Football Team Bounces Back After Bus Accident

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

On their way to the Tacoma Dome for a semifinal football game this fall, the Bellevue Wolverines's team bus overturned on I-5. The bus was traveling at 60 miles per hour when a ladder from a pickup truck ahead of them flew into the drivers' path. The bus swerved to avoid the obstacle and flipped onto its side, taking the 40-some football players with it. Miraculously, the players were shaken but no one was seriously hurt. One coach suffered a separated shoulder and bruised spine in the Washington bus wreck, but will not suffer any permanent injury.

Since the I-5 bus crash, the team has not only recovered from the traumatic experience but triumphed on the field. Although the semifinal game was delayed, the Wolverines went on to win not only that game but the 3A state football championship. This is the sixth championship win for the Bellevue team in eight years, as well as an undefeated season for the 2008 players.

The Seattle Sports Examiner has declared the triumph one of their top moments of 2009.

Owner Of Deadly SeaTac Pit Bulls Pleads Guilty

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Over the past few months, we've brought you the story of the September mauling of a 72-year-old SeaTac women by two vicious pit bulls. Since the initial attack, which resulted in the elderly women suffering crushed bones, a detached ear, and dozens of puncture wounds, the owner of the dogs has been charged with possession of dangerous animals - a felony.

On Tuesday, the owner, 36-year-old Travis Dean Cunningham, pleaded guilty to the felony charge in the King County Courts. He also pleaded guilty to possession of an illegal firearm. He faces up to 11.5 years in prision.

The attack prompted some talk in Seattle regarding a breed-specific ban on pit bulls, which are statistically more likely to attack humans and which have historically done greater harm to humans than other breeds. Similar laws are being consider in other states, though without much success.

The woman involved in the attack, Huong Le, is still recovering from the animal bites. A close friend told the Seattle Times that she suffers permanent disability in her right arm and that some of the wounds in her legs have still not completely healed.

Boating Accident Prevention Tip: Life Jacket Information

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

This month, we covered the story of a man sentenced to six years in jail after a drunken boat accident lead to the deaths of three people on the Nisqually River. Although operating a boat while under the influence is illegal and extremely dangerous, we also wanted our readers to note that no one on the vessel at the time it capsized was wearing a lifejacket - a simple precaution that could have changed the outcome of this tragedy.

In Washington State, it's a law for all children under the age of 12 to wear a life jacket while in a boat over 19 feet long. In the case of this recent accident, both the 9-year-old and 5-year-old boys involved would have had on life vests had their adults been following the laws.

It is also important for our readers to know that not all lifejackets are created equal - be sure that yours is well-fitting, and tightly secured. Different water activities involve different types of lifejackets - also be sure to pick the correct safety vest for what you are doing, whether it is fishing or water skiiing.

Finally, understand that lifejackets are important even for those of us who can swim. Although you may be able to swim in ideal conditions, you may need your life jacket to keep you afloat if you are in rough waters, injured, unconscious, confused, or fatigued.

Monster Truck Rally Accidents Not As Rare As You Might Think

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Last week, a six-year-old boy was killed by flying debris at a Monster Truck rally at the Tacoma Dome. While many newspapers and media outlets around the world called the child's fatal head injury a "freak accident," The Tacoma News Tribune and the Associated Press reported that monster truck accidents are not as rare as you may hope - and that safety may be an issue at these events:

In 2007, a monster truck crash injured nine people (two seriously) during an event in DeKalb, Illinois.

In 1999, four people, including two children, were injured when a monster truck slammed into a pole and sent debris flying into the audience.

In 1999, a Prairie Capital Convention Center monster truck accident left one man dead and another injured when the vehicle went out of control.

In 1997, a monster truck hit a fence and flipped into the sidelines, killing a teenager and injuring two others.

In some instances, accidents are "freak accidents" that couldn't have been prevented or predicted. In other cases, however, unsafe or even negligent conditions can lead to serious injuries or even death, for both kids and adults.