Safe Driving

Winter Driving Tips

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 18, 2017

While it’s true that Seattle rarely sees snow, the city can still become quite cold and icy during the winter months. And when it does snow here, snowfall can be quite heavy. Even when it’s not snowing, it will likely rain; and both conditions call for additional safety measures on the part of Seattle drivers. As we enter this season, keep these winter driving tips in mind. Read the rest »

Automated Cars May Actually Be Saving Lives

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 25, 2017

New studies have shown that automated cars and, more specifically, the safety features on those cars, may be saving lives. If you’re one of the people who worries about an accident with a robot vehicle, here’s some good news for you. Read the rest »

The Rains Return to Seattle

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 15, 2017

The beginning of this month brought some serious heat and smoke from the Oregon wildfires to Seattle. The heat was a relief to those who sometimes get sick of Seattle’s rain, but it was short-lived. Rain has now returned to the city. And while this might be good news for residents who love Seattle’s damp, moody climate, it could be dangerous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Read the rest »

Seattle Attempts to Make High Crash Zones Safer

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 13, 2015

Police in Seattle keep records of where injury accidents happen to determine if a particular road or intersection is dangerous. According to a KIRO TV news report, one of the most dangerous left turns in Seattle is on Aurora Avenue North, south of North 125th Street.  Read the rest »

As Winter Approaches Practice Safer Nighttime Driving

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 15, 2015

September 21 is the autumn equinox – the day where the hours of daylight equal the hours of darkness.  After this date, we’ll see more darkness than daylight every day until mid-March. Read the rest »

Top Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on August 11, 2015

Every Seattle driver needs to stay alert in order to avoid accidents.  When the new school year begins, it’s important to watch out for changes in pedestrian traffic, the presence of school buses, and other events that you didn’t have to deal with during the summer. Read the rest »

Washington Car Accident Lawyer Offers Summer Travel Safety Tips

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on May 23, 2013

Summer is the time of year when families take advantage of school being out by embarking on a long road trips. If you are planning on taking a road trip with family members or friends this summer, there are a number of common sense safety measures that you would be well advised to take.

At Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., we want you to stay safe with the knowledge we have gained from years representing auto accident victims in Washington.

Before you even begin, it is important that you plan out your trip. Determine what route you want to go and have a few back-up options ready in case you encounter bad traffic. It is also important to prepare your vehicle before leaving. Check your tires, including your spare, for proper tread and inflation. This simple inspection can have a great impact on your safety. A car with a blown tire is extremely difficult to control and is an imminent crash risk. You should also check your vehicle’s fluid levels, battery, hoses, and belts. Read the rest »

Study: Seat Belt Use Reduces Injury Risks, Decreases Car Accident Costs

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 26, 2012

Most Washington drivers and their experienced car accident attorneys know that seat belt use is backed with years of research indicating that this simple device can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a wide range of car accidents, including rollover crashes.

However, many people don’t consider that a reduction in deaths and serious injuries with seat belt use also means a reduction in the financial costs of car accidents, which are steep. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate, for example, that car accidents cost victims and society $70 billion nationwide. Read the rest »

Drive Carefully in Winter Weather to Avoid a Seattle Car Crash

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 21, 2012

Planning ahead to avoid driving in Seattle’s winter storms is the best way to avoid a weather-related car accident, but planning your trips around the weather’s whims isn’t always an option. If you must hit the road in winter weather, here are some safe-driving tips you can use to protect yourself and your passengers from a car accident – and the need to call a dedicated Seattle dangerous road car accident attorney.

Here are a few ways to drive more safely in snow, ice, and other winter weather:

• Slow down. Driving more slowly can help prevent your vehicle from slipping on sudden icy or wet patches, allowing you to maintain control and avoid an accident. Let the road conditions, not the speed limit, tell you how fast to drive. Read the rest »

Top Five Life-Saving Facts about Seat Belts

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 29, 2012

Seat belts remain one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in case of a car accident. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that seat belts save over 13,000 lives each year. Here are the NHTSA’s top five things every motorist should know about seat belt safety:

• Seat belts are still the number-one way to protect yourself in a crash. Being thrown from a vehicle during a crash is almost always deadly, according to the NHTSA. Being knocked around inside the vehicle during an accident can also cause serious injuries or death. A seat belt limits the damage these dangers can cause. Read the rest »