Seattle Personal Injury & Accident Blog

Safety Equipment and Boat Owner Liability

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 20, 2020

Just like motor vehicle owners, boat owners are subject to specific regulations to protect the safety of other boaters and their occupants. While many of these laws apply to the speed a vessel can safely travel at and operator behavior, owners are also required under federal and state law to have certain safety equipment aboard to help prevent serious or fatal injuries. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries an occupant sustains.

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The Dangers of a Logging Truck Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on October 10, 2020

When you hear the phrase “logging truck accident,” your mind may drift to the opening scene of Final Destination 2. As fantastical as this film is, logging truck accidents are extremely serious and can lead to catastrophic injuries, a massive amount of property damage, and tragic deaths. More often than not, these horrifying events are the result of negligent actions on the part of a truck driver, company, or mechanic.

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The Consequences of a T-Bone Accident

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 30, 2020

Intersections are one of the most likely spots for a car accident to occur as drivers must contend with both vehicles in their own lanes and the cross flow of traffic. Oftentimes, these accidents occur when one driver is blindsided by a driver traveling perpendicular to them, leading to a T-bone accident. These collisions can be extremely scary, as drivers and passengers may not be aware of what just occurred. The lasting results can follow them for years to come as they must deal with catastrophic injuries.

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The Legal Difference Between Mopeds and Motorcycles

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 21, 2020

Anyone who passes a moped or motorcycle on the road may lump them in the same categories. They both use two wheels, they are both fuel-efficient, and they both get lost in blind spots. The differences between mopeds and motorcycles may seem minute to the driver of a passenger vehicle, but to riders, the difference could mean the world. In fact, in the state of Washington, how your vehicle is categorized under state law can determine the rules of the road you must follow, the equipment you have to use, and your abilities to file a claim.

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Multi-Car Accident Claims Explained

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 12, 2020

Nothing is more confusing than a multi-car accident. While sometimes it may only include three or four cars involved in a rear-end collision, it can be extremely devastating to be involved in a pileup on a major highway like the I-5 or I-90. Determining what has just happened can be next to impossible when you are injured, and it can be even more stressful if you do not know who to blame. Liability and negligence in multi-car accidents may be challenging to evaluate, but it is not impossible.

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The Basics of Filing and Obtaining an Auto Accident Report

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 5, 2020

A police report detailing the events of an auto accident can be crucial to determining whether or not you receive proper compensation from an insurance policy. However, there are situations where drivers are unable to submit a statement to the police, such as if you were the victim in a hit and run accident and had to rush to the hospital. In addition, most Washington state residents are not aware of how to obtain an accident report to support their claim. That is why the team at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S., has broken down the entire process so you can move through the claims process as smoothly as possible.

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Collisions with Jeeps: How They Stack Up

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 1, 2020

When heading into the outdoors, nothing compares to traveling in a jeep. Its design and style bring to mind a scenic road trip into the wilderness and is often the vehicle of choice for enthusiastic hikers and travelers. However, that does not mean they are 100% safe, and its unique design can lead to catastrophic injuries to both occupants and other drivers.

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Swimming Pool Safety Violations & Impact Injuries

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on August 26, 2020

With summer in full swing here in Washington, a dip in the pool is a welcome break from the heat. But, as much as we all love a day at the pool, not all of them are up to code. The city of Seattle has several laws regarding pool construction and safety that property owners are required to abide by—otherwise, guests can become severely injured, especially if they suffer a spinal cord injury.

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PIP vs UM/UIM Coverage

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on August 12, 2020

In the state of Washington, insurance agents and brokers are required to offer two types of coverage to anyone purchasing an auto insurance policy—personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. You are not required to carry either under state law, however, they may offer huge advantages in an accident, especially if you need coverage for your injuries. Although both PIP and UM/UIM insurance provide protection if another driver hits you, there are differences between these two types of coverage that accident victims need to be aware of.

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How Often Should You Check Your Car’s Airbags?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on July 29, 2020

Seeing your mechanic for regular tune-ups can mean the difference between life and death in a car accident. But many drivers simply focus on oil changes and new tires. What about safety features, such as airbags? These invaluable devices can be the key to preventing a severe or fatal head injury, but only if properly installed and maintained.

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