Seattle Personal Injury & Accident Blog

Injured by an Out-of-State Driver?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 19, 2020

Nestled between Idaho and Oregon, the Evergreen State receives millions of out-of-state drivers every year. Whether traveling for work, tourism, or school, these visitors help bolster our state’s economy and build up our reputation as a great tourist destination. However, these visitors can also bring problems, including reckless or careless driving habits. Some drivers do not know how to handle themselves on Washington’s rural roads, especially in our state and national parks, but they can also cause accidents on the busy and complicated streets of Seattle. It is not uncommon for local residents to be injured by negligent out-of-state drivers. When this occurs, you may be wondering what your options are.

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The Relationship Between Vision Loss and Brain Damage

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 16, 2020

Our brains handle numerous processes, from finely-tuned actions like playing the piano to the recall of certain memories. When the brain is damaged, these processes can be impacted, leading to serious and life-changing disabilities.

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Why You Should Double-Check Your Motorcycle Insurance Policy

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

In Washington State, all motorcycle riders are required to have liability insurance before they register a hog and hit the road, but many are not aware that they can add on other policies. Coverage for medical bills, property damage, hit-and-run accidents, uninsured drivers, and underinsured drivers can all prove extremely valuable if you are in an accident. Given the many dangers motorcycle riders face in just Seattle alone, reviewing and updating your insurance policy may be to your benefit.

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Does Bad Weather Excuse Poor Driving Behavior?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 9, 2020

Washington is known for its cloudy skylines and stormy seasons, which tend to make our roadways damp, if not outright dangerous. While some drivers know how to adapt to adverse weather conditions, others choose to drive recklessly and put other drivers in serious danger. Drivers should always put safety first, especially during a rainstorm, fog, or icy spell, because failure to do so can make them liable for any accidents they cause.

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Dangers of Drugged Trucking Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 28, 2020

Almost every driver on the road understands the dangers of driving while intoxicated, whether it be by alcohol or by drugs. Both substances can severely limit a driver’s reaction times and ability to safely operate a vehicle, often leading to traumatic and deadly auto accidents. But few drivers are aware of how prevalent drug use is among commercial drivers, especially truck drivers.

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Can Divorced Parents Pursue Wrongful Death Claims?

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 18, 2020

Losing a child is one of the most devastating things a parent can go through. The pain, sorrow, and anger you are feeling are unmatched by any other experience and it can be difficult to move on from. If your child died due to an act of negligence, such as in an auto accident, then you are well within your rights to hold the at-fault party accountable in a wrongful death claim. While a claim will not bring back your child, it can allow you to recover some financial compensation from the person who took your child’s life. However, it is important to understand how a divorce can directly impact your ability to file a claim.

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Understanding Lower-Extremity Injuries in Motorcycle Accidents

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on November 8, 2020

Motorcyclists are the most exposed drivers on Seattle roads. With our streets and highways packed with much heavier passenger vehicles and trucks, it is no wonder that motorcyclists often suffer traumatic injuries in a collision. While new technology for motorcycle gear provides protection for their heads and shoulders through strong helmets and padded jackets, injuries to the lower half of the body are still extensive and can follow an accident victim for the rest of their life.

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What Do You Do When a Mattress Hits Your Car?

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

Anyone who has ever driven on the freeway has at some point seen lost cargo strewn across multiple lanes. Sometimes it is as mild as a box of clothes or groceries, but it can also include objects as large as refrigerators, mattresses, and washing machines. While large commercial trucks have a reputation for losing cargo, passenger vehicles are also major culprits. Consumers often tie down large pieces of furniture to the tops of their vehicles or have to crack open their trunks to properly transport them. This can make the roads incredibly dangerous if these are not secure, as they can lead to catastrophic accidents.

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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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