Seattle Personal Injury & Accident Blog

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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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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