Archive for August, 2011

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31
Aug

Young Man Killed In Car Crash Just Outside Yakima

August 31, 2011

A young driver is dead following a crash in the early morning hours of last Sunday just three miles east of Yakima, Washington. According to KIMATV.com, the accident occurred just before 1:00 AM on Mieras Road.

The 20-year-old man was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier along the road, when he suddenly came upon a 2000 Ford hop truck that was stopped in the roadway. The young driver did not have time to react, and smashed into the rear-end of the truck. The Cavalier was totaled in the crash and the young man driving was declared dead at the scene when paramedics arrived. The 54-year-old truck driver was not injured in the crash.

Investigators are unsure if drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash and are still investigating its cause.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) found that 1,725 people were killed in traffic accidents between the years of 2005 and 2008. This is a slight decrease from the 1,816 people that died in collisions between 2003 and 2005. Drivers under the age of 20 were involved in just under 20 percent of all fatal crashes in the state.

If you have been injured, or have a loved one who was killed in a car accident that was no fault of your own, contact the Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Office. Our team of experienced lawyers can be reached anytime to discuss the details of your case. Just fill out a free online consultation form to get started today.

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24
Aug

Washingtonians Debate Over DUI Checkpoint Website

August 24, 2011

Like any trap, a DUI checkpoint relies on the element of surprise in order to capture drunk drivers on the roadway. That is why critics of a new website, launched by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) aimed at informing drivers of when and where checkpoints will be set up, are saying it defeats the purpose of the roadblocks.

The WTSC put up the website showing citizens of Snohomish, King, and Pierce Counties when and where law enforcement plans to set up DUI roadblocks. The website, www.waTikiLeaks.com, has a map that pinpoints the road-blocked locations for easy recognition. A mobile phone application is also available in order to see the map.

Authorities say they hope the program will be a deterrent for drunk drivers to get behind the wheel if they see a checkpoint will occur nearby and hope to cut down on DUI fatalities. Critics of the website disagree, saying that the website just informs drivers of roads to avoid if they are under the influence.

According to the Seattle Times article, King, Snohomish, and Peirce Counties had some of the highest DUI fatality rates in the state from 2004 to 2008, with 494 total deaths.

If you have been injured, or lost a loved one, due to a drunk driver, contact the Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm. They have the experience to help you settle your case for the compensation you deserve. Contact them for a free consultation of your case.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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17
Aug

County Takes No Action Years After Dog Attack

August 16, 2011

Almost four years after she was mauled by a neighbor’s two pit bull dogs, a Tacoma, Washington, woman is still searching for answers as to why changes have not been made to the reporting system for dangerous animal attacks within the county. As reported by king5.com, the woman was in bed when the dogs crept through an open door of the house and attacked at her as she slept.

The victim eventually fought the dogs off, but still carries physical and emotional scars from the incident. Her nose was permanently disfigured and she got more than 25 stitches for nearly 30 bite wounds to her hands and arms. She was released from the hospital six days after the incident, but still can’t sleep at night unless her bedroom door is closed.

The county received ample warning about the animals, from nearly ten complaints the victim filed against the dogs prior to the incident and the four times the animals should have been declared a nuisance. Due to communication breakdowns, no action was taken. The Pierce County Auditors Office handles animal control complaints, but does not communicate those issues to the Sheriff’s Department, and vice versa.

She recently settled the case with the county and dog owners, for $2.2 million.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, call the Washington Dog Bite Lawyers with the Defoe Pickett Law Office. Their attorneys are available anytime for a free consultation of your case.

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11
Aug

One Killed, One Injured in Kennewick Car Crash on I-82

August 10, 2011

An early Sunday morning car accident left one man dead and several others injured. According to KNDU News, the crash occurred along a stretch of Interstate 82 when a 21-year-old driver crossed the center median.

Investigators are unsure of the accident’s cause, but know that after crossing the center median, the car underwent a series of rolls before coming to rest on the shoulder of the road.

A 21-year-old passenger in the car was fatally injured by the impact and declared dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the car’s driver was transported to Kadlec Regional Medical Center and another other passenger was taken to Kennewick Regional Medical Center; both were treated for injuries. A third passenger was examined for injuries at the scene and released.

Washington State Patrol says drugs and alcohol were not a factor, but are still investigating whether speed or a distraction contributed to the crash.

The US Department of Transportation reports that distracted and drowsy driving are the top cause for driving left of center. Either of these driver errors can be used in building a case of negligence.

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Office are skilled and capable of handling your case and working to get you the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured in an accident at no fault of your own. Contact them through their website for a free consultation of your case at any time.

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3
Aug

One Killed in Washington Auto Accident Involving Drunk Driver

August 3, 2011

A Washington auto accident involving a drunk driver took the life of a 26-year-old woman from Lake Stevens, Washington, late last Friday night.

According to KOMOnews.com, the Washington auto accident occurred just after 11:15 PM on the Tulalip Indian Reservation near Marysville, Washington.

Officers responded to a call about a suspected drunk driver, reported to be in a Dodge pickup truck near Grove Street. When officers tracked the vehicle down, the driver was weaving in and out of lanes, as reported. However, when officers attempted to pull the driver over, he sped away and a chase ensued. The driver proceeded down the wrong side of the street, striking two cars along 4th Street. He continued to flee as the street changed to Marine View Drive, and within moments, struck a third vehicle. The impact sent both vehicles flying from the roadway, and overturned the Dodge pickup. Police were able to apprehend the driver and subsequently booked him on charges of vehicular homicide, hit and run, and eluding a police officer.

Emergency first responders found the woman who was driving the car involved in the third and final crash caused by the drunk driver knocked unconscious from the accident. She was declared dead at the scene of the Washington auto accident.

If you have been injured, or lost a loved one, in a Washington auto accident involving a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Office to help you settle your case.

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