Archive for December, 2011

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28
Dec

Washington Hospitals Report A Rise In ER Visits Over The Holidays

December 28, 2011

Hospitals across the state of Washington reported a spike in the number of emergency room visitors over the holiday weekend. According to KNDU 25 News, some hospitals, like Kadlec Regional Medical Center, reported patient increases as high as 50 percent.

Hospital staff claims that while many of the visitors are there because of alcohol-fueled shenanigans, many others are there for treatment of chronic disorders, like diabetes, heart, and kidney problems. They say that these patients often have nowhere else to go as their primary physicians are often out of town over the holidays.

Emergency Room Physician Benjamin Gold says that visits are often the result of people on strict diets eating foods they shouldn’t. He added that if you are on a strict diet for health reasons, sticking to it through the holidays is vital. One day of improper eating could cost several days in the hospital.

Another common reason staffers say visitors are in the emergency room is because of high stress and depression the time of year can bring on for some people.

The Washington Personal Injury Lawyers with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm urge you to watch your health through the holidays. Whether that means watching what you eat–or how much you drink–the decision to stick with your plan is vital.

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21
Dec

Driver Arrested In Washington Car Crash That Killed One And Injured Four

December 21, 2011

A 20-year-old Sunnyside, Washington, man was killed after he was ejected from a vehicle he was riding in. According to the Tri-City Herald, the accident occurred at 3:30 AM this past Sunday morning on the 3600 block of East Factory Road.

Troopers with the Washington State Patrol say that a 21-year-old man from Toppenish, Washington, was behind the wheel of the 2005 Chevy Malibu involved in the crash. They added that speeding and alcohol may have been a factor in what caused the man to lose control of the vehicle, overcorrect it, and send the car rolling.

Two passengers were ejected from the vehicle, one of which was declared dead at the scene of the crash. Four others, ranging in age from 14 to 18, survived with moderate injuries. The surviving victims were treated at Sunnyside Community Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene before Troopers could arrive, but was picked up at his home on Tuesday and charged with one count of felony hit-and-run involving a death, one count of vehicular homicide, and one count of vehicular assault. If convicted, the man could face a harsh prison sentence and thousands of dollars in fines.

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm would like to remind motorists that fatal accidents on US roadways spike during the holiday season because of the increased amount of alcohol consumed by Americans this time of year. Help break this cycle by refraining from drinking if you are going to get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

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14
Dec

One Dead And Two Injured In Washington Auto Accident

December 14, 2011

One person is dead and two others were injured following a car crash last Friday night. According to KOMO News, the head-on crash happened around 6:00 PM on SR 305 at George Lane between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.

Spokeswoman for the Washington state patrol, Krista Hedstrom, stated investigators received a call from another motorist reporting a woman driving erratically and with a flat tire along the northbound lanes of the highway. Moments later, Troopers received calls reporting the vehicle had crossed the center line and collided with another vehicle head-on. The two occupants of the at-fault vehicle were airlifted to Harborview Medical Center to receive treatment for critical injuries, where one of them later died.

Troopers believe that alcohol played a part in the fatal crash and say that the female driver of the car might now face vehicular homicide charges. If convicted, state law says the woman could face up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has long stated that drinking and driving is one of the top three factors in fatal car crashes in the United States.

The Washington auto accident attorneys with The Defoe Pickett Law Firm urge citizens to not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. The decision not to drink and drive will keep driving on the highways safe for all this holiday season.

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7
Dec

Kennewick Police Offer Driver Safety Tips For Foggy Conditions

December 7, 2011

Fog is no stranger to residents of the Pacific Northwest, but today, police are offering drivers in the area tips on how to handle the condition. KNDU News reported that Kennewick police have seen an increase in accidents during foggy conditions because drivers fail to see dangers on the road until it’s too late.

Kennewick Police Sergeant Ken Lattin stated the most important thing drivers need to do in foggy conditions is remain aware of their surroundings. There are numerous actions drivers can take to better see what is around them.

  • Turn On Your Headlights- This increases visibility for you and makes it easier to be seen by oncoming traffic.
  • Increase Your Following Distance- Doing this gives you more room to stop if the car in front of you breaks suddenly. It also gives you a greater vision of your surroundings.
  • Watch For Hazards- Pedestrians and animals are much more difficult to see in the fog. Also, be careful of icy patches and rain puddles that often accompany foggy conditions.
  • Slow Down! – Sergeant Lattin stated motorists often tend to drive faster in foggy conditions because  they can’t see sight references to tell them how fast they’re going.

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm urge drivers to be careful in the coming months as foggy conditions increase. Following these simple tips could save your life or that of another motorist.

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