Archive for the ‘ Boat Accident ’ Category

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1
Feb

78-Year-Old Washington Man Injured In Boat Explosion

February 1, 2012

A 78-year-old man from Sequim, Washington, is lucky to be alive after suffering serious injuries in a massive explosion that occurred on a boat the man was working on. According to reports from The Peninsula Daily News, the explosion occurred at approximately 5:48 PM, on Dock C of the Sequim Bay marina.

Witnesses on boats near the explosion reported being knocked to the ground by the force, and the blast was heard miles away by others. Reports of the incident indicate that the victim was working on a propane tank in the cabin of a 38-foot vessel when the blast occurred. He was thrown into the water and pulled to safety by rescuers. The man suffered serious back injuries as well as shrapnel injuries that left open lesions on his body.

Investigators are working to determine what may have sparked the gas that caused the blast.

Accidents like these often involve a complicated legal process due to the different laws that govern maritime accidents. Hiring an attorney to help walk you through the process of filing your claim and answer your questions along the way can be beneficial.

If you have been injured in a boating accident at no fault of your won, the Washington boat accident lawyers with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm are available anytime to discuss your case with you.

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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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30
Nov

Tri-City Area Hospitals Preparing For Busy Holiday Season

November 30, 2011

The holidays are not only the busy season for retailers, but for hospitals and their medical staff too. In a story put out by KEPRTV News earlier this week, doctors and staff at emergency room hospitals are preparing for the yearly rush of visitors.

Both Lourdes Hospital and Kennewick General Hospital are increasing staff and supplies until the end of the new year. Doctors say the goal is to decrease wait times for emergency room patients. As life in the ER goes, it’s always unpredictable.

Slip and fall injuries, cuts and gashes–along with a high presence of alcohol are the usual suspects for a trip to the Emergency Room this time of year. Doctors also report a high number of people falling off of ladders while decorating, and an increase in the number of cuts from broken glass ornaments and turkey carving. These accidents are normally compounded by the fact that the patient has had too much to drink. Dr. Lang at Lourdes blamed most heavy drinking on the holiday blues saying, “We see an awful lot of people who are feeling sad… People tend to drink a little bit more, think about family think about lost loved ones, or miss those who aren’t able to be with them during the holidays.”

The Washington Personal Injury Lawyers at the Defoe Pickett Law Firm encourage everyone to have a fun holiday season, but be safe. Always have someone else hold a ladder for you, and be mindful when handling sharp or fragile objects.

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23
Nov

The Department of Transportation offers Thanksgiving Travel Tips

November 23, 2011

With more than 42.5 million travelers hitting the roads this weekend to travel for Thanksgiving and Mountain Weather expected to be snowy and rainy through the Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 over the next few days, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WDOT) is offering help and a few tips to make your holiday travel a little easier and safer.

The agency says that timing your trips may be the best way to cut down on time stuck in traffic. The said that traffic should peak Wednesday just before 4:00 PM, then again on Sunday between noon and 4:00 PM for eastbound traffic. Estimates show westbound traffic will be at its heaviest Sunday between 3:00 and 6:00 PM according to the WDOT.

Motorists should also be ready to break, turn, and drive just a little slower than normal due to holiday congestion and bad weather conditions as well.  Spokesman for WDOT, Mike Westbay, “People need to shift into winter driving mode…we need drivers to be ready to drive in slippery conditions.” Troopers say the best way to stay safe in these conditions is:

  • Go below the speed limit
  • Maintain adequate following distance from vehicles in front of you.
  • Gently pump your brakes in slick spots
  • Downshift when needed
  • Keep plenty of fuel in the tank in case you are stranded

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm urge travelers to be patient on the roads this year and hope that everyone traveling has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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