personal injury blog, Bellingham | Tario & Associates, P.S.

by Michael TarioFebruary 2, 2026 Personal Injury Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

American Heart Month: How Physical Injuries Can Impact Heart Health

In honor of American Heart Month this February, we’re taking a look at the long-term effects of physical injury on heart health. Serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or severe fractures – which are common injuries in car accidents – can increase the risk of heart disease or trigger existing cardiovascular conditions.

What we know: Traumatic injuries can create a wide-range of negative effects, including on cardiovascular health. By understanding these risks, we can take proactive steps to care for our heart health. If someone is injured because of another person’s negligence, a personal injury attorney can help make sure the settlement fully covers all of their injuries. This includes any immediate harm, but also long-term conditions that develop as a result of the trauma such as heart disease, hypertension, or other cardiovascular complications.

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by Michael TarioJanuary 27, 2026 Personal Injury Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

Personal Injury Claims for Space Heater Accidents

Winter is here and that means freezing or near freezing temperatures. For some, the cost of central heating is a financial burden. Many people turn to space heaters as an alternative to residential furnaces as they are an effective way to warm a room and they are surprisingly energy efficient. Other advantages to space heaters include their ability to heat a space as large as 300 square feet both rapidly and evenly.

While space heaters can be a practical and cost-effective solution during the winter months, they also come with serious risks when used improperly, malfunction, or are designed with a defect. Fires and burn injuries caused by space heaters can have devastating consequences, sometimes leaving victims facing medical bills, lost income, and serious long-term recovery.

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by Michael TarioJanuary 22, 2026 Car Accident Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

WalletHub Ranks Washington the Second Worst State to Drive in 2026

For the fourth year in a row, Wallet Hub has ranked Washington State the second worst state to drive in the nation – right behind Hawaii. For drivers in the state, this ranking may not come as a surprise. Heavy traffic and never-ending construction projects lead to long, frustrating commutes on a regular basis. The weather, which can be wet and icy through half of the year, along with high levels of vehicle break-ins and the high cost of car insurance and vehicle repairs in the Seattle metro area summarize why Washington has been ranked the second worst state to drive in 2026.

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by Michael TarioJanuary 12, 2026 Personal Injury Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

What is Comparative Negligence Law and How Does it Affect Personal Injury Claims?

Being injured because of someone else’s actions can be overwhelming, both physically and financially. On top of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress, it can be confusing to understand whether you are entitled to a settlement and how much compensation you can actually recover. Each state has its own personal injury laws so it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer who knows them inside and out to help you fight for maximum compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured because of the actions of another, you do not have to navigate the recovery process and financial challenges alone. Schedule a free consultation with an experienced, local personal injury attorney to discuss your case and legal rights.

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by Michael TarioJanuary 8, 2026 Personal Injury Attorney Blog Bellingham, Wrongful Death Blog Bellingham0 comments

What You Need to Know About a Personal Injury Claim for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Washington State

Part of what makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is that it is a deadly gas that humans cannot see or smell. Breathing high levels of carbon monoxide can cause severe illness or death in mere minutes. Signs of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness, Death can result from prolonged or high-level exposure to CO.

In an average year, more than 20 people die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning in Washington State. Most carbon monoxide poisoning occurs in the fall and winter months as people use heat to stay warm. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning with basic safety tips.

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by Michael TarioJanuary 5, 2026 Car Accident Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

Put Off Filing Your Car Accident Injury Claim? Take These Steps in the New Year.

It’s early January and that means people are thinking about New Year’s resolutions. If you were injured in a car accident in 2025 – or even in 2024 – and you have been putting off filing an injury claim, it is not too late to get started! In Washington State, people injured in a collision due to the actions of another driver have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Make contacting a car accident attorney your New Year’s resolution!

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by Michael TarioDecember 22, 2025 Car Accident Attorney Blog Bellingham, Wrongful Death Blog Bellingham0 comments

NSC Christmas Collision Traffic Fatalities Estimate 2025

Christmas is a holiday that brings loved ones together in a festive atmosphere. Many will travel long distances by road in the dark to attend these events, where alcohol is often served. We know that heavy road traffic, dark roads, and drunk driving all lead to an increase in traffic accidents, so it’s not surprising that the holidays come with an increased risk of fatal crashes. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 431 people may die on U.S. roads in a Christmas collision this Christmas Day holiday period, which is slightly below the six-year average of 450 fatalities that occurred over Christmas holiday periods of the same length.

Losing a loved one in an accident is devastating, especially during the holiday season when families are meant to be together. While no legal action can ever replace what you’ve lost, you may have options to seek justice through a car accident wrongful death claim if your loved one’s death was caused by another driver’s negligence. An experienced local car accident attorney can help you understand your rights, explain the claims process, and guide you through the next steps when you’re ready.

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by Michael TarioDecember 15, 2025 Car Accident Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

The Hidden Dangers of Driving on Flooded Roads

Both Whatcom and Skagit Counties have been hit hard by flooding in the last week, with thousands ordered to evacuate and reports of numerous vehicles trapped by mudslides and standing water. Flooding in our area is typically caused by heavy rain and overflowing rivers. Driving on flooded roads is incredibly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, contributing to thousands of preventable traffic accidents every year. In many cases, these crashes lead to serious injuries, vehicle damage, and even fatalities.

Understanding why flooded roads are so dangerous can help drivers make safer choices and protect their legal rights if an accident occurs.

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by Michael TarioDecember 11, 2025 Car Accident Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

Impaired Driving Facts for NHTSA Holiday Campaigns

For decades, impaired driving has been one of the most devastating and preventable dangers on our roads. Every year, millions of people make the choice to drive under the influence, with often catastrophic consequences. Thousands lose their lives in drunk and drugged driving crashes every year, shattering families and entire communities because of a preventable mistake. Of course, victims aren’t limited to the impaired drivers themselves; passengers, other motorists, and even pedestrians often pay the price for someone else’s reckless decision. With holiday travel about to pick up, it’s a good time to discuss impaired driving facts that impact us all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Drive High, Get a DUI campaigns began on December 10, 2025, and will run through January 1, 2026. The campaigns are designed to educate, warn, and deter impaired driving before it leads to more tragedy.

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by Michael TarioDecember 8, 2025 Car Accident Attorney Blog Bellingham0 comments

Report: Traffic Congestion Surpasses Pre-COVID Levels, Increasing Accident Risk

One of the few benefits of the COVID shutdowns were the empty highways and short commutes that briefly became the norm in 2020. But, after a sharp drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic congestion is higher than ever in many areas around the country. For millions of Americans, that means longer commutes, more frustration behind the wheel, and increased accident risk on the road.

According to data from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s annual Urban Mobility Report, the average American now spends about 63 hours per year stuck in traffic. That lost time is more than an inconvenience. Congestion and long commutes are increasingly linked to higher rates of car accidents, as drivers deal with fatigue, stress, distractions, and unpredictable traffic patterns.

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