accident lawyer bellingam Tag

Can I Seek Compensation for Commercial Fishing Accidents?

The American commercial fishing industry caught over eight billion pounds of seafood worth more than 4.4 billion dollars in 2008. There are about 115,000 harvesters catching this bounty. There is no doubt, however, that commercial fishing accidents are too common and that they can be deadly; falling overboard is the second leading cause of death among commercial fishermen. Between 2000 and 2013, 191 commercial fishermen drowned; none of them was wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). A workplace injury lawyer who specializes in maritime law can help you navigate the system after an injury or a family member’s untimely death.

The U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 only requires the Coast Guard to inspect fishing vessel safety equipment every two years. The law does not require dockside inspections of the boats themselves. This leaves a lot of vessel safety up to vessel owners and therefore puts employees at risk.

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Top Tips to Prevent Household Poisonings

The American Association of Poison Control Centers has released poison prevention tips for children and adults. A product liability lawyer may be able to help you if you or a loved one has been poisoned by a household chemical. Prevent household poisonings in your home by following these simple rules.

Top Tips to Prevent Household Poisonings

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Car Insurance in Washington

Washington has a mandatory liability car insurance law to ensure that if you are involved in an accident that is your fault you can help pay for personal injuries and property damage.

Washington State’s Mandatory Liability Insurance must include:

Minimum coverage of:

• $25,000 for injuries or death per person
• $50,000 total for injuries or death per accident
• $10,000 for property damage

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A Report on Washington State Car Accidents

Despite an increase in motorists, Washington State has seen a significant decline in car accident related deaths in the last decade. Most American adults drive; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are close to 211 million licensed drivers on our roads and highways. While we are taught to keep our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road and the speedometer, the reality is that there are many drivers who drive impaired, distracted, or that drive recklessly fast. Car accidents and corresponding fatalities and injuries are a reality we accept in order for the privilege to drive.

Accident Statistics vary from state to state.

What are Washington State’s car accident statistics?

Washington State Fatal Car Accident Statistics

• Washington State’s traffic fatality rate declined each year between 2006 and 2010. The rate in 2006 was 1.12 deaths per one million automobile miles traveled and it dropped to .8 deaths per million miles travelled in 2010.
• There were 460 deaths associated with car accidents in 2010.
• People between the ages of 21 and 25 experienced the most traffic related deaths of any group.
• More than 64 percent of all car accident fatalities between 2006 and 2010 were to the driver.
• More than 46 percent of car accident deaths occurred on state roadways, 20 percent occurred on city streets, and 31 percent took place on county roads.
• July and August are the deadliest months for drivers.
• The majority of fatal car accidents were involved in a low-speed collision, meaning driving less than 35 miles per hour.
• The overall level of traffic fatalities in Washington was comparable to the national average.

Serious Injury from Car Accidents in Washington State

• The number of serious injuries from car accidents declined from almost 3,000 in 2006 to 2,474 in 2010 (a 17 percent decrease).
• The driver was almost three times more likely to be seriously injured in a car accident than a passenger.
• July and August had the most serious injuries from car accidents.
• Forty-four percent of serious injuries from a car accident occurred in a passenger vehicle while 38 percent occurred in a pickup truck, SUV or van.

 Washington State Drunk Driving Statistics

• Between 2006 and 2010, there were a total of 1,323 deaths associated with drunken driving.
• The rate of impaired driving deaths has declined every since 2006; in 2006 there were 301 fatalities and in 2010 there were 230.
• Impaired driving related deaths were the highest among the 21-25 year age group and in the summer months.
• DUI related deaths nearly doubled on the weekends when compared to weekday driving.

 Distracted Driving Statistics for Washington State

• On average, distracted driving accidents caused 152 deaths each year between 2004-2008.
• Between 2004-2008, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 25 percent of all fatal car accidents.
• Drivers aged 16-25 were involved in 26 percent of all distracted driving related deaths compared to 14 percent for people over the age of 70.
• Fifty percent of all distraction related fatalities occurred on the weekends.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or death due to a car accident, talk to an experienced car accident attorney who can fight for compensation on your behalf. Do not underestimate the ability of an accident attorney to get the job done: the Insurance Research Council found that insurance payouts to clients are 3.5 times higher to those who hired an accident attorney. Call the experienced car accident lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. today!