Attorney Blog

Is Commuting By Bicycle in Washington State a Good Idea?

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

When the weather gets warmer in Washington and people wake up from their winter torpor, bicycling is again on people's minds as a great way to enjoy the scenery, breathe fresh air and get back in great shape.

Some are looking even further. Why go to the gym if you can have your daily exercise commuting to work? Why spend money on gas when you can travel for free? Why bother with peak hours when you can glide past the traffic jams?

Only about 0.4 percent of Americans get to work on a bicycle. This leaves some room for improvement. The question is: Is it improvement? Is commuting by bicycle the way to go?

Many people refrain from getting back in the saddle because of at least 5 myths that are as widespread as they are false. Let's go over them:

1. It's too far: The ride may take too long, or may become exhausting if you live more than, say, 10 miles from work. There are ways to expand your range, however, as you can go part of the way on a commuter train. Many municipalities allow bikes on buses or subway cars. When that is not an option, you can consider buying a folding bike which you can take with you anywhere you want.

2. I'll need an expensive bike: You can have an excellent bike for less than $500, used or new. Shop at a specialty store with knowledgeable staff to help with the bicycle selection and to have it serviced.

3. I can't carry all the stuff I need: You can find adequate saddlebags or basket for your bicycle. Find the right protective pouch for your computer and a backpack to carry rain clothing or miscellanea. Get organized and trade paper files and books for the digital version.

4. There is nowhere to shower: If a shower is nowhere to be found, look for gyms in the area: some accept shower-only memberships. If not, you can go a long way with a sponge bath or with baby wipes in a regular bathroom.

5. It's too dangerous: There are no accurate studies to pinpoint whether bicycle riding is more or less dangerous than driving a car. Common sense indicates that, when cyclists are constantly and closely exposed to other vehicles, an accident is likely to result in more severe injuries to the cyclist than to the car driver. The commuter can reduce the risk of a crash by following the bicycle safety guidelines we described in a previous article, and choosing the best route to avoid exposure to traffic.

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, contact now the Everett-based Monro Law Firm for a free consultation on your case.

Older Washington Drivers Are Reluctant to Admit Their Vision Is Declining

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Many elderly people experience declines in vision. They tend to cope and adjust to this growing impairment, but getting used to bad vision doesn't make it better. There is also a point when their eyesight diminishes so rapidly that it can't be corrected properly or requires very frequent changes of glasses.

For older drivers, declining vision quickly raises the risk of accidents, as we pointed out in a recent article on elderly driving.

When does declining vision affect your driving skills?

When you have problems reading highway or street signs;
When, especially at night, dawn or dusk, you have trouble seeing lane lines, medians, curbs and other pavement markings;
When you experience discomfort at night from the glare of oncoming headlights, and drive too slowly as a result.

Is there anything an older driver with bad vision can do?

The most important step is to make sure you have the best glasses for your current eyesight. Get a new eye exam and prescription glasses to improve your vision as much as possible. Wear large and wide sunglasses over your prescription glasses whenever sunlight makes your vision uncomfortable.

Clean your windshield, mirrors and headlights regularly and make sure your headlights are well aimed to maximize your view at night. Sit as high as you can in your seat so that you can see the road for at least 10 feet in front of your car. This makes a big difference in reducing the amount of glare you experience from oncoming headlights at night.

If you are 60 or older, see an eye doctor every year to check for macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and other conditions associated with aging.

If you have been involved in a car accident, contact now the Everett-based Monro Law Firm for a free consultation on your case.

Should You Bicycle Commute To Work in Washington?

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

There are many reasons for Washington employers to encourage bicycle commuting. One of them is that healthy employees are more productive and reduce health insurance costs. Another is that their stress level goes down, as they enjoy the ride to and from work and the savings in gasoline and car maintenance.

Bike commuting isn't possible for everyone, or during the entire year. This doesn't mean it should not be encouraged. Everyone can start using the bicycle for short trips to the store, barber or post office, building up strength and energy in the process.

Washington State residents are lucky to live in a bicycle friendly place. If you plan to or already do commute to work on your bicycle, make sure you prepare yourself to avoid the traps and bicycle crashes that could turn your pleasant ride into a nightmare.

Arrange secure bicycle storage at work, preferably inside;
Get light, easy to carry rainproof gear;
Secure your bike with a tempered steel lock, and remove all accessories that can be stolen;
Install a rear rack to carry files or a laptop, and make sure the bags are rainproof.
Attach a small tool box with the basic tools to repair a flat tire or replace a cable;
Choose adequate clothing for the different seasons and types of weather, carefully selecting the right materials: Lycra, spandex, coolmax, wool, gore-tex or nylon.
Check your bicycle thoroughly on a regular basis. You don't want to snap a brake cable riding downhill, or see your lights go down at night. Select a number of essential spare parts to carry with you.
Choose the best route, not the shortest. Try riding different routes and select the ones that are wider, without traffic, and more pleasant, even if they are longer. After all, bicycle commuting should be fun.

At Monro Law Firm, we are dedicated to your safety. If you have been hurt in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact one of our attorneys now for a free consultation on your case.

Jury Awards $1.45 Million

Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

By Steve Miletich and Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporters

A King County jury on Thursday morning awarded a former crane operator $1.45 million for injuries he suffered in the deadly collapse of a construction crane in Bellevue 4 ½ years ago.

Jurors found that Seattle-based general contractor Lease Crutcher Lewis and Seattle engineering firm Magnusson Klemencic Associates were negligent and determined both firms were responsible for the injuries suffered by Warren Yeakey in the collapse.

Yeakey was awarded $1.15 million in economic damages as well as $300,000 in noneconomic damages. In addition, the jury awarded his wife, Kristina Yeakey, $55,000 in noneconomic damages.

The amount awarded to the couple was far less than the more than $12 million Yeakey had sought. The Yeakeys said afterward they were disappointed with the amount, saying it wouldn't adequately compensate them for their economic losses.

Jurors had deliberated for about a week before reaching their decision in the monthlong civil trial.

Yeakey had claimed in his lawsuit against the two firms that he still struggles with pain and is unable to work as a result of the November 2006 collapse, which left one man dead.

Lease Crutcher Lewis was the general contractor overseeing the entire operation. Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA) was in charge of the structural engineering of the crane.

Yeakey, 39, was operating the 210-foot crane, which was being used to construct the Tower 333 building in downtown Bellevue. It came crashing down on two buildings: Plaza 305 and the Pinnacle BellCentre, where resident Matthew Ammon was killed when the crane struck his apartment.

Investigators determined the collapse was caused by the flawed engineering design of the crane's base.

After an investigation, the state fined Lease Crutcher Lewis and MKA for improper design and construction of the crane. The citation against MKA was later dismissed on appeal.

State lawmakers passed passing tougher standards for crane safety after the collapse.

During opening statements in the trial, attorneys for Lease Crutcher Lewis and MKA blamed each other's company for the collapse. Mark Dynan, who represented Lease Crutcher Lewis, questioned Yeakey's injuries and said Yeakey had returned to light-duty status at work after the collapse.

Matt Renda, who represented the Yeakey family, told jurors that shortly after the crane was installed, workers at the site heard a loud noise from the crane. When inspectors couldn't see a problem the construction continued.

Renda said a closer inspection of the crane should have been conducted.

The family of Ammon, a 31-year-old Microsoft lawyer, reached a financial settlement with Lease Crutcher Lewis and MKA in 2009. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Too Many Washington State Car Crash Injuries.

Sun, 01 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

There is no denying the fact that roads have become progressively safer, with all the statistics on traffic accident fatalities pointing downwards. From 43,443 in 2005 to 33,808 in 2009, the nationwide decline in fatalities is 22.2 percent. For the State of Washington, traffic accident fatalities went down from 647 in 2005 to 492 in 2009, a 24 percent decrease.

Have drivers become wiser? To a certain extent, yes, thanks to a lot of campaigns, strict law enforcement and education. A great part of the significant drop in motor vehicle crash fatalities is also attributed to better safety technology in cars, SUVs, vans and light trucks. From multiple airbags to antilock brake systems and electronic stability control, these relatively recent features have saved many lives.

How about car crash injuries? The number of people suffering injuries in motor vehicle crashes is, unfortunately, still a staggering multiple of the number of fatalities. For every person killed in a motor vehicle accident, 63 people are injured. While a significant proportion of the 2,346,000 people hurt in traffic accidents in 2009 suffered light injuries, there are still several hundreds of thousands who sustained one or more of these serious injuries:

Skull fracture
Traumatic brain injury
Spinal cord damage
Disk injuries
Multiple fractures
Face injuries
Burns
Organ injuries
Loss of limbs

Serious car crash injuries can have dramatic consequences. Victims are sometimes paralyzed for the remainder of their lives and need constant assistance and home care. Even partial impairment could mean the end of a professional activity. Loss of income and high medical bills during extended treatment and rehabilitation periods might ruin the family's finances.

If your accident has been caused by a careless, distracted, reckless or drunken driver, contact us now for a free consultation on your case.

Washington Ranked Top Bicycle Friendly State

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Washington State took the top spot in the annual Bicycle Friendly State ranking. The state ranked second in 2010 for bicycle friendly Legislation, third for Policies & Programs, second for Infrastructure and first for Education.

The Bicycle Friendly America ranking per state is organized by the League of American Bicyclists, a non-profit organization promoting wider and safer bicycle use across the country.

Apart from promoting bicycle use for commuting, the League has numerous useful tips for Snohomish bicyclists about bicycle commuting, maintenance, rules of the road, group riding, going downhill, nutrition, etc.

In a region with long nights in the winter, being seen in the dark is crucial to avoid serious bicycle accidents. The following tips will help you stay safe when cycling in the dark or inclement weather:

1. Visibility: Make sure your bike has a white front light and a red rear light. All motorists know that red is back and white is front. Make sure the front light is not just to be seen, but also illuminates your path.

2. Wattage: Inexpensive low-wattage lights simply make you visible. You might need a 45-watt halogen lighting system to see what's in front of you and avoid potholes, debris, etc. Most commuters use at least 10-watt systems with rechargeable batteries.

3. Power sources: Simple AA batteries are cheap but need frequent replacement. Self-contained nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries last longest.

4. Helmet vs. bar mounted: Helmet mounted lights allow you to direct the beam to where you look, drawing the attention of other motorists, for instance. Bar mounted lights are closer to the pavement. It is best to have both.

5. Rear lights: A red blinking light is far better than a reflector. Make sure your light doesn't point down or isn't obstructed by a bag or clothing.

At Monro Law Firm, we are dedicated to the safety of our clients. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident caused by someone else, contact us now for a free consultation on your case.

Washington Motorists: Check Your Tires

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

You wouldn't go skydiving without checking your parachute, would you?

Few Washington motorists realize how much they depend on the four tires of their vehicle to stay alive and avoid a devastating car crash: at 60 miles per hour, your tires are rotating at 14 revolutions per second. Tires are incredibly resistant but they need a little tender loving care.

After all, you need them most when:

You slam on your brakes;
You make an unexpected sharp turn;
You drive in rainy or icy weather;
Your car is fully loaded;
You drive over rough pavement or debris;
You enter a wide curve at a high speed.

So how do you give your tires that TLC?

Check tire pressure at least once a month;
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns, cracks or foreign objects;
Adjust tire pressure before a long trip;
Adjust tire pressure for a heavy load;
Change tires when worn out, i.e. if the tread groove is less than 1/16^th inch.

When you change your tires, you should always request a tire balance - to prevent wobbling at high speed - and wheel alignment to make sure your vehicle doesn't veer to the left or to the right on a straight flat road.

At Monro Law Firm, we are dedicated to the safety of our clients. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Washington car crash caused by someone else, contact us now for a free consultation on your case.

Chelan Two-Car Crash Kills Both Drivers

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Jerald C. Petersen, 69, of Winthrop, was driving his 2001 Volkswagen Jetta northbound on Highway 97 when he suddenly crossed the center line and hit an oncoming southbound Ford Taurus. The accident occurred two miles south of Beebe Bridge last Friday, at about 3.45 p.m., according to The Wenatchee World.

Petersen and the Taurus driver, Betty J. Decker, 72, of Manson, were killed in the crash. A passenger of the Taurus, James E. Decker, aged 78, also of Manson, suffered chest, abdominal and eye injuries, and was transported to Central Washington Hospital.

A spokesman reported on Saturday that Mr. Decker's condition was satisfactory.

Both drivers had been wearing seat belts, according to the Washington State Patrol.

The highway remained closed until 5 p.m. when one lane was opened to traffic. At about 7 p.m., traffic was allowed on both lanes.

The attorneys of the Monro Law Firm convey their most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Petersen and Mrs. Decker.

As reported in another News post this week, concerning an unexplained crossing of the center line in Stanwood, Snohomish County, also resulting in a head-on collision, there are reasons to believe that a medical issue caused the Jetta driver to cross the median. It is possible that the Medical Examiner's Office will be able to shed some light on the cause of this tragic accident.

Motorist Dies After Head-On Collision in Stanwood

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Stanwood-area man, aged 68, was driving his Ford Thunderbird westbound on Kayak Point Road, east of the intersection with Marine Drive, when he crossed the median and struck an oncoming SUV head-on. The accident occurred on Wednesday at about 8.30 p.m., according to a news release by HeraldNet.com. The man was transported to a local hospital where he died the next day, on Thursday.

"It is unknown if the man died from injuries from the car accident, or from a medical problem." said Rebecca Hover, spokeswoman for the Snohomish County sheriff's office.

Hover added that alcohol and speed did not appear to be factors in the crash. There is a possibility that the 68-year old driver suffered a severe medical problem that caused him to cross the center line.

The occupants of the SUV were examined by first responders at the scene. A small boy was taken to the hospital and was later released.

"The boy had been wearing a seat belt and was buckled in properly, which likely prevented more serious injuries." Hover said.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office will release additional details about the deceased man.

The sad truth is that people cannot anticipate when a seizure or stroke might hit, and when it does while behind the wheel, the consequences can be dramatic.

Woman Critically Injured In Snohomish Multi-Vehicle Crash.

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

Highway 9 was shut down south of U.S.2 for about three hours while state troopers gathered evidence on the scene of the crash that occurred last Thursday morning, the HeraldNet reports.

An Everett woman was driving her Chevy Tahoe northbound on Highway 9 when she apparently rear-ended a white pickup truck. The pickup had slowed down or stopped because of traffic congestion. The pickup was pushed forward into the back of a Volkswagen Jetta.

After the initial impact with the pickup, the Tahoe veered into the path of an oncoming dump truck and trailer carrying a load of sand and gravel. The truck driver tried to avoid the collision but the truck jackknifed and struck the Tahoe, according to Washington State Patrol trooper Keith Leary.

The Everett woman suffered serious head injuries and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Transport by helicopter was not possible due to weather conditions.

The dump truck driver, of Arlington, was not injured, while two other drivers were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. Trooper Leary declared: "The crash remains under investigation. We still don't know why the Chevy driver did not see the cars ahead."

WA State Patrol Car Hit By Suspected Drunken Driver While During Arrest Of Another DUI Suspect

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The crash happened a bit after 3 a.m. last Saturday on Highway 167, according to a news post in The Daily Reporter. A Washington State Patrol trooper was arresting a woman suspected of DUI and had already placed the 36-year-old Auburn woman in the back seat of his cruiser, waiting for a truck to tow her Ford Focus.

The patrol car was on the right shoulder with lights flashing when a BMW driven by a 24-year-old woman, also from Auburn, struck the back of the patrol car.

The trooper sustained minor injuries and was taken to Auburn General Hospital for examination and treatment. Both women, suspected of driving under the influence, were booked into King County jail.

In 2009 in the U.S.A., of the 5,786 fatal motor vehicle accidents that occurred on Saturdays, 1,024 happened between midnight and 3.00 a.m. This is an astonishing proportion, not just because it crams close to 18 percent of the accidents in 12.5 percent of the time slot, but because traffic at that time of the night is but a fraction (certainly not more than 10 percent) of the traffic during daytime.

What this means is that a large proportion of drivers riding around between midnight and 3 a.m. are likely to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Car Chase Ending in Crash Shakes Everett Community College

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST

The chase began Monday just before 11 a.m. near North Machias Road and 16^th Street North East, east of Lake Stevens, when a Snohomish County sheriff's deputy approached a green sedan, according to a report by Herald Net. The deputy suspected the car was being used for drug activity, after observing a man in the driver's seat and a woman outside the car, which was parked near some ball fields.

The man began revving the engine as the woman entered the car, and drove towards the deputy, who feared he would be run over, according to sheriff's spokeswoman Rebecca Hover.

Chasing the green car, the pursuit path headed west through Lake Stevens and along U.S. 2 trestle into Everett, winding around north Everett, eventually ending when another deputy rammed the sedan, causing it to spin out and stall.

The driver of the sedan had two felony warrants for his arrest, according to Hover. He is now in the Snohomish County jail under investigation for eluding police, and trying to harm the deputy. The passenger was booked for obstruction and rendering criminal assistance.

The Everett Community College campus was briefly placed in lockdown after the chased car raced through a nearby parking lot. Two other EvCC students in a Jeep Liberty at the intersection of Colby Avenue and Eight Street collided with a sheriff's cruiser. Fortunately, nobody was hurt, said Hover.

May: Month of Motorcycling Safety & Awareness in Washington

Wed, 18 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Governor Chris Gregoire and the Washington Department of Licensing promote motorcycle safety during this month of May, reports KNDO.com.

With spring weather, more people come out with their motorcycles. Governor Gregoire declared: "I want to remind all Washingtonians to be more alert and aware while driving so we can avoid harmful collisions and accidents."

There were 67 motorcycle crash fatalities statewide in 2010, and 15 deaths have already been reported since January in 2011.

Sergeant Ken Lattin, of the Kennewick Police Department, who is an experienced motorcycle rider of 30 years, says he took a spill in September because of wet pavement.

"It's not a matter of if you'll crash, but when you crash," says Lattin, adding that the three major factors causing accidents are drugs and alcohol, speed, and improper lane changes.

Lattin is convinced that taking a training class could save lives. Motorcycle riders must pass a written and skills tests to receive a motorcycle endorsement on their license, to operate a motorcycle legally in Washington.

Many bikers do not realize how quickly a crash occurs, if they are not entirely focused on the road. One motorcyclist with 40 years of experience lost control of his bike while checking out the scenery and entering a curve at too high a speed.

Motorcycle riding requires split-second reactions and a fine sense of balance, which is why so many fatal motorcycle crashes are caused by alcohol impairment.

Snohomish Accident Kills Two

Tue, 17 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Washington State Patrol troopers said there was no indication that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision last Tuesday between a semi-trailer truck and a passenger car on Interstate 5 near Snohomish, just north of 172^nd Street Northeast.

As reported by the Northern Light.com, Robert Gwaltney, 87, of Camano Island, was traveling south in a 2001 Honda Accord on I-5 with a passenger, Barbara Humberson, aged 75, of Blaine. When the car unexpectedly came to a stop, it was hit from behind by a 2005 Freightliner tractor-trailer even though the truck driver braked hard to avoid the crash.

Humberson was pronounced dead at the scene, while Gwaltney, the driver of the Honda, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center where he later died.

The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. Police are investigating why Gwaltney was bringing his car to a stop on the highway.

The attorneys of the Monro Law Firm extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Barbara Humberson and Robert Gwaltney.

It is difficult to imagine what could have been the cause of this tragic accident. One explanation might be that a health issue made Mr. Gwaltney suddenly stop, and if so, it must have been a severe and sudden issue, allowing no time to pull over safely on the right shoulder.

Whatever the cause, motorists should always keep in mind that semi-trucks, traveling at high speed on a freeway, require a very long distance to come to a stop because of their weight.

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured By Reckless Driver in Maple Valley

Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Last Friday, a black 2005 Yamaha YZ motorcycle was traveling northbound on State Route 169 approaching Southeast 214^th Street, when a 2011 Jeep Cherokee made an abrupt right turn in front of the bike, according to a King5.com report. The motorcycle rider managed to slow down on time and followed the Jeep traveling ahead at a very slow speed.

When the biker tried to pass the Jeep in a marked passing zone, the Jeep made a sudden swerve to the left, hitting the motorcycle.

The motorcycle rode off the road and fell down an embankment, striking a fire hydrant, while the Jeep kept going for another half-mile before stopping and returning to the crash scene.

The motorcyclist was taken to Harborview Medical Center with injuries considered serious, but in stable condition. The Jeep driver, a 32-year-old woman from Kent, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular assault.

The strange behavior of the Jeep driver is at this time difficult to explain, as the Washington State Patrol is still asking for more witnesses to come forward.

Assaulting a defenseless motorcycle driver displays a particularly vicious attitude, and it is to be hoped that, if the driver is found guilty, stiff penalties will follow. Motorcycle riders have enough to fear for their safety from distracted drivers without having to worry about vehicular assault.

Gas Prices Fall, but not in Washington

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Gas prices dip, but not in Washington state

by Associated Press and KING 5 News

KING5.com

Posted on May 6, 2011 at 11:33 AM

NEW YORK - Oil rose on Friday, boosted by a Labor Department report that showed surprising job growth in April.

The average price of gas nationwide fell for the first time in 45 days following Thursday's big drop in oil and gasoline futures. The national average for a gallon of regular stayed just below $4 per gallon.

But the average price in Washington state rose again Friday to $4.04 per gallon.

Gasoline has probably peaked ahead of the summer, analysts said. Even after a hiring spree last month that added 244,000 jobs, and put more commuters on the roads, analysts say that retail prices could decline to about $3.50 per gallon by June.

Gas had increased every day since March 23. It's been on an upward trend with oil over the past few months as the Libyan rebellion cut off the country's oil exports, the dollar fell and numerous refineries shut down due to power outages and other unexpected problems.

Gasoline prices also tend to rise every spring as refineries follow federal regulations to produce summer gasoline blends that are more expensive to make.

Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates in Houston, said problems with U.S. refineries have been resolved and gasoline supplies should start to grow this summer as refineries get back into gear.

"Combine those extra supplies with still rather high gas prices, and you're going to see continued pressure on gas prices throughout the summer" to fall, he said.

Gasoline gave up a tenth of a cent on Friday for a national average of $3.984 per gallon, according to AAA, Wright Express and Oil Price Information Service. Gas prices are still $1.06 more per gallon than they were a year ago. The average is also higher than $4 in 13 states and Washington, D.C.

The drop in gasoline comes after a week-long slide in oil. Oil has fallen about 11 percent since Monday amid growing concerns about the economy, a decline in gasoline consumption in the U.S. and a rising dollar. Oil is priced in dollars, and a stronger dollar makes it less attractive to buyers with foreign currencies, so prices fall.

Benchmark West Texas Intermediate for June delivery rose $1.27 to $101.07 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In London, Brent crude added $2.40 at $113.20 per barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.

In other Nymex trading for June contracts, heating oil gained 5.53 at $2.9422 per gallon and gasoline futures picked up 7 cents at $3.1651 per gallon. Natural gas increased by 2 cents to $4.350 per 1,000 cubic feet

Loan Modification Company charged

Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Loan Modification Company charged.

Washington Drunk Driving Law Passed in Senate

Wed, 04 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Back in January 2007, when Janine Parker was cited for driving under the influence (DUI), the state trooper drove her home and gave her instructions not to drive until she sobered up. Parker called a taxi, retrieved her car and collided moments later head-on into another vehicle driven by Hailey Huntley, a Whatcom County resident.

Huntley suffered life-threatening injuries and has had to undergo more than fourteen surgeries since the accident.

This tragic accident prompted the Washington State Legislature to propose a bill mandating that vehicles driven by those suspected of drunk driving be impounded for at least 12 hours.

This so-called "Hailey's Law" passed the Senate unanimously on April 14^th and awaits Governor Chris Gregoire's signature, according to a 790 KGMI News talk report.

When someone is arrested on suspicion of DUI, police officers ask the driver to have a sober person pick them up. This involves lost time and the risk that the person showing up is not sober, or is violent or reckless.

It is too soon to know how the bill will impact DUI offenses and alcohol-related accidents in Washington. Every year 40,000 people are arrested for drunk driving in the state. According to Huntley, most people she talks to about the law are shocked that it isn't already in effect.

Staged Car Crash and Virtual Student Fatalities At Washington High School

Mon, 02 May 2011 08:00:00 EST

Hoquiam emergency responders are setting up a staged car crash and plan to send a number of Hoquiam High School students to their virtual grave this week.

All Snohomish students could learn from this unusual awareness program, organized jointly by the Police department, the high school and the Grays Harbor Traffic Safety Task Force to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence (DUI).

According to the KBKW.com report, every 32 minutes someone in the U.S. is killed by an alcohol- or drug-impaired driver. Hoquiam students will hear a dispatch report of a crash every 32 minutes over their PA system.

A "Grim Reaper" will visit classrooms and pick out "victims" who will have their faces painted white and will not interact with other students for the remainder of the day.

A mock car crash will be staged, with paramedics' response and LifeFlight evacuation, as well as a police investigation and arrest of a drunken driver.

A 19-year old student from Olympia who killed his best friend in a DUI crash will be the keynote speaker.

Young drivers can't modify their perception of the risks and responsibilities associated with drunken driving using rational arguments alone. They have to integrate the dreadful reality of a crash in order to become conscious of its implications. This is why such an elaborate presentation deserves our support. It takes a lot of energy to prepare and execute, but the price is worth it.

Snohomish Man Killed in Utah Roll-Over Crash.

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

John Applegate, 73, of Snohomish County, was killed last Wednesday in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 84 in northern Utah's Box Elder County. The accident occurred at 10:50 a.m. when Applegate's vehicle steered away to the left side of the road and onto the median. Striking a delineator post that pierced the vehicle's gas tank, the vehicle caught fire and rode back across the highway, rolling over several times before coming to a stop on its roof near a fence. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Applegate was ejected from the vehicle and found dead at the scene.

Applegate is believed not to have been wearing a seatbelt, according to the Utah Highway Patrol, and that may have caused his ejection and death.

All statistics point to the crucial role of seatbelts in a roll-over crash. Roll-overs happen in seconds, and the forces that are unleashed when the vehicle is rolling, spinning and bouncing are extremely violent. Any driver or passenger not firmly secured to the seat is likely to be thrown against the roof, windshield, steering wheel or dashboard. In most rollover cases, doors are unhinged or forced open, the centrifugal force ejecting the occupants instantaneously.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of John Applegate during this difficult time.

Arlington Woman Injured in Last Week's Crash Dies.

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Valery Vickery, aged 52, was driving east on Highway 2 at the west end of the trestle last Wednesday at 2 a.m. when she steered away from her lane and struck a barrier on the left side. The car kept on riding along the barrier and came to a stop in the left lane.

Vickery was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett where she died on Tuesday, reported the Kaps Radio website.

Few people realize that single-vehicle crashes are the top cause of traffic accident fatalities. The latest detailed statistical accident analysis reports that in 2009 there were 30,797 fatal vehicle crashes in the country, of which a staggering 18,745 (60.9 percent) were single-vehicle accidents.

Furthermore, 3,957 crashes out of the 30,797 total occurred between midnight and 2:59 a.m. This means that almost 13 percent of the crashes happen at a time of the day when traffic is just a fraction of what it is during the day.

The attorneys of the Monro firm would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Valery Vickery.

63-Year-Old Man Killed by Monroe Driver Allegedly Under Influence of Drugs

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

Witnesses told Washington State Patrol troopers they saw a Honda drift into oncoming traffic near Trasher's Corner in Bothell. The driver pulled back into his lane, almost hitting the curb. Steering back hard to the left, the car crossed all lanes of traffic before colliding with an oncoming Buick LeSabre. The Buick was struck on the driver's side, trapping Gale Arnold, 63, inside. Arnold died at the scene, according to a Herald Net report.

The Honda, driven by Dane Smith, 31, was then hit by a car behind the Buick and sent into the air, flipping and landing on its roof. Smith was found on his hands and knees inside the car. Witnesses spotted a syringe and other drug paraphernalia inside.

A trooper reported that Smith didn't smell of alcohol but showed all the signs of being high. "His impairment was obvious," Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Tobin Darrow wrote in court papers.

The attorneys of Monro Law Firm express their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gale Arnold.

A tragic loss was caused by a man with a long history of drug and misdemeanor convictions. Innocent victims of devastating auto accidents caused by reckless and distracted drivers have a right to compensation. Contact us for a free consultation on your case.

A Crash at the Edmonds Intersection is Likely to Get Police as Confused as You Are

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Edmonds intersection, where Highway 99 crosses 220^th Street SW is one of the busiest in Snohomish County. If you get hurt in a crash, you will get immediate help; whatever police officer gets there first can check for injuries and control traffic.

For law enforcement officials, the trouble comes afterwards, according to a recent article in Herald Net. Depending on the exact location of the vehicles involved, any one of numerous police agencies could have to handle the case.

Who writes the police report, and to what court should citations be sent? In a fatal crash, who files felony charges?

What is the problem?

The intersection is a maze of city boundaries. South of the Lynwood city line, Edmonds supervises the southbound lanes until the intersection. Who handles the northbound lanes is anybody's guess, and depends on whom you ask.

Parts of the southwest corner may lie in the Esperance neighborhood, an unincorporated pocket falling under the Sheriff's jurisdiction.

The Red Dragon Casino and its parking lot are taken care of by the Mountlake Terrace police, but not the roadway.

The police agencies usually work together at the scene and are getting better at understanding the boundary lines. Still, people involved in car crashes don't understand why they sometimes have to wait half an hour for another police officer to show up when so many are already on the scene.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Washington car crash caused by a distracted or reckless driver, contact us for a free evaluation of your case.

Two Drivers Injured in a Crash on Interstate 5

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST

A car crash in Ferndale reminds all Snohomish County motorists that there are many dangers lurking on the road, even when you drive safely.

According to The News Tribune, two drivers were injured after their vehicles crashed on Grandview Road, just east of Interstate 5, near Ferndale.

Edward W. Hess, aged 57, was driving east on Grandview at about 1.35 p.m. when his 1991 Pontiac crossed the center line and hit a westbound 2004 Nissan Quest driven by Lea D. Morris, aged 45. Both cars were totaled and Hess and Morris, both from Ferndale, were injured and taken to St. Joseph Hospital. Their condition is not known as of yet.

According to Washington State Patrol both drivers were wearing their seatbelts and the involvement of alcohol or drugs is not suspected. Hess will be charged for crossing the center line.

The attorneys of Monro Law Firm wish both injured drivers a speedy recovery.

Even as you take all safety precautions, drive carefully and anticipate as much as possible other drivers' mistakes, car and motorcycle accidents can still wreck your day and, more often than not, wreck your life. If not caused by your own fault, distraction or recklessness, a traffic accident requires compensation for the damage you suffered due to someone else. Call us for a free consultation.