How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Auto Accident Claims: It’s Complicated
Like it or not, pre-existing conditions will play a role in your auto accident claim. Whether the injured victim is being treated for a chronic condition or some other current injury, it’s not uncommon for someone to be in less-than-perfect health before an auto...
Bicycles and Automobiles – 3 Feet of Space
On January 1, 2020 a new law went into effect in Washington. Where previously automobile drivers had to simply pass “at a safe distance”, the new law requires that automobiles give bicycles at least 3 feet of space when passing them on a road. The highlights of the...
The Dangers of Driving While Distracted
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused the death of 1730 drivers, 605 passengers, 400 pedestrians, and 77 bicyclists in 2018. In addition to these deaths, there were an estimated additional 400,000 injuries...
Elder Abuse: A Public Health Concern
The older population in the United States is growing at a faster rate than the younger population. Many of the older adults are considered frail and vulnerable, they may be unable to take care of their own daily needs, and they often depend on others for help. This...
“It’s Not My Fault!” – Keys to Proving Negligence In a Personal Injury Claim
Injuries can happen at any time, and in a plethora of ways. Whether it is through an auto accident, medical malpractice, or a slip and fall incident - when deciding who is responsible for the injury, the law looks at one question: Did the person involved in the...
Marijuana and Driving: When It’s Considered DUI
In November 2012, Washington State legalized the use of recreational marijuana for adults age 21 and older, with legal sales beginning in July 2014. With the passage of the law, the DUI laws of the state were amended to include a legal limit for the amount of THC in a...
Semi-Trucks and Auto Accidents – Sharing the Road
Semi-trucks are an integral part of the economic growth and stability in the United States, but as more and more trucks enter the roadways, so does the likelihood of serious auto accidents. Long haul and semi-truck drivers help transport goods from one side of the...
When Cars and Trucks Collide: Physics Behind Serious Injuries
Serious Injuries Due to Semi-Truck Accidents It is common sense that a semi-truck has an unfair size advantage against a smaller car, but many people don’t realize there is a lot more physics behind the unproportionate vehicles than just size. The main factors why...
The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident
Car accidents cause a lot more damage than simply putting a dent in your vehicle. Additional damages include expensive medical bills, lost wages, loss of enjoyment making it impossible or difficult to do many of things that you enjoy doing and most importantly, not...
Why You Should Get a Personal Injury Attorney if You Have a Car Accident
Car accidents can be very stressful and the last thing that a lot of people consider is taking even more time to find and retain a personal injury attorney given the fact that they are already taking time addressing injuries, dealing with insurance companies and...
Why Motorcycle Accident Victims Should Have an Experienced Motorcycle Personal Injury Attorney
Motorcycles are not only exciting to ride but they are also, unfortunately, one of the most dangerous vehicles on the road has given the likelihood and severity of motorcycle accidents. Having an experienced motorcycle personal injury attorney can dramatically improve...
What to Expect In Your Car Accident or Personal Injury Consultation and What to Bring
Many personal injury law firms, including Ritchie Reiersen Law, offer free consultations regarding your car accident and the following will describe what to expect and also what material you should bring to help get your case off to a fast and successful start. During...
Car Versus Pedestrian Auto Accidents Benefit From Having a Personal Injury Attorney
Car manufacturing has come to a long way with safety features protecting passengers involved in Car Accidents from what could be substantially worse injuries; however, when a pedestrian is hit by the car the pedestrian does not have the good fortune of the advanced...
Tire Safety For Teens to Avoid Car Accidents
Tire manufacturer Michelin has launched a campaign aimed at teenagers teaching the importance of tire safety. Many driver education programs neglect tire safety resulting in a lack of knowledge of basic tire safety among driving teens. Such drivers are less likely to...
How to Rock a Personal Injury Deposition
A deposition is a procedure that happens before a trial where one party asks questions to the opposing side to obtain information. Depositions are not typically carried out inside the courtroom, but the courts still play a role. Participants in a deposition may need...
The #1 Excuse Given for Speeding
Speeding is dangerous. It can cause accidents, increases reaction times, and increases the severity of injuries resulting from accidents. There's a reason speed limits are set and enforced. Even so, people break the speed limit every day. Have you ever wondered what...
Top 5 Qualities to look for in a Personal Injury Attorney
No one ever plans to need a personal injury attorney. Accidents happen to all of us, every day, and for some of us, the consequences last for months, years or an entire lifetime. When an accident happens through no fault of your own, sometimes you must seek out legal...
Do I have to pay Taxes on my Personal Injury Settlement?
Just in time for tax season: You’ve gone through the process and your personal injury lawyer has successfully won a settlement for you the previous tax year. Your question: is this money mine? What are the most common scenarios and is the money from a personal injury...
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Tips for Winter Driving
Driving in winter weather can be dangerous. Between low visibility and/or slippery roads, the potential for getting into a wreck is increased significantly. Along with the increased risk or accident comes the possibility being at fault for an accident. In many cases,...
Train Derailed In DuPont, WA
Six people have died as a result of an Amtrak train derailing, and nearly everyone else on board were admitted to hospitals in the area. All but one of the cars left the track and fell to Interstate 5 in DuPont, WA. The derailing has stopped traffic across all...