What Should I Do If My Car Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

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Out of nowhere a car slams into yours at a stoplight. The “at-fault” driver quickly admits blame, but he doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage to pay your bills. Yet when you contact your own insurance company to help pay for damages and injuries, your claim is inexplicably denied. Sound familiar?

Insurance companies have tactics designed to reduce the amount of compensation they pay policyholders and injured drivers. They may even resort to unfairly denying your claim in the hopes that you will take this as a final decision. They may claim that you do not have adequate coverage or that since you accepted money from the “at-fault” driver, then you are not eligible to file a claim with your own UIM policy. When this occurs, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately.

At the Phillips Law Firm, we know that insurance companies don’t have their policyholder’s best interest in mind. While they promise “peace of mind” and that they are “on your side”, nothing is farther from the truth. What is most important to know is that your insurance company’s denial of a claim is NOT the final word. You have many legal options and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the pros and cons of each of those options.

One of the first things your injury attorney will do is determine why the insurance company is denying your claim. Your attorney will review your accident closely and introduce new evidence to the insurance company that they may have overlooked when denying your claim. Oftentimes, insurance adjusters do not understand the legal meanings and ramifications of your policy language. Your attorney can help them understand your policy better and how you are legally entitled to coverage.

If even after further evidence and law is presented, your insurance company still denies your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit against the insurance company. After a lawsuit is filed, your attorney will begin preparation for litigation in a court of law.

Remember, just because your insurance company denies your claim, does not mean you are not covered. Insurance companies often engage in devious and deceptive practices and are in the habit of denying coverage to limit their liabilities. An experienced Seattle attorney won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If your insurance company has unfairly denied your injury claim, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington. 

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Who Pays the Bills in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

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According to 2011 statistics, 16% of Washington State drivers are currently driving without insurance. If you have been involved in an accident with an uninsured or under-insured driver, you may have many questions.

Who will pay for my medical expenses? How will I get my car repaired? What will I do about all this work time I missed?

Without realizing it, many accident victims begin paying expenses out of pocket. They are often unaware that there are ways to obtain compensation for their injuries and for any damages that have occurred. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you sort through all of your legal options after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If the negligent driver has no insurance, it will be difficult to obtain the compensation you need to pay medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. As such, you will have to turn to your own automobile insurance policy for help.

  • Personal Injury Protection: If your insurance policy has a PIP provision, it may cover the costs of your accident up to your own policy’s limits.
  • Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If you have Um/UIM coverage on your policy, this will compensate you for out of pocket expenses that you have paid.
  • Collision Policies: This type of insurance will cover the cost of your vehicle’s repair and sometimes the replacement of your car.

Yet even when you have the necessary coverage, insurance companies are reluctant to pay expenses. They may delay or deny a claim—or they may try to minimize your payments and offer you lowest amount. To ensure that this does not happen, it is important to contact an experienced auto accident lawyer immediately after you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If an uninsured driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.

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Pregnancy and Car Accidents: Protect Yourself & Your Baby

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Baby on BoardPregnant women are at an increased risk for sustaining serious injuries in auto accidents. Even car accidents that occur at low speeds can impact a pregnant woman enough to harm her baby. In addition, growing pregnant bellies make it difficult for seat belts to fit properly, thus causing additional harm to the mother and baby.

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, your first and only priority should be the health of you and your baby. As such, call 911 immediately after any type of car crash, including fender benders. Once paramedics arrive at the scene, be sure to let them know you are pregnant, especially if you are not yet showing. Both you and your baby will need to be closely monitored to determine if an injury was suffered.

Once you are in the hospital, medical professionals will likely do an ultrasound to visualize the baby and the placenta. You will be monitored closely to ensure that you did not sustain significant injury as well and your baby will be electronically monitored. Pregnant women who are involved in a car accident have an increased risk of:

  • Premature birth
  • Cesarean section birth
  • Hemorrhaging
  • Birth defects
  • Placental abruption
  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth

When you and your baby have been examined by a doctor and released from the hospital, be sure to pay close attention to how you feel and your baby’s movements. Return to the emergency room immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms:

  • Dizziness
  • Fever
  • Decrease in baby’s movements
  • Severe headaches
  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Unusual vaginal discharge and bleeding
  • Abnormal swelling

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If a negligent driver has injured you or your baby, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. To learn more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington. 

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Can Low Impact Accidents Actually Cause Injuries?

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Low Impact CollisionLow impact accidents are most commonly referred to as fender benders. These accidents occur at low rates of speed and usually only cause minor property damage. Yet contrary to what many insurance companies and motorists believe, they can still cause significant injury. Even worse, these injuries can go undetected for weeks and even months before finally being discovered. By then, accident victims may be in constant pain and facing a chronic disability.

The average automobile weighs about 2,000 pounds. An accident that occurs at just 10 mph will still result in an impact force of 3.7 tons. Those forces can significantly injure delicate tissue in the neck, back, and throughout the body. In rear-end accidents, whip-like motion often occurs to the neck, causing swelling and damage to the soft tissue—most commonly referred to as whiplash. If left untreated, whiplash can turn into a chronic condition, causing a lifetime of pain and suffering.

In particular, the elderly, small children, and occupants who are not wearing seat belts are at an increased risk for developing more serious injuries during a low impact accident. These accident victims can suffer fractures, strains, sprains, and even contusions. If their head hit the window, steering wheel, or other structure, they can even sustain a concussion.

Unfortunately, many insurance companies are suspicious of low impact accident victims who claim that they have suffered injuries. They may delay or deny claims or they may investigate you closely in an attempt to prove that you are uninjured. Documentation of your injuries, medical tests, and diagnoses are vital to winning your claim.

Proving that you have been injured in a low impact accident can be difficult, but not impossible. It will, however, take the resources of an experienced personal injury law firm. A car accident attorney may need to employ accident re-creation experts, forensic specialists, and medical professionals to win your case and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or someone you love has suffered after a low impact car accident, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.

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Get a Grip: Avoid Spinouts on Icy Seattle Roads

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Icy RoadIcy roads are responsible for 190,100 accidents every year, injuring 62,700 people and killing 680. When a sheet of ice forms over the roads’ surface, causing poor tire traction and drivers losing control of their cars. The result is usually a spinout on the icy road and a car accident. When the weather is bad, it is important to understand these dangers so you can protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

Newer cars are equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), and some even boast all-wheel drive (AWD). While these important safety features can help you avoid dangerous spinouts in icy wintery weather, they will not solve all of the problems. There are numerous cars on Seattle’s roads that are not equipped for handling ice and snow, and even more drivers who do not understand how to drive safely in the snow. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding is a factor in over 44% of fatal ice road accidents.

Before you decide to head out on icy Seattle roads, consider these helpful tips:

  • Traction is Key: Make sure your tires have enough traction on them to grip the road surface. The slicker your tires, the less control you will have over your car. You should have tires with 6/32-inch deep thread for gripping snow and ice more effectively.
  • Change Wiper Blades: In order to avoid dangerous icy accidents, it is best to change your wiper blades and be sure you have enough anti-icing fluid. Ice on windshields can obstruct visibility, making it difficult to avoid accidents.
  • Check Your Lights: You need to be sure other drivers can see you on the roads, especially in snowy or icy conditions. Be sure all of your lights are working properly before venturing out.
  • Avoid Over-steering: If your car does start to skid or spin, avoid turning the wheel more. Avoid over-correcting though and use your ABS system to help you maintain control.

Remember, if you do not have to drive on icy roads—don’t. It is best to stay inside until the road crews have cleaned the streets and salted them well. Also, just because you know how to drive in icy and snowy conditions, does not mean the rest of Seattle does. Accidents happen even to careful drivers who take all the necessary precautions.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If another driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. We believe that negligent drivers should be held accountable for their actions—and that you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our personal injury attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington. 

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Speeding Kills – Responsible for 30% of all Car Fatalities

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Fatal Car CrashIn 2011, speeding drivers were responsible for 30% of all fatal crashes and cost accident victims and society nearly $41 billion. In the State of Washington alone, 165 speeding drivers lost their lives in 2011. While speeding related fatalities have decreased over the past decade, there is still so much work to be done.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the majority of speeding drivers are young males between the ages of 16 and 24 and alcohol impairment is a common cause. In addition, 44% of all fatal accidents that occurred on icy roads were a result of a speeding driver.

The 2011 National Survey of Speeding Attitudes and Behaviors noted some interesting characteristics among speeders. Overall, speeders were generally more likely to get irritated and impatient behind the wheel of a vehicle. Speeders were also more likely to enjoy the feeling of going fast and to have the goal of getting where they were going as fast as they could.

One of the main reasons Washington drivers disobey the speed limit signs, is because they are running late to an appointment or an engagement. Safety experts urge all drivers to give themselves enough time to reach their destination safely, so they can avoid going faster than the posted speed limit signs.

In addition to causing fatal car crashes, speeding drivers can cause tremendous damage to both personal and public property and they can cause serious injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, back and neck injuries, and severe fractures are all examples of injuries that can occur at high rates of speed.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If a speeding driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced auto accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our car accident lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington. 

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When Poor Seattle Roads Cause Your Car Accident, Who is to Blame?

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Car accidents in Seattle can be caused in numerous ways: negligent drivers, poor weather, and even defective auto parts. Yet when the road condition causes your accident, it can be difficult to know who is to blame. The government is responsible for maintaining the roads, but sometimes there are third parties responsible as well. An experienced auto accident attorney can determine who is ultimately to blame for your accident and the injuries you sustained.

Types of Poor Seattle Road Conditions:

  • Objects on the road
  • Ice and snow not properly cleared
  • Confusing signs or lack of signs
  • Potholes
  • Steep shoulders
  • Unsafe bridges
  • Unsafe or inadequate guardrails
  • Unsafe work zones
  • Pooling water
  • Wheel ruts
  • And more

Hitting a pothole or an improperly marked construction zone does not mean you automatically have a claim. If the government was aware of the poor road condition and failed to make the necessary repairs in a reasonable amount of time, then they may be liable for any accidents their negligence has caused. The key to a successful car accident lawsuit against the government is proving that they knew about the existing condition in enough time to adequately repair the damage.

Once your attorney can establish that the condition (such as a pothole or dangerous shoulder) of the road was known by the government, your lawyer can file a verified claim form against the proper government entity. Time is of the essence. Once the claim form is submitted, you are not allowed to bring a lawsuit against the Washington government for at least 60 days. Your  car accident attorney can ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines for filing your claim.

When the Seattle government is responsible for your car accident and your injuries, you need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. There are specific procedures that must be followed when trying to sue the government and failure to follow those procedures could result in your lawsuit being barred.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or someone you love was injured due to a poor road condition in Seattle, an experienced car crash attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington. 

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Drowsy Driving is Dangerous

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Drowsy Driving in SeattleThe AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety issued a wake up call for all drivers: drowsy driving is dangerous. Shockingly, more than a third of all drivers have reportedly fallen asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle at some point in their lives. In the past year alone, more than 1 in 10 admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel. Yet when asked, nearly 100% of drivers reported that they found drowsy driving unacceptable.

Drowsy driving is dangerous for everyone on Seattle’s roadways. The AAA Foundation found that drowsy drivers accounted for an estimated 12.5% of all fatal crashes or one out of every eight fatal crashes. In addition, young drivers are twice as likely to be involved as older drivers.

Being sleep deprived is a major contributor to all car crashes—not just fatal ones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that sleep deprived drivers are responsible for 100,000 car crashes every year across the United States. These accidents resulted in 1,550 deaths and over 70,000 injuries.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Driving:

Driving drowsy can impact driving in a number of ways, including:

  • Slowed reaction time
  • Decreased alertness
  • Impaired decision making
  • Increase in aggressive driving
  • Using poor judgment
  • Impaired vision
  • Impaired hand-eye coordination

In order to prevent dangerous and deadly Seattle car accidents from occurring, it is important to recognize the signs of drowsiness before they begin to impact your driving. Then take the necessary safety precautions to ensure that you do not drive drowsy. This includes:

  • Stopping the vehicle somewhere safely to rest for 20 minutes
  • Stopping the vehicle at a nearby gas station for coffee, caffeine, or a quick but brisk walk
  • Asking a passenger to take over driving for you
  • If you are unable to stop the car (such as driving on a bridge) open the window to let fresh, cool air in the car.
  • Consider stopping for the night at a hotel and resuming your travel the next day

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If a drowsy driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.

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The True Costs Associated with Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Car Accident Brain Injury

One of the most horrific injuries a Seattle car accident victim can suffer is a traumatic brain injury. These injuries have the ability to significantly impact an individual’s quality of life in a way that few injuries can. If the brain injury is severe, Seattle families can suddenly find themselves struggling financially to care for injured loved ones.

The CDC estimates that in the United States, the total cost of acute care and rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury victims is $9 to $10 billion per year. While staggering, this number does not even take into account the billions of dollars families lose in the form of lost earnings and lost productivity for family members who must now devote their lives to caring for their loved one.  If you add up the direct and indirect costs, it is estimated that traumatic brain injuries cost $76.5 billion a year in the United States.

Roughly 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury every year. This can occur as a mild concussion or as a more severe closed head injury. Initial brain trauma after a car accident can cost families up to $162,000 and 2 weeks of rehabilitation another $60,000. Yet severe brain injury victims do not heal in a matter of weeks. Thus, families can expect that number to grow astronomically over time as additional hospitalizations, surgeries, and long-care facilities become necessary.

The Brain Injury Association of America estimates that over a lifetime, traumatic brain injury victims can cost up to $1.8 million. This includes occupational therapies, long-term care, refitting a home for handicap accessibility, and subsequent brain surgeries.

Sadly, traumatic brain injuries account for one-third of all injury related deaths in the United States ever year. The elderly and the very young are at an increased risk for sustaining such injuries, as are adolescent males who may take unnecessary risks.

Contact Seattle Personal Injury Attorneys

If someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury after an accident of any kind, an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Seattle personal injury lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond, Shoreline, and throughout the State of Washington.

 

 

 

 

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Speeding Drivers Continue to be a Problem on Washington Roads

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Speeding Fatalities Washington State

Between 2004 and 2008, there were 1,045 fatal crashes in the State of Washington involving drivers who were speeding. This accounts for 40% of all traffic related deaths during that 5-year period. More than 50% of those who died in Washington speeding crashes were between the ages of 16 and 30 years old. These numbers tell a sad story and show that Washington drivers are all at risk when speeding is involved.

Contributing Factors to Speeding Deaths in Washington

Type of Road: Over half of the speeding-related deaths in Washington State occurred in rural areas. Drivers who sped on US/State Highways came in second with 26.5% of all speeding-related fatalities. Interstates in Washington, however, had the fewest number of speeding-related deaths (8.7%).

Time of Day: 3 out of 5 Washington speeding fatalities occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Half of all speeding fatalities occurred on the weekends, suggesting that party-going young adults and teenagers were a bit more reckless during those times.

Speeding Counties: The top 5 counties in Washington represented half of all speeding related deaths. Those counties were:

  • King County – 21.1%
  • Pierce County – 11.5%
  • Snohomish County – 8.1%
  • Yakima County – 5.0%
  • Thurston County – 5.0%

Time of Year: One-third of all speeding related fatalities in Washington occurred during the warm summer months of July, August, and September. The fewest speeding deaths occurred from December through February.

Safety Factors: 44% of all speeding fatalities involved individuals who were not wearing their seat belts. In addition, more than 60% of those drivers were also under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash and 21% were driving distracted.

Contact Seattle Car Accident Lawsuit Attorneys

If a negligent driver injures you or someone you love, an experienced Seattle car accident attorney at Phillips Law Firm can help. If you are interested in learning more about your legal options, call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our personal injury attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7. We offer free case evaluations and a no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

The personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm have successfully represented injured individuals and their families in Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue ,Everett, Kent, Auburn, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, Marysville, Lakewood, Redmond,  Shoreline and throughout the State of Washington. 

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