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Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Renton, WA

Walking for 30 minutes a day has been shown to improve nearly every aspect of a person’s health. You could walk to a local shop or take an easy stroll along Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. 

Seattle and SeaTac’s surrounding areas are trying to make the roads a safer place for pedestrians by adding more crosswalks and sidewalks, but accidents involving pedestrians still happen every day. Despite the city’s efforts, pedestrians still face certain risks, especially in Renton. While there were fewer automobile accidents overall last year, fatalities involving pedestrians increased in 2020. 

If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian-car collision, you have the right to seek compensation for your resulting damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Working with an experienced Renton pedestrian accident lawyer can help you attain peace of mind as you focus on healing.

Common Accidents Facing Pedestrians in Renton

The weight disparity between a pedestrian and a vehicle is stark. The average person weighs less than one tenth of a passenger vehicle. Trucks weigh more than 8,000 pounds; therefore, an accident between a truck and a pedestrian could cause catastrophic injuries. Some common accidents suffered by pedestrians include:

• Whiplash
• Spinal cord damage
• Loss of a limb
• Traumatic head or brain injury
• Scars or disfigurements to the face
• Internal organ damage
• Broken bones
• Loss of hearing/sight

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident, you should contact an experienced Renton pedestrian attorney to discuss your legal options. The responsible party should be held accountable and compensate you for your injuries.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right-Of-Way in Renton?

Pedestrians have the right-of-way. However, there are limited exceptions to this rule. For example, a pedestrian does not have the right-of-way when they dart out into a crosswalk when a car is coming. When there are no sidewalks, pedestrians must walk facing traffic on the left side of the road. When pedestrians cross the street anywhere that is not an intersection, the pedestrian must yield the right-of-way to vehicles. If a person is struck while violating Washington State’s pedestrian laws, that person could be liable for negligence.

Washington State is a comparative negligence state. In a comparative negligence state, if a person’s negligence contributed in any way to an accident, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to the amount of their negligence. Pedestrians should walk on a sidewalk when possible, and they should always use a crosswalk to cross the street. All motorists must yield to pedestrians that are using sidewalks and crosswalks.

How Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Work in Renton?

Both drivers and pedestrians owe a duty of care to each other to prevent accidents. Because Washington is a comparative negligence state, a driver’s attorney will try to place the blame for the accident on the pedestrian to limit the driver’s liability. A pedestrian could be found negligent if:

• The pedestrian is jaywalking
• The pedestrian failed to use the dedicated crosswalk or sidewalk
• The pedestrian walked out in front of traffic
• The pedestrian failed to use pedestrian signals
• The pedestrian failed to pay attention to their surroundings

This is not to say that drivers can easily avoid liability in a pedestrian accident case in Renton. A driver could be at fault if:

• The driver violates traffic laws, especially the speed limit
• The driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The driver did not obey traffic signals
• The driver was distracted while driving
• The driver did not use a turn signal
• The driver failed to yield at a crosswalk

If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Renton, WA, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Our Renton pedestrian accident attorneys will help you with every step of your case as you pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.

The Renton Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Premier Law Group Are Ready to Help You

Thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s plan to increase pedestrian sidewalks and crosswalks, Seattle is becoming a more pedestrian-friendly city. Unfortunately, statistics show that hazards remain for pedestrians. Premier Law Group is a Seattle-based law firm that provides excellent legal representation for pedestrian accident victims. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Renton have been nationally recognized for their expertise. We have offices in Renton, Bellevue, and Federal Way, and we represent plaintiffs throughout the entire region. To schedule a no-cost, no-commitment, initial consultation, please contact our law firm today. You can reach us by visiting our website or calling (206) 880-7518.

Walking for 30 minutes a day can improve nearly every aspect of a person’s health. You could enjoy a nice walk through the Bellevue Botanical Gardens or take an easy stroll around your neighborhood. To promote health and safety, Seattle has been incorporating more and more walking paths, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Despite the city’s efforts, pedestrians still face certain risks, especially in Bellevue.

In an accident with a vehicle, a pedestrian is not well-protected. While Seattle and SeaTac’s surrounding areas are trying to make the roads a safer place for pedestrians by adding more crosswalks and sidewalks, accidents involving pedestrians still happen every day. Although there were less automobile accidents last year, fatalities involving pedestrians still managed to increase in 2020. It is important to seek legal counsel following a pedestrian-car accident in Bellevue if you have been injured. By working with a team of  Bellevue pedestrian accident lawyers, you can protect your right to compensation and pursue justice.

How Do Pedestrian Accident Cases Work in Bellevue?

Both drivers and pedestrians owe a duty of care to each other to prevent accidents. Because Washington is a comparative negligence state, a driver’s attorney will try to limit the driver’s liability. The driver’s attorney will do this by trying to place as much blame as possible on the pedestrian. A pedestrian could be found negligent if:

• The pedestrian is jaywalking
• The pedestrian failed to use the dedicated crosswalk or sidewalk
• The pedestrian walked out in front of traffic
• The pedestrian failed to use pedestrian signals
• The pedestrian failed to pay attention to their surroundings

This is not to say that drivers are never liable for pedestrian accident cases in Renton. A driver could be at fault if:

• The driver violates traffic laws, especially the speed limit
• The driver was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The driver did not obey traffic signals
• The driver was distracted while driving
• The driver failed to use a turn signal
• The driver failed to yield at a crosswalk

If you were involved in a pedestrian accident in Bellevue, you should contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney right away. If a negligent driver hit you while you were walking, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries.

Common Pedestrian Injuries in Bellevue

The weight disparity between a pedestrian and a vehicle is stark. The average person weighs less than one tenth of a passenger vehicle. With trucks weighing more than 8,000 pounds, potential injuries to pedestrians could be catastrophic. Some common pedestrian accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Spinal cord damage
• Loss of a limb
• Traumatic head or brain injury
• Scars or disfigurements to the face
• Internal organ damage
• Broken bones
• Loss of hearing/sight

If you were injured in a pedestrian accident in Bellevue, you should seek medical attention. After receiving the necessary medical attention, you should contact a Bellevue pedestrian accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will work with you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Do Pedestrians Have the Right-Of-Way in Bellevue?

Pedestrians do have the right-of-way. However, there are limited exceptions to this rule, such as when someone darts out into a crosswalk when a car is coming. When there are no sidewalks, pedestrians must walk facing traffic on the left side of the road. When pedestrians try to cross the street anywhere that is not an intersection, the pedestrian must yield the right of way to vehicles. If a person is struck while violating Washington State’s pedestrian laws, that person could be liable for negligence.

Washington State is a comparative negligence state. This means that if a person’s negligence contributed to the accident at all, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to the amount of their negligence. Pedestrians should walk on a sidewalk when possible, and they should always use a crosswalk. All motorists must yield to pedestrians that are using sidewalks and crosswalks.

The Bellevue Pedestrian Accident Lawyers At Premier Law Group Are Ready to Help You

Seattle is becoming a more pedestrian-friendly city, yet statistics show that hazards remain for those who like to walk. Premier Law Group is a Seattle-based law firm that reliably and confidently provides legal representation to pedestrian accident victims. Our pedestrian accident lawyers in Bellevue, WA have been nationally recognized for their expertise. We have offices in Bellevue, Federal Way, and Renton, and we represent plaintiffs throughout the entire region. To schedule a free consultation, please contact our law firm today. You can reach us by visiting our website or by calling (206) 880-7518.

Legal Help Following a Serious Accident

Your life will never be the same after a catastrophic injury that results in paralysis. You may be angry or frustrated about your disabilities, or how they might affect your family or your ability to provide for them. There is no question that families suffer as well when a loved one becomes paralyzed. Both emotionally and financially.

It’s also important for victims to know that if you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have legal rights. The responsible party in such a case should be held accountable for the injuries, damages, and long-term consequences victims and their families face.

Furthermore, if you or a loved one are a victim of paralysis, filing a claim or lawsuit may be difficult. However, the attorneys at Premier Law Group have plenty of experience fighting for victims.  We know what it takes to recover full and fair compensation in these cases. Contact Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 for a free consultation.

What Is Paralysis?

When the brain or spinal cord suffers severe trauma, a person can lose feeling and function in their body. This type of injury can result from a:

• Birth injury
• Slip and fall accident
• Bike accident
• Sporting accident
• Pedestrian accident
• Car accident

The nature and extent of the injury depends on the location of the trauma.

Additionally, if the spinal cord has damage near the neck, it could lead to quadriplegia, which is paralysis from the chest and neck down. If the spinal cord has damage in the lower back, it could result in paraplegia, which is loss of feeling and function from the waist down.

Living with Paralysis

The financial and emotional toll of living with paralysis can be great. Patients often need hospital care to begin with.  They may then also need nursing home care. Victims will likely need ongoing rehabilitation and care as well.

Victims and their families often require:

• medical care
• physical therapy
• vocational retraining
• counseling

Some victims may also need:

• a handicap accessible van
• a personal care attendant
• adaptive services
• adjustments to their homes to make them accessible

All of these costs can add up to millions of dollars over a person’s lifetime.

Protecting Your Rights in Seattle

To get the full and fair compensation they deserve, plaintiffs must prove that someone else’s negligence led to their injuries.

For instance, if you were injured in a car accident, you will have to show that the at-fault driver was somehow negligent, whether they were speeding, drunk, or otherwise. If you suffered an injury from a slip-and-fall accident, you may have to show that the property owner caused the accident by not providing reasonable safety conditions. Additionally, if your child suffers paralysis due to mistakes made during labor, you may be able to hold the hospital and/or medical professional liable for their negligence.

Furthermore, if you or a loved one has suffered an injury that resulted in paralysis, it is important to keep records of expenses that come from the injury.  Keep track of medical bills, lost wages, and that have added up as a result of the injury. Be sure to document your daily struggles as well.

Contact a Seattle Paralysis Lawyer

At Premier Law Group we will fight to achieve full and fair compensation for our clients.

We will also offer free case reviews to victims of paralysis who are looking for a Seattle accident lawyer. Finally, by speaking with you and gathering information about your specific situation we can provide you with the most accurate information. Call 206.285.1743 for a free case review today. Remember, there is no fee unless we win.

Seattle Personal Injury Attorneys

A number of injuries can result from a car accident. Some, such as cuts, scrapes, burns, and broken bones are immediately visible. However, others, like nerve damage, are not as obvious and may not be noticeable immediately following an accident. Nerve damage is a serious injury. It often lasts longer than other injuries as well. It can also require ongoing medical care. Furthermore, depending on the severity, damaged nerves can negatively affect your ability to work and maintain your quality of life.

Additionally, damaged nerves often result from the trauma or compression of an impact.  Oftentimes this impact occurs during a car accident. Furthermore, nerves are vital to the proper functioning of your body. You should always take any harm done to your nerves seriously.  You should also get proper treatment from medical specialists to ensure you get the best possible recovery.

If you have nerve damage resulting from an accident caused by a negligent party, you may want to pursue the compensation you deserve. The experienced attorneys at Premier Law Group will take care of the legal aspect of things, so that you can focus on recovery.

Call Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 to schedule your FREE case review.

What Is Nerve Damage?

Nerves are special tissues which connect our organs to the nervous system. The nervous system plays a role in every function of the body. It helps us sense hot and cold, control muscles, and regulate breathing as well.

Nerves are divided into three categories:

• Autonomic nerves control the reflexive or partially reflexive activities of the body. This includes blood pressure, digestion, heart rate, and also the regulation of temperature.
• Motor nerves control movements and actions. They transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles.
• Sensory nerves also send information from your skin and muscles to your spinal cord and brain. This is what allows you to feel pain and other sensations.

With healthy nerves, your brain gets the information it needs for pain awareness, proper functioning of internal organs, as well as muscle movement. However, when nerves are damaged, the brain may not receive necessary information. This can result in pain, or your muscles not moving properly.

What Causes Nerve Damage?

The force of sudden movement or an impact to the body can compress nerves in the back or spinal cord and interfere with the signals they normally transmit. Some examples of the conditions that lead to nerve damage are:

• Lacerations – A laceration can sever nerve tissue.
• Pinched Nerve – Bone spurs or ruptured discs can pinch the nerves that run down the arm or spine.
• Broken or Dislocated Bones – A broken bone that gets moved out of place can compress or damage nearby nerves.
• Whiplash – When your head and neck are jolted back and forth, extra pressure is placed on the nerves in your spine or neck.

Signs and Symptoms of Nerve Damage

Not all injuries are noticeable right away after a car accident. You might not notice you have nerve damage until some time has passed. Furthermore, the first signs of a damaged nerve can be unsettling.  You may find that you cut yourself but didn’t feel any pain.  Or, you could experience intense pain for no known reason as well. A variety of symptoms come with a damaged nerve, and also depend on the type of nerve.

Symptoms of damage to autonomic nerves may include:

• Excessive sweating or the inability to sweat
• Dry eyes or mouth
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Digestive issues, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, nausea, or vomiting
• Bladder or sexual dysfunction
• Vision difficulties when adjusting from light to dark

Motor nerve damage symptoms may include:

• Loss of muscle mass
• Weakness
• Muscle twitching
• Paralysis

Damage to sensory nerves may include:

• Pain
• Numbness
• Sensitivity
• Burning, tingling, or prickling
• Lack of coordination/clumsiness
• Trouble recognizing positional awareness

It is also possible for two or three types of nerves to have damage. For example, you might experience both tingling and weakness in your arm. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms as the result of an accident, contact Premier Law Group. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will help you navigate your case.

How To Treat Nerve Damage

Oftentimes, cases of nerve damage get worse over time. It is vital to get proper medical treatment before the injury progresses to the point of permanent impairment. Additionally, if your nerve damage is related to another injury, treatment may start with treating that underlying cause. Surgery may also be necessary to repair your injury. Recovery from a damaged nerve can take weeks, months, or even longer as well. However, there are treatment options to prevent further complications and help alleviate symptoms.

You may be prescribed medications such as:

• Pain relievers
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Antidepressants
• Capsaicin cream

Other treatments may be used in addition to medication such as:

• Physical therapy
• Meditation
• Hypnosis
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Antioxidant vitamins
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is a small device placed on the affected area

Sometimes a nerve is so severely damaged that it never heals completely. In such cases, treatment will focus on managing symptoms and improving functionality, as well as quality of life. However, treatment for nerve damage can leave you with extensive medical bills, and result in lost income if you are unable to work while recovering.

Getting Compensation for Your Injuries

Nerve damage can be life changing. As such, you deserve an experienced personal injury attorney on your case. At Premier Law Group, we care about the satisfaction of our clients. Call Premier Law Group today and speak directly with our Seattle personal injury attorneys. We will help you and provide honest answers to your questions.

We will also help protect your health, emotional well being, and finances, as well as give you useful resources. At Premier Law Group, we want to provide everyone who contacts us with the information they need about their legal options.

Contact Premier Law Group to schedule a free case review of your nerve damage case today. Call 206.285.1743.  And remember, there is no fee unless we win your case.

Seattle Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

The results of a catastrophic injury can be catastrophic. They can also be hard to predict. A severe accident caused by someone else’s negligence is a serious matter as well. You need the help of experienced serious accident lawyers.

If you or a loved one has been injured, the catastrophic injury lawyers at Premier Law Group can help. We can make home and hospital visits and will go the extra mile for our clients. Our experience and past results make us different from other Seattle serious accident lawyers.

Call 206.285.1743 to speak directly with one of our Seattle personal injury attorneys and start your free case review. If we handle your case, you will pay absolutely no legal fees unless we win.

Two Important Goals to Keep In Mind

Firstly, to increase your chances of a complete recovery, get the best care possible. Secondly, you want to recover the most money possible to pay for all of your damages. To achieve these goals, there are certain steps you should take. Furthermore, your doctor and your Seattle catastrophic injury lawyer can only get the best results with your cooperation.

Common Catastrophic Injuries

Any injury can prove catastrophic, however the most common of these injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are generally caused by a blow to the head, shoulders, or body. They can also be painful and slow to heal. They can also lead to chronic pain, a diminished range of motion, and other permanent issues.
• Paralysis: Paralysis is the permanent loss of control over bodily motion in an affected area. The physical and emotional effects of such an injury can last a lifetime. Paralysis also often leads to other problems, such as breathing difficulties.
• Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries result from an impact to the head. They also result from severe shaking of the head on the neck as well. These injuries are often serious. The effects of a serious brain injury can include physical, cognitive, and other issues which can persist for a long time.  They can also hinder your ability to work or perform regular activities.
• Other serious injuries include amputations and severe burns as well.

Common Causes of a Catastrophic Injury

Nearly any kind of accident can lead to a severe injury depending on the severity. The most common accidents that result in a serious injury are:

• Traffic accidents: These include car, truck, motorcycle, bike, scooter, and pedestrian accidents. They frequently result from driver negligence.
• Slip and fall accidents: Slip and falls can cause very dangerous injuries—especially from heights. Slip and falls are often the result of negligent business owners. They are also common on the job, especially on construction sites.
• Accidents caused by defective products: When products are defective, severe injuries can occur. Issues often occur from defective car parts, defective children’s products, and defective appliances.

Damages for Catastrophic Injuries

Devastating injuries often lead to damages that can be hard to assess. The damages that often apply include the following.

• Medical costs – These costs can include:
  • emergency care
  • emergency transportation
  • surgeries
  • treatment from doctors and specialists
  • physical therapy
  • medications
  • at home care, and more.
• Lost wages – A severe injury is likely to result in lower work capacity or not being able to return to work.
• Pain and suffering – Serious injuries are typically very painful, which can take a toll on your mental health. The trauma of the accident itself can also lead to mental struggles such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

The damages resulting from these injuries typically include large bills. If you didn’t cause the accident, you should not have to pay these costs. The catastrophic injury lawyers at Premier Law Group can help you recover full and fair compensation to help cover these costs.

What To Do After Catastrophic Accident

Report Physical Complaints

When you visit a doctor, be thorough. One challenge of a severe injury is that memory is often impaired or the ability to communicate is limited. As such, record every detail, even if it does not seem important.

Preserve Evidence

Be sure to get photos of wounds, lacerations, bruises, and any other physical proof of your injuries. Get photographs of the accident scene as well. Once the scene is cleaned up, most evidence will be lost.

Gather Witnesses

Independent witnesses are important for proving that you aren’t at fault for your own accident. Get any names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses that you can. Being able to prove with independent witnesses that an accident happened the way you claim it did can help you win your case.

Keep a Journal

Between the day of your accident and the time that you fully recover or your case goes to trial, you may forget important details. If your loved one’s injury keeps them from being able to journal, keep a journal from your perspective. Write down daily experiences, restrictions, and pain. That will help to convey any injuries to the jury or whoever you are settling your case with.

Continue Treatment

If you stop going to the doctor for any reason, a jury will assume you were feeling fine and didn’t need treatment. It will also take longer for you to recover from your injuries and destroy your case. Consistent treatment proves your ongoing pain and suffering. You should see a doctor as long as your symptoms last.

See A Doctor

There are a variety of issues that can result from a catastrophic injury. You should see the right doctor for your injuries. The following guide can be helpful as a reference.

• Neurologist: Visit a neurologist for severe headaches, dizziness and vertigo, numbness, paralysis, loss of motion and/or feeling, memory loss, loss of awareness, or changes in cognitive functioning.
• Orthopedist: Injuries to the spine, neck and back pain, pain or discomfort in the shoulder, as well as broken bones usually require visiting an orthopedist.
• Psychologist / Psychiatrist: See a psychologist or psychiatrist for anxiety, depression, withdrawal or other mood-related symptoms.
• Physical Therapist / Chiropractor: Those with muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries will benefit from physical therapy or chiropractic treatment.

There are many other specialists as well that have not been listed.  They may also be suited to help treat your injury.  Furthermore, you should not undergo any needless treatment. Doing this can weaken your injury claim.

How Premier Law Group’s Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Can Help

Firstly, we will help you decide whether you need a Seattle catastrophic injury attorney, at all. If you can settle your case on your own, our free book can help provide the guidance you need to do so. For more complex cases, you will still want our Seattle or Bellevue catastrophic injury lawyers to get the best settlement possible.

Our catastrophic injury attorneys will also give you our Triple Guarantee:

1. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly with an attorney – not just an intake specialist. We’ll also be upfront about whether you even need an attorney to settle your claim.
2. We’ll provide a “premier” client experience. Don’t just take our word for it.  Read what our previous clients have to say here.
3. You don’t have to pay a cent unless we win your case. That’s our zero-fee guarantee.

Furthermore, you may not know about any permanent damage until weeks following your injury. In this time, insurance companies can pressure you to settle before you know the extent of your accident. That’s wrong, and we will stand up for you. At Premier Law Group, we will:

• Listen to your needs, questions, and concerns
• Handle legal issues while you focus on recovery
• Deal with insurance companies
• Order medical records and bills related to your injuries
• Walk you through the litigation process
• Follow up with you so you know how your case is going

Contact a Seattle Serious Injury Attorney as Soon as Possible

If you are suffering from a severe injury due to the negligent actions of another person, you will likely need financial and other assistance. The Seattle personal injury lawyers at Premier Law Group will help you through recovery. We will fight to help you get the best care possible.

Call 206.285.1743 today to speak with one of our attorneys and begin your FREE case review.

Have You Suffered a Back or Neck Injury Accident?

Fact:  every year over 800,000 car crashes in the United States cause crash victims to have serious neck and back injuries.  A back and neck injury is the leading cause of permanent disability.

As you can imagine, these injuries also result in huge financial burdens on accident victims and their families.  Medical providers have to be paid or they stop providing their services.  If your accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury attorney. In fact, you need a personal injury attorney who specializes in back and neck injury settlements.

Premier Law Group can help!

We care about our clients.  We skillfully investigate your accident and specialize in determining negligence and fault.  In fact, we have a “no fee, free consultation” process.  Let us review your case, and if you choose us, we go to work to negotiate a fair settlement.  This frees you up to focus on getting well.  

Call Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 for a Free Consultation!

Common Types of Neck Injuries

Human necks are fragile.  They’re composed of many “essential” working parts.  For example, there are vertebra, spinal cord, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments and tendons.

At the top spinal column.  These bones have one job:  to protect the nerves in the spinal cord.  The vertebra are cushioned by soft tissue including muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

All neck injuries are serious!  Get medical care immediately if you suffer a neck injury in an accident.  The most common injuries to the neck include the following:

• Whiplash:  Whiplash happens when an accident victim’s head is forcefully thrown backward and then forward in a snapping motion, well beyond the normal range of motion.
• Neck Sprains:   Neck sprains are very painful.  Every time the accident victim moves, turns, or rotates their head or neck, pain shocks course down their bodies.
• Neck Fractures:  Neck fractures are found by medical professionals using x-rays.  These injuries cause difficulty and/or inability to move your arms and legs.

Common Types of Back Injuries

Back injuries cause intense pain, an inability to concentrate and work, and worry for accident victims and their families.  Some of the most common back injuries include:  

• Fractured Vertebrae
  Fractured vertebrae are caused by high-velocity accidents. These include suffering a fall from a significant height; or being in a high-speed car crash; or sports injuries.  With this kind of injury, back pain actually worsens with movement.  If the spinal cord has been injured, the accident victim can lose bowel and bladder control and experience numbness, weakness, or tingling.
• Sprains and Strains
  “Back sprain” and “back strain” are medical terms referring to stretched or torn ligaments. Both injuries cause a lot of pain.  Injury symptoms include muscle spasms, constant pain, swelling and difficulty moving.  Sometimes these injuries swell so much that joints cannot move.

• Herniated Disks
  The cushions in the spinal column vertebrae are soft cartilage disks. Their job is to keep the vertebrae in place, help in movement and protect the spinal cord. When a disk ruptures or slips out of place, you call this a “herniated disk.”  Herniated disks cause a range of symptoms, depending on the location of the disk herniation.  For example, an injury to the lower back causes:   tingling, numbness, back pain that radiates through the legs and buttocks.  A herniated disk in the upper vertebrae causes muscle spasms, and neck pain that spreads through the upper arms and shoulders.

Causes of Common Neck and Back Injuries in the USA Today

The most common cause of back and neck injuries in our nation is motor vehicle crashes.  There are far more vehicles of all types and sizes traveling our roads and byways.  Motor vehicle weight coupled with high rates of speed alone account for serious life-changing accidents.

Car crash victims with back and neck injuries do suffer spinal damage that results in paralysis.   In a major crash, serious back and neck injuries leave victims with quadriplegia – unable to move their bodies at all.

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics and Types

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Center (NSCISC), motor vehicle accidents cause 36.5% of all new spinal cord injury cases.  In fact, every year, there are between 12,000 to 15,000 serious spinal cord injuries.  Of these, 10,000 people are permanently paralyzed.

Even worse is the fact that many accident victims die as a result of their spinal cord injuries.  Further, most spinal cord injury accidents involve young, healthy males between the ages of 15 and 35.

Spinal cord injuries are classified by the “level” of the injury, and by the “type” of physical injury.  The vertebra are sub-divided into sections called “levels” because certain vertebra injuries have worse injuries than others.   Depending on which level is injured, the type refers to the physical disability the accident victim is left with, post-accident.

In brief:  the higher up the injury occurs on the spinal cord, the greater the side effects and physical disabilities.   The spinal cord levels are as follows:

• High Cervical Nerves (C1-C4). These vertebrae are closest to the brain. When these receive damage, the accident victim suffers the most serious side effects associated with spinal cord injuries. This includes total paraplegia.
• Low Cervical Nerves (C5-C8). The next set down are vertebrae whose injuries also have life-altering side effects such as partial paralysis.
• Thoracic Vertebrae (T1-T12). The third level vertebrae controls a person’s body stability.  They allow a person to sit and stand upright, and support all the organs in the upper torso.  Damage to this part of the spine produces serious life-long issues, but not paralysis.
• Lumbar Nerves (L1-L5). People with lumbar area spinal injuries suffer compromised strength and inability to lift, bend, twist, and turn.
• Sacral Nerves (S1-S5). Injuries to the sacral region of the spine are serious, but do not cause paralysis.

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

Further, spinal cord injuries are classified by medical personnel as “Complete” or “Incomplete,” reliant on the side effects that the injury causes.  The side effects vary greatly between these two categories, as follows:

• Complete:  A person with a complete spinal cord injury has an injury that impacts the whole width of the spine in the specific damaged region.  The accident victim has no muscle control or sensation beneath the damaged area of the spine.
• Incomplete:  An incomplete spinal cord injury does not affect the entire width of the specific damaged spinal area.  In fact, there is no affect on parts of the spine and they’re able to function as normal.  However, spinal cord victims with incomplete injuries may still have serious limitations.  In some cases, a person can have more limitations on one side of the body than the other.  In truth, incomplete injury impacts vary widely from person to person.

It is important to note that a person can “break their back or neck” and not sustain a spinal cord injury.  This only happens if the bones around the spinal cord (the vertebrae) have damage, but the spinal cord cushions (disks) don’t have damage.   In these situations, the individual may not experience paralysis after the bones stabilize.

Spinal Cord Injury Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Improvement

It’s essential that spinal cord accident victims get immediate medical care.  The sooner you diagnose your injuries and start getting treatments, the better opportunity to reduce long-term disability.

Most treatment plans used by today’s doctors include the following:

• Medication – Steroids including dexamethasone or methylprednisolone to reduce spinal cord swelling.  The goal is to prevent total destruction of the spinal nerves that cause paralysis.  Steroids should begin as soon as possible after the injury.
• Surgery – Accidents involving the C1-C8 levels usually require one or more surgeries to treat the affected area.  One surgery is decompression laminectomy, to remove fluid or tissue that is pressing on the spinal cord.  Also, doctors remove bone/disc fragments, other foreign objects, and they insert hardware to stabilize a fractured vertebrae.
• Bed Rest – Bed rest helps the affected area of the spine to heal itself.   The spine bears the majority of a person’s body weight.  Therefore, it’s essential to give the spine some bed rest, rather than putting it under duress of the body’s full weight.
• Traction/Immobilization – A variety of different spinal traction devices are used to immobilize the spine and reduce dislocation.  For example, the skull can become immobile with tongs (metal braces placed in the skull and attached to traction weights or to a harness on the body).
•  Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation — Most spinal cord injury victims need extensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation treatments.  This can be immediately after the injury has healed and into the future.

Why Should I Hire Premier Law Group Back and Neck Injury Attorney?

Our Seattle personal injury attorneys have firsthand experience, helping those with back and neck injuries caused by other people’s negligence.  Our attorneys are specialists.  We will give you and your family one-on-one attention.  Call us for a free consultation!  There’s no fee until we succeed in getting just compensation for you.  That’s our goal:  get you fair compensation from the people who caused your injuries.

Don’t sign off on an insurance claim until you talk with us.  Focus on healing, and let your lawyer collect evidence and handle the claim details.

Contact an Expert Seattle Personal Injury Attorney!

Call Premier Law Group!  Get your FREE Consultation Today!

You always work directly with an attorney and we are available to you 24/7.

Call 206.285.1743 Today! 

Did Your Safety Belt Injure You in a Crash?

It’s a known fact that seatbelts save peoples’ lives.  But most people have no idea that seat belts also cause serious injuries.  Everything from fractures, to bone dislocations, to spinal column and internal injuries – all can be the direct result of a seatbelt accident. In truth, every manmade device has the potential to cause serious injuries.  This includes seatbelts, even though they are mandated to be worn by every passenger in a vehicle in our state.  The seatbelt grabs and tightens across the body and places stress on the person’s abdomen, chest, internal organs and bones. This has the potential to cause a very damaging seatbelt injury.

Have you or a loved one suffered a serious life-changing seatbelt accident?  Did you lose someone you love to this kind of accident?  Are you dealing with horrendous medical bills?  And rightly scared for your future?

Let Premier Law Group help!

Our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys will conduct a full investigation into the design and manufacturing of the seatbelts that caused your injuries.  We will determine fault and get you and your family the accident compensation that you deserve.  

Premier Law Group understands the claim process, and the seriousness of seatbelt accident injuries.  Let us collect all the accident evidence, deal with pushy claims adjustors, and manage the claims process for you and your loved ones. 

Call Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 for a FREE Consultation!

Seatbelt Syndrome Symptoms

Seatbelt accident victims need to understand that many seatbelt injuries do not show symptoms right after the car accident.  Therefore, it’s important to know what symptoms to watch for, that are part of the seatbelt syndrome symptoms and injuries.

The most common symptoms are:

• Bruises and swelling – indications of internal bleeding
• Difficulty breathing – could be due to chest injuries
• Pain between the hips and ribs, which can indicate damage to the kidneys
• Neck stiffness – this is usually due to whiplash or a spinal cord injury
• General weakness or fatigue – another indication of internal injuries
• Bleeding
• Pain that doesn’t go away

The most common and serious seatbelt accident injuries include the following:

• Chest injuries:   Fractured sternum in the middle of the chest, causing extremely painful breathing and other internal organ injuries.
• Abdominal injuries:   Seatbelts can dig into the skin during a crash and cause internal organ trauma and injuries to a person’s hips, intestines, kidneys, or gallbladder.
• Rib injuries:  Ribs also can be broken, and are an extremely painful injury that causes other complications, including a punctured lung.
• Shoulder injuries:  Most seatbelts today are strapped across at least one shoulder. In a sudden stop, the muscles and tendons of the shoulder can be pulled or torn, resulting in a reduced range of motion.

Altogether these symptoms and injuries make up Seatbelt Syndrome trauma.

Who’s Liable for Seatbelt Injuries?

Unless a vehicle is under recall for seatbelt flaws, the auto manufacturers are not usually found liable for seatbelt accident injuries.  However, the person who caused the auto accident in the first place, will be held liable.  That person will be responsible for all injuries and costs from the accident, even seatbelt accident injuries.

In most situations, determining fault for a car crash is fairly easy and straight forward.  However, hit and run accidents are the exception to this.  Accident fault in a hit and run accident is leveled at the person who caused the accident, even when they leave the accident scene.  As long as there are eyewitness reports, pictures, videos, and police reports, responsibility for the accident can be placed.  

Can Somebody Who Wasn’t Wearing a Seatbelt Still File an Injury Claim?

Washington State has a primary seat belt law.  Police hand out tickets to drivers and to drivers with passengers who aren’t wearing seatbelts.

So, someone who is not wearing a seatbelt may get a ticket for not wearing one.  But if it is an injury accident, especially if it’s caused by a negligent driver, you are eligible to file claims against the driver.

Can Whether I wore a Seatbelt Affect My Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Yes, it can.  If you’re wearing your seat belt and are in a car crash due to another driver’s negligence, you will be eligible for full claim recovery.

However, this is not the case if you’re not wearing a seatbelt.  People in an accident that clearly is the cause of another driver’s negligence, but are not wearing seatbelts, will not receive full compensation.  Sometimes accident victims not wearing seatbelts are partly responsible for their own injuries.  Even worse however, sometimes the victims don’t receive compensation at all.

This is really serious for all drivers to know that not wearing your seatbelt is illegal.  Even worse, it means you will not receive full compensation for the accident.  This includes medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, damages and even loss of employment … all because you didn’t wear a seatbelt.

Many people involved in accidents who choose not to wear their seatbelts end up filing for bankruptcy due to the high costs of their medical care.  The financial impacts on your life and your family are horrendous and devastating.

Still, if you suffered injuries in the accident, even though you were not wearing your seatbelt, do not hesitate to contact Premier Law Group.  We will listen to you, ask thoughtful questions, and do our due diligence.  There can be extenuating circumstances that will help us, to help you get the accident compensation you deserve.

Getting Legal Help After Your Seatbelt Accident

We want all people to know that the best thing you can do is wear your seatbelt.  Yes, even if you suffer seatbelt accident injuries as a result of the crash.  The seatbelt may well save your life and that of your loved ones.

There are many compelling reasons to get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.  For example, if the cause of your accident was:

• A negligent driver
• A negligent and uninsured driver
• And aggressive claims adjustors, trying to force you to sign off on their settlement offer, before you even know the full extent of your injuries!

Meanwhile, your seatbelt accident injuries are getting worse.  You cannot work nor take care of your family.

The Premier Law Group Difference!

As your “difference maker,” you always work with YOUR ATTORNEY — not just a paralegal.  We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and help you build your case.

Most importantly, our attorneys know how to collect all the evidence from seatbelt accidents.   Count on your attorney to:

• Collect Police Reports
• Talk with Eyewitnesses
• Determine accident fault and negligence

From this fact-finding, your attorney builds your case and files claims for compensation.  We negotiate FOR YOU and your loved ones.

Don’t sign off on an insurance claim until you talk with us.  Focus on healing, and let your lawyer collect evidence and handle the claim details.

Contact a Dedicated Seattle Seatbelt Accident Attorney!

Call Premier Law Group!  Get your FREE Consultation Today!

You always work directly with an attorney and we are available to you 24/7.

Call 206.285.1743 Today! 

If You Were Injured in a Golf Cart Crash, We want to Help!

Golf carts are much-loved mode of transportation on golf courses around the world.  What’s surprising, however, is how many cities and counties have created “golf cart zones” on public streets.  This has resulted in a growing number of serious golf cart accident in 25 mph speed zones.

In truth, golf carts are particularly dangerous when sharing roads with other vehicles. For starters, golf carts themselves have NO safety protections for driver and passenger.  Secondly, they cannot brake nor maneuver quick enough to avoid accidents with other motorists.  And third, impatient drivers swerve past golf carts and create dangerous accident conditions for all.

Have you or a loved one suffered a serious life-changing golf cart accident?  Did you lose someone you love to this kind of accident?  Are you dealing with horrendous medical bills?  And rightly scared for your future?

Premier Law Group can help!

Sadly, all golf cart accidents cause severe injuries to driver and passenger, both inside and outside the cart.  This includes loss of life, particularly for victims ejected from the cart.  Premier Law Group understands the seriousness of golf cart accident injuries.  Our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys know the best next steps to determine accident fault.  Then, we go to work to get the compensation you deserve.  Let us collect the accident evidence, deal with pushy claims adjustors, and manage the claims process while you and your loved ones focus on healing.  

Call Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 for a Free Consultation!

Golf Cart Laws in Washington State

You probably do not see golf carts on the streets of Seattle but it’s not uncommon to see golf carts in other Puget Sound neighborhoods.  In fact, Washington State law allows all cities and counties to set up “golf cart zones” within their geographical limits.

There are several important regulations for golf cart operators in these golf cart zones.

They include:

• Drivers must be 18 years or older, have completed a Driver’s Education Course, or have a valid driver’s license
• Drivers with revoked driver’s license cannot legally operate a golf cart in golf cart zone
• Carts must be registered and inspected by Washington State Patrol
• Golf carts must have reflectors, seat belts, and review mirrors
• Golf Cart Zones can be set up where the legal speed limit is 25 mph
• These zones must be clearly identified by signage on boundaries of zone
• Hours of legal golf cart operation can be limited by cities and counties

All golf cart operators who have accidents while driving their carts are treated exactly the same way as motorists.  For example, they are required to carry basic liability insurance.  Also, they must use hand signals to indicate turns.  And if the golf cart has seat belts, they are mandated to wear them.

Golf Cart Accident and Injury Statistics

The National Electronic Surveillance System began compiling data about golf cart accidents across the United States.   Their data shows that between 1990 and 2006, there were widespread serious injury golf cart accidents.

For example,

• 147,700 people received Emergency Room treatment
• 15,000 of these people had serious injuries
• 69% of all golf cart accident victims suffered life-changing head injuries

Which begs the question:  what caused all these golf cart accidents?  The largest number of golf cart injury accidents resulted from golf cart rollovers.  Closely following this are passenger ejections from the golf cart.  And finally, there were serious collisions with other motor vehicles and other stationary objects.

Golf carts simply have no safety mechanisms to protect the occupants of the cart.  This fact is the leading reason for the golf course injury accidents.

Golf Cart Injuries

Not only are golf carts “open air” on all four sides, they also are difficult to maneuver in traffic and are slow to brake.  In comparison, motorists have fully enclosed doors and windows, plus airbags, seatbelts, turn signals and mirrors.

In addition, golf carts are light weight – far lighter than any motorist vehicle including motorcycles.  So, even a minor accident at 25 mph causes catastrophic injuries, especially when golf cart passengers are thrown from the vehicle.

The types of injuries that a golf cart crash cause include the following:

• Cuts, gashes and deep tissue damage
• Broken bones, especially in arms and legs
• Crush injuries
• Organ damage or internal injuries
• Spinal cord injury, nerve damage, or paralysis
• Brain injuries, including skull fractures

It’s easy to see the seriousness of golf cart accident injuries. These injuries are life-changing, take months and years for recovery, and are very costly to treat.

Golf Cart Accidents and Insurance

It is a requirement for golf cart operators to carry the minimum basic insurance coverages that motorists carry in Washington State.  These required basic coverages are as follows:

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage – $25,000 for injury or death of one person; and $50,000 for injury or death of two people; in any one single accident

• Property Damage Liability Coverage – $ 10,000 for any one single accident

Determining accident “fault” is paramount in golf cart accidents.  Who caused the accident?  Did the golf cart operator cause the accident?  Or did a motorist cause the golf cart accident?  Or were both parties responsible for causing the accident?

Determining fault is the critical component of golf cart accidents.  This one fact is pivotal in determining the liability compensation that accident victims can claim.

Talk With One of Our Expert Personal Injury Attorneys

While golf carts appear to be a fun way to travel our neighborhoods, in truth, they are serious accidents just waiting to happen.  Families need a legal partner to help get through the aftermath of a golf cart accident.

For one thing, the accident victim may not be able to act on their own behalf, due to their injuries.  For another, claims adjustors for the negligent party are aggressive.  Their job is to get the injured party to sign off on their settlement offer.

Meanwhile, the accident victim’s health is worsening.  Your family has no income, the medical bills are piling up, and the family is facing very difficult decisions.

The Premier Law Group Difference!

As your “difference maker,” you always work with YOUR ATTORNEY — not just a paralegal.  We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and help you build your case.

Most importantly, our attorneys know how to collect all the evidence from golf cart injury accidents.   Count on your attorney to:

• Collect Police Reports
• Talk with Eyewitnesses
• Secure Safety Records from Employer and Retailer
• Determine accident fault and negligence

From this fact-finding, your attorney builds your case and files claims for compensation.  We negotiate FOR YOU and your loved ones.

Don’t sign off on an insurance claim until you talk with us.  Focus on healing, and let your lawyer collect evidence and handle the claim details.

Contact an Expert Seattle Personal Injury Attorney!

Call Premier Law Group!  Get your FREE Consultation Today!

You always work directly with an attorney and we are available to you 24/7.

Call 206.285.1743 Today! 

What You Should Know About a Penetrating Brain Injury

Open head injuries are serious forms of brain injury trauma.  They usually require immediate hospitalization and surgery.  Common open head injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and scalp wounds. Depending on the type of head injury you have and its severity, both the treatments and the consequences vary greatly. Open (penetrating) head injuries literally break open your scalp and skull.  These injuries expose the brain to bacteria, viruses and many other environmental elements that cause serious brain damage. Have you or a loved one experienced an open head injury?  Did you lose someone you love in a penetrating brain accident?  Are you dealing with horrendous medical bills?  And rightly scared for your future?

Let Premier Law Group help!

Our attorneys have firsthand knowledge and experience with the devastating personal injuries caused by these open head injuries.  We have worked alongside many victims and their families, to help them recover financial damages due to open head injuries.

That’s all we do!  We negotiate for you, while you focus on regaining your life.

Call Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 for a FREE Consultation!

What Is An Open Head Injury?

By definition, an open head injury literally fractures the skull.  Sometimes this is called a broken skull because the skull cracks due to a sudden blow. In other cases, an object punctures and penetrates the skull.

There are many health impacts and complications caused by open head injury accidents.  Some happen immediately following the injury.  These include seizures, loss of brain fluid, and ringing in the ear.  Other more serious impacts include nerve injuries, organ failure, and even death.

How Do Open Head Injuries Happen?

Open head injuries are caused by blunt trauma to the head.  The most common causes of open head injuries include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Slipping and Falling
• Knife and Gunshot Wounds
• Military Attacks and Bomb Blasts
• Sports Related Accidents

How Common Are Open Head Injuries?

Open head injuries are one of the most common causes of disability and death in the United States.  In fact, head injuries in general are rising dramatically in our country.  In 2020, for example, 1.7 million people experienced a traumatic brain injury.

It is important that people recognize the seriousness of these injuries and take immediate action to help open head injury victims.

What Are The Symptoms?

Victims of open head injuries display many different symptoms.  A lot depends on if the open head injury is a penetrating wound or fracture.

Following are the most common symptoms of an open head injury:

• Blood coming from the head
• Unconsciousness or non-responsiveness
• Inability to move extremities — one, two, three, or all four arms and legs
• Loss of motor functions
• Unequal pupil sizes
• Black outs and confusion
• Vomiting spells and nausea
• Inexplicable fatigue and inability to stay awake
• Severe, incurable headaches
• Persistent stiffness in the neck
• Abnormal behaviors and speech patterns

It’s important to note that accident eyewitnesses don’t always understand that the victim has suffered an open head injury.   Especially if the head wound isn’t bleeding, or the victim is unconscious and not moving.

No matter what, it is essential that the injury victim get immediate medical care.  The sooner the injury is discovered, the sooner the victim can get medical care.  And the family can move forward on necessary decisions and choices as the victim recovers.

How Do Doctors Diagnose An Open Head Injury?

There is a clear process that doctors use with victims of open head injuries.  First, they do a basic physical exam.  Then they talk with the victim’s family and other eyewitnesses to learn more about the origin of the accident.  This becomes extremely critical if the victim is unconscious and cannot speak to the doctor.

Next, the doctor will perform a CT scan, an MRI, and other x-rays, specifically to looking for neck, spinal cord and skull injuries.  These tests will show if the victim has suffered a skull fracture.

Treatment For Open Head Injuries

Each open head injury is unique and because the cause of the accident varies and the condition of each accident victim is different.  Therefore, the treatment plan depends on the injury cause, and the severity of the injury.

Open head injuries always require surgery to repair skull damage.  A major part of the surgery is searching for evidence of brain damage.  And the search for and removal of any debris that made its way into the skull cavity.  Brain debris has serious implications for open head injury victims.  For instance, debris can puncture the brain, introduce infection and cause inflammation.

The healing process for open head injury victims is long and arduous.  It almost always requires extensive rehabilitation to get the body to relearn basic skills.  Brain injuries cause neurons to misfire and new connections have to be made.  With rehab, victims can relearn how to walk, comb their hair, brush their teeth, speak and write.

Complications Brought On By Open Head Injuries

Open head injury victims expose the brain to dangerous environmental elements.  The open wound in the skull lets in bacteria, viruses, molds, and debris.  These “infect” the brain and lead to serious health issues, either immediately or down the road.

Also, open head injuries do cause unconsciousness and coma.  This can last hours, days, weeks, months, or even years.  Sadly, some victims go into coma after an open head injury and never fully regain consciousness.

Why You Might Need An Attorney

Open head injuries are frightening and frustrating for victims and their families.  When you or someone you love has sustained open head injuries, it is hard to know what to do, who to trust, and who to talk to.   There are many compelling reasons to find an expert personal injury attorney to help.

For instance, if the open head injury victim was:

• Injured through the negligence of someone else
• By someone with no insurance
• Injured and the insurance claims people are denying your claims
• Injured at a business whose insurer wants you to sign off on a settlement that does not cover your damages, medical costs and loss of work.

Where To Get Help After An Open Head Injury

The Premier Law Group Difference!

As your “difference maker,” you always work with YOUR ATTORNEY — not just a paralegal.  We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and support you through the most difficult time of your lives.  No family should go through this without an attorney by your side.

Our experienced Seattle personal injury attorneys know how to collect the evidence from your open head injury.   For example, your attorney will:

• Collect Police Reports
• Interview Eyewitnesses
• Secure Video and Photos of the Accident
• And all other records pertinent to your open head injury

From this fact-finding, your attorney builds your case and files claims for compensation.  Furthermore, we negotiate FOR YOU and your loved ones.

Don’t sign off on an insurance claim until you talk with us.  Focus on healing, and let your lawyer collect evidence and handle the claim details.

Contact a Dedicated Seattle Open Head Injury Attorney!

Call Premier Law Group!  Get your FREE Consultation Today!

You always work directly with an attorney and we are available to you 24/7.  

Call 206.285.1743 Today! 

Information About Hematoma Injuries

Unfortunately, most everyone will have a hematoma injury sometime.  For instance:  have you ever had a swollen blood-filled purplish bruise?  If yes, then welcome to the club!  You, too, have experienced a hematoma injury.

Most hematomas just go away, as the swollen purplish tissues absorb all the collected blood.

But open head hematoma injuries are a whole other matter.  These injuries leave the brain “exposed” to contaminants – like bacteria, viruses, molds and other environmental elements.  In fact, hematoma injuries directly cause serious brain infections that many accident victims never recover from.

Have you or a loved one suffered a serious life-changing hematoma injury?  Did you lose someone you love to this kind of accident?  Are you dealing with horrendous medical bills?  And rightly scared for your future?

Let Premier Law Group help!

You need an attorney to partner with, particularly if the hematoma injury was caused by someone’s negligence.  We understand the claim process, and the seriousness of hematoma injuries.  Our expert Seattle personal injury lawyers know the best next steps to help you determine fault and get the accident compensation that you deserve.  Let us collect all the accident evidence, deal with pushy claims adjustors, and manage the claims process for you and your loved ones.

Call Premier Law Group today at 206.285.1743 for a Free Consultation!

Hematoma Injuries Defined

What exactly are “hematoma injuries?”  Well, these happen when blood collects around the injured blood vessel wall.  As the bruise is forming, the blood builds up and seeps out into the surrounding body tissues.  This pool of blood has basically clotted and depending on the injury, it can form a sizable lump.

Most hematomas just go away with time, as the body absorbs the pool of blood.  Eventually, the body repairs and heals the blood vessel wall.  On the other hand, serious hematomas require medical care and far more healing time.  Oftentimes, they require surgery to remove the built up blood and to prevent blood clots from traveling the circulation system and into the heart or brain.

Causes of Hematoma Injuries

Any trauma to a blood vessel wall will cause hematoma injuries.   For example:  you hit a fingernail with a hammer, and end up with a blood clot (hematoma) under the nail.  Over time, this kind of hematoma injury heals itself.  The swelling goes down as the blood is absorbed into the body tissues around the injury.

But serious hematoma injuries have a range of different causes.

For example, they happen in:

• Auto Accidents
• Falls
• Invasive Surgical and Dental Procedures
• Medical Conditions That Cause Side Hematomas
• Medication and Supplements Side Effects
• Spontaneous Hematoma with No Identifiable Cause

Types of Hematomas

Doctors have names for different hematoma injuries that are based on their location in the body.  Here are some examples and their description:

• Subdural Hematoma:  a pool of blood, located between the brain tissue and the inside lining of the brain
• Spinal Epidural Hematoma:  a hematoma located between spinal column vertebra and the outside lining of the spinal cord
• Intracranial Epidural Hematoma:  blood pools between the skull and the outside lining of the brain
• Subungual Hematoma:  a blood clot under a fingernail
• Intra-abdominal, Peritoneal, or Retroperitoneal Hematoma:  any blood collected inside the abdominal cavity
• Ear or Aural Hematoma:  a blood clot between the cartilage of the ear and the overlying skin
• Splenic Hematoma:  a blood clot inside the spleen
• Hepatic Hematoma: a liver hematoma injury

Symptoms of a Hematoma Injury

Simple hematoma injuries are known for causing pain, swelling, redness, and big purplish bruises.

But more serious hematoma injuries have far more significant symptoms and health impacts.

It is so important that victims and their families know the symptoms so you can get the medical help you need.

Some of the symptoms are:

• Subdural:  headache, neurological weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, falling, confusion, and seizures
• Epidural:  severe back pain, overall core weakness, loss of bowel and bladder control
• Subungual:  Nail pain and weakness,  loss of nail, disfiguring nail conditions
• Splenic, Hepatic, or Peritoneal:   severe abdominal and flank of the body pain

Of all these hematoma injuries are particularly hard to find.  This is because the injury is not in any of the body’s organs.  It’s floating in the abdominal space, and the body cannot absorb it.  Abdominal hematomas allow toxic infections to take up house keeping in the victim’s body.  When this happens, the victim is in critical medical condition.  It is crucial that the injury victim get immediate medical care.

Getting Legal Help After Your Hematoma Injury

It’s no surprise that victims and their families need legal help after a hematoma injury accident.  For one thing, the injured victim may not be able to act on their own behalf, due to their injuries.  For another, claims adjustors for the negligent party are aggressive.  Their job is to get the injured party to sign off on their settlement offer.

There are many compelling reasons that require the help of an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney.   For example, your hematoma injury was caused by:

• A negligent driver
• A negligent uninsured driver
• Your employer, who’s threatening you with loss of employment if make a claim
• Worker’s Compensation has yet to kick in
• A retailer whose negligence caused your fall

All the while, your hematoma injury side effects have gotten so much worse.  You cannot work nor can you take care of your family.

Why Choose Premier Law Group To Handle My Case?

The Premier Law Group Difference!

As your “difference maker,” you always work with YOUR ATTORNEY — not just a paralegal.  We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and help you build your case.

Most importantly, our attorneys know how to collect all the evidence for your case and have experience battling against insurance adjusters. Count on your attorney to:

• Collect Police Reports
• Talk with Eyewitnesses
• Secure Safety Records from Employer and Retailer
• Determine accident fault and negligence

From this fact-finding, your attorney builds your case and files claims for compensation.  We negotiate FOR YOU and your loved ones.

Don’t sign off on an insurance claim until you talk with us.  Focus on healing, and let your lawyer collect evidence and handle the claim details.

Contact a Expert Seattle Hematoma Injury Attorney!

Call Premier Law Group!  Get your FREE Consultation Today!

You always work directly with an attorney and we are available to you 24/7.

Call 206.285.1743 Today!

Community Transit Bus Accident Attorneys

Every day, more than 200 Community Transit buses carry passengers in the Seattle area. They also serve more than 50 routes and 2,100 stops as well. However, these buses do sometimes get into accidents.  Community transit bus accidents may collide with motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.  They can also result in severe injuries or wrongful death.

Have you been in a Community Transit bus accident? Contact Premier Law Group. Call 206.285.1743 today to begin your free case review.

What Causes Community Transit Bus Accidents?

These bus drivers go through intensive training.  They also go through safety programs. However, driver errors and poor vehicle maintenance still cause accidents.

Driver Error

Additionally, drivers tire out from long shifts. Drunk drivers also cause accidents. Drivers need to keep buses on time too. Even through heavy traffic as well.  This can lead to hasty decisions. This also causes collisions. In fact, buses often rear-end other vehicles.

Mechanical Problems & Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Also, without proper maintenance, there are mechanical issues. Companies perform surveys when these issues happen. These surveys review safety records and maintenance history. They often highlight safety violations.

Community Transit Subcontracting

This public transportation system services 53 routes in the area.  These routes are in Snohomish County.  They are also in downtown Seattle. There are routes at the University of Washington as well. Each city within the county is part of the service area.  However, Everett is not.  Also, other regional transportation providers subcontract their services.

The bus system can be efficient and cheap. However, there is a trade off. On public buses you rely on public servants for your safety.

At Premier Law Group, we know filing claims is hard. Especially against public transportation. That is why we represent people who have been in Community Transit bus accidents. Contact us today for a free case review. Call 206.285.1743.

The Value of a Community Transit Bus Claim

There are a number of claims for damages you might be eligible for. Those damages include:

• A first-party claim. Victims with personal injury protection may file a claim. This will also be through their insurance company. This will cover immediate expenses related to the accident.
• A third-party claim. Victims file this kind of claim against the party responsible for the crash. This may include the bus company. It can also include the overseeing government agency as well. However, these claims go through the personal injury legal process.
• Wrongful death claim. A wrongful death can occur after Community Transit bus accidents as well. Surviving family members are eligible for a wrongful death claim.

How a Community Transit Bus Accident Attorney Can Help

Community Transit bus accident attorneys handle the tough legal stuff. At Premier Law Group, we’ll let you focus on recovery also.  Our attorneys can help:

• Get you proper medical care
• Explain the legal process
• Investigate the accident
• Document your injuries
• Fight for full and fair compensation

What Are Some Common Injuries?

Buses are larger and heavier than other vehicles. They can also cause more damage to vehicles and the people in and around them.

Community Transit bus accidents can result in many injuries also. Some of the most common include:

• Whiplash
• Burns
• Scarring
• Joint/bone injuries
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Head and spinal cord injuries
• Brain injuries
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

At Premier Law Group, we hope to get you full and fair compensation. Also, with the help of an experienced lawyer you can hold the responsible party accountable.

Don’t Wait to Hire an Attorney

There are also many advantages to hiring an attorney quickly. At Premier Law Group, we are accessible, straightforward, and caring. Contact Premier Law Group to speak with one of our Community Transit bus accident lawyers.  You can speak directly with one of our attorneys for a free initial case review also.

Speak With Our Experienced Attorneys

Getting help after a Community Transit bus accident doesn’t have to be difficult. The attorneys at Premier Law Group will fight for the compensation you deserve. We also want everyone who contacts us to become more informed about their legal options. We’ll let you focus on healing from your accident as well.

To get started on your free case review, call at 206.285.1743.  Remember, there is no fee unless you win your case.