The post Delayed Symptoms of Car Accidents appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>After the initial shock of a vehicle accident wears off, the adrenaline begins to fade. Unfortunately, this is when individuals often start feeling pain caused by the incident. Delayed injury symptoms may show up within a few hours after a crash, but it could take a few days to notice any pain. Some of the most common delayed injuries and symptoms associated with vehicle accidents in Washington include:
When an accident occurs, we encourage those involved to seek medical care right away. If the emergency medical professionals come to the scene of the incident, make sure they conduct an initial evaluation and help you determine whether or not you should go to the hospital. However, even if you do not go to the ER, we encourage you to go to your doctor or an emergency clinic the same day the incident occurs. Seeking prompt medical treatment accomplishes a few goals. First, this helps ensure doctors can conduct an evaluation and possibly notice any injuries you are unaware of. Secondly, immediate medical care establishes a strong documentation link between the incident and the injuries, something that will matter when it comes to making your insurance claim. Medical bills can quickly add up as a result of these injuries that a Seattle personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation for.
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]]>The post What to do After an Uber/Lyft Accident in Washington? appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>If any obvious injuries are noticed right after a rideshare accident, medical treatment is the number one priority. Some signs and symptoms of vehicle accident injuries are not readily apparent but could show up hours or even days after the incident occurs.
We suggest that Uber and Lyft accident victims seek prompt medical care, regardless of whether or not they notice symptoms right away. Not only does this quick medical treatment help ensure that your health and well-being are the priority, but it also establishes a strong link between the injuries that occur and the incident.
It may be possible to gather some evidence at the scene of the incident. Individuals involved can use their phones or other devices to take photographs of any property damage, injuries, causes of the crash, and more. The names and contact information of those involved in the incident, as well as any eyewitnesses, should be written down before individuals leave the scene.
It may not be possible to gather much evidence at the scene of an incident, depending on the safety of the area after the collision. Do not do anything that could jeopardize your safety.
Nearly every vehicle accident that occurs in Washington must be reported to law enforcement officials. Accidents must be reported if there was any injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage.
Law enforcement officials can get to the scene and conduct an initial investigation. They will complete the accident report that you will need to move forward with the insurance claim against the other party or parties involved.
You should promptly report the incident to the rideshare company through the app. Both Uber and Lyft have areas inside the app where you can report incidents that occurred during the ride, including collisions. You do not need to provide much information when you write or make your initial report. Just let the insurance carrier know that a collision occurred.
A Seattle Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney can help you understand your options moving forward after the collision occurs. Unfortunately, recovering compensation can be challenging, particularly when dealing with the rideshare company’s insurance policies. The role of your attorney is to conduct an investigation into the incident, handle all communication with other parties involved, and help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage expenses, and more.
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]]>The post Who’s Liable if You Slip and Fall in a Parking Lot? appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>To recover compensation after an injury occurs, you have to know who to hold liable. That’s the challenging part about parking lot accidents.
There are often one, possibly two, and maybe even three potentially liable parties when a parking lot slip and fall incident occurs. Some of the potentially liable parties include:
Parking lots typically become odd areas of liability, and these incidents have to be thoroughly investigated. Not only is it important to determine which party should be held liable through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim, but there may be more than one party to file a claim against.
Parking lot slip and fall accident claims in the Seattle area become complicated quickly. We strongly encourage any victims to reach out to a Seattle slip and fall accident attorney who can help examine the facts of their case and help determine the next steps moving forward.
Determining liability is challenging, but this is a crucial part of the process to get the claim filed appropriately and on time and to make sure all possible avenues of compensation are explored.
Determining liability for a slip and fall accident involves uncovering as much evidence as possible. This can include photographs taken at the scene of the incident, video surveillance footage from cameras on the premises, statements from eyewitnesses, and more.
However, physical evidence may not be enough. After a parking lot slip and fall incident occurs, an attorney will likely need to work to uncover all contracts and agreements between the parties involved with the parking lot usage. This may be contracts between a parking lot owner and the owner of a store using the parking lot or contracts between these other parties and maintenance companies.
Ultimately, it will come down to who was responsible for maintenance and who failed to take the steps needed to prevent the injury from occurring. Your slip and fall accident lawyer will work to help recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income if you are unable to work, and out-of-pocket expenses rising due to the injury, as well as pain and suffering damages.
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]]>The post Seattle Rain: How to Ride a Motorcycle Safely appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>Safely operating a motorcycle in wet conditions is a skill any motorcyclist in the Pacific Northwest should have under their belt. Here, we want to review some of the main safety tips for riding safely in the (wet) Emerald City. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and have any questions about recovering compensation, contact a Seattle motorcycle accident lawyer as promptly as possible.
Rainy weather poses unique challenges to motorcycle riders. The slick roads reduce tire traction, which can lead to longer braking distances and a higher risk of skidding. Additionally, visibility is reduced, not just for the rider but also for other drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Data provided by the Washington Department of Transportation shows that there were nearly 2,000 total motorcycle crashes across the state in 2023. Out of these incidents, there were 131 fatal crashes and nearly 1,500 incidents that caused injuries. While no breakdown of how many of these incidents occurred in rainy weather or slick conditions, the reality is that motorcyclists are part of a vulnerable group of riders that face more risks in these types of conditions than those inside traditional passenger vehicles.
Okay, if you are gearing up to head out for a Seattle motorcycle ride, you can be ready for predictably wet weather by following these tips:
Your safety is the number one priority. Riding a motorcycle on a clear sunny day presents significant risks as it is, so extra precautions are required when the weather is less than ideal.
If you or somebody you love has sustained a was injury in a motorcycle accident, reach out to an attorney immediately. A Seattle personal injury attorney can investigate the incident, examine your medical records, and enlist assistance from trusted medical professionals.
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]]>The post What are the Symptoms of a Concussion? appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>Recognizing the signs and symptoms of concussions is critical, and any person who has sustained a bump or blow to the body or head should seek immediate medical care. If you have sustained a head injury due to someone else’s negligence, Seattle traumatic brain injury attorneys can ease the hardship by recovering monetary compensation.
Information presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presents a range of symptoms individuals should look for after sustaining a bump or blow to the head or body:
The Mayo Clinic further explains that while most concussions are not life-threatening, the effects can be serious. This factor should not be overlooked.
Given the potential severity of a concussion (sometimes there’s no way to know the severity without seeking medical care), it is vital to seek rapid medical care, even if the symptoms seem mild. The CDC’s HEADS UP campaign emphasizes that a medical professional can assess the situation and the signs and symptoms to determine the severity of the injury. Medical intervention is crucial because:
The CDC’s resources on Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion Symptoms offer comprehensive information for those affected by concussions, including how to manage symptoms and when to seek further medical care.
Beloved comedian Bob Saget died in 2022 as a result of blunt force trauma to the head due to an unwitnessed accidental fall in his hotel room. Reports indicate that Mr. Saget likely fell and hit his head on the floor of his hotel room but did not think the injury was severe. He likely went to bed thinking everything was okay but died as a result of a brain injury he was unaware of.
Had Mr. Saget known of the severity of the injury he sustained, and had he sought medical care, his prognosis likely would have been survival. We understand that second-guessing things like this does not change what happened, but it does help us chart a path forward for individuals who experience bumps or blows to the head or body. It is essential to seek medical treatment right away, even if the symptoms are not severe and contact a Seattle personal injury lawyer so you can focus on healing.
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]]>The post Returning to Work After a Workplace Injury appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>Returning to work after an on-the-job injury or illness can be a stressful process, including the decision about when to return to work. Here, we want to discuss the challenges associated with returning to a place of employment.
Evaluate whether you are physically and mentally ready to resume work (and hey, it’s okay if you aren’t). Figuring this out involves consulting with your healthcare provider to ensure you have adequately recovered. Overlooking this step may lead to re-injury or prolonged recovery, which could hurt your ability to recover compensation.
Many times, returning to work does not mean resuming your previous responsibilities immediately. Employers often offer modified or light-duty tasks that align with your current capabilities. It’s important to understand and agree upon these modified duties with your employer before returning. Modified duties should last as long as recommended by a medical professional.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may be entitled to reasonable accommodations to assist with your return to work. This could include specialized equipment, altered work hours, or physical adjustments in the workplace. Engaging in open dialogue with your employer about your needs is key. Employers are not always required to make accommodations, even if an employee does have a qualifying disability. Additionally, short-term injuries typically will not qualify for ADA accommodations.
The social aspect of returning to work can be challenging. Colleagues may not know about your limitations or the nature of your injury. It is important to foster a supportive work environment and, if necessary, seek the support of HR in addressing any workplace concerns.
Understanding your rights under workers’ compensation laws is essential. This includes knowing how your benefits will be affected upon returning to work and what actions to take if your injury worsens. Consulting with a Seattle injury lawyer can provide clarity and guidance. You should also understand your rights regarding retaliation for sustaining a workplace injury or reporting the workplace injury. Employers are not allowed to retaliate in these circumstances.
Maintain open communication with your healthcare providers, employer, and workers’ compensation insurer. Clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding your health status and work capabilities.
Once you return to work, continue to monitor your health and any symptoms related to your injury. If you experience pain or discomfort, it’s important to address it promptly to prevent further complications.
Returning to work after a workplace injury involves careful consideration of your physical health, understanding your rights, and communicating effectively with all parties involved. If you believe you have been treated unfairly after sustaining a workplace injury or not receiving all of your compensation and benefits, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can examine the facts of your case and help you determine the best steps for recovering the compensation you need.
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]]>The post Seattle Bike Laws appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>There are many basic rules and regulations bicyclists must follow, but Washington law confers most of the same rights onto bicyclists as they do other motor vehicles on the roadway. There are only a select few areas where bicyclists are not allowed to operate, but everywhere else, bicyclists must follow basic traffic laws.
Under state law, we can see the following general requirements placed on bicyclists:
In the state of Washington, there is no law requiring bicycle helmet use. However, local jurisdictions are allowed to set their own requirements for bicycle helmets. Seattle used to require all bicyclists to wear a helmet, but that is no longer the case. This law was overturned in 2020 out of concerns that the helmet requirement was discriminatory and its enforcement against homeless individuals and people of color.
Seattle is part of the larger Green Lane Project, which is a massive program to build safe bike lanes across the US. The bike lanes located throughout Seattle are designed to minimize risks for bicyclists and others on and around the roadway.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the use of bike lanes throughout Seattle. We particularly recommend that you learn the proper signage related to these bike lanes.
If you or somebody you care about sustains an injury in a bicycle accident caused by the actions of another driver or third party, we encourage you to contact an attorney quickly. A bicycle accident lawyer in Seattle can help you through every aspect of the claim, lessening the burden on you and your family as you recover from your injuries and focus on moving forward.
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]]>The post Who is Liable For a Slip-and-Fall in a Bus? appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>Bus operators and other common carriers owe a specific duty of care to their passengers, which means the owner or operator of a bus could hold liability for a slip and fall that occurs on the bus. Here, we want to look at the process of recovering compensation in this particular circumstance.
Bus carriers, classified as common carriers, are held to a high standard of care for their passengers’ safety. This duty extends beyond just safe driving. It also encompasses maintaining the bus in a condition that minimizes the risk of injury to passengers. This standard means that bus operators must regularly inspect and maintain all parts of the bus, including flooring, steps, and seating areas, to ensure they are safe and free from hazards that could cause slip and fall accidents.
The duty of care for bus carriers also involves adapting to changing weather conditions, such as ensuring the entry and exit points are dry and clear of hazards like ice or water, which could lead to slips and falls. Additionally, when a bus is in motion, sudden stops or sharp turns should be managed carefully to prevent passengers from losing their balance and falling.
In the case of a slip and fall incident on a bus, determining whether the carrier met its duty of care is crucial. If the carrier neglected its responsibilities, leading to unsafe conditions that caused a passenger’s injury, the carrier could be liable for the resulting harm.
Determining liability in a slip-and-fall accident on a bus involves examining several factors. First, the specific circumstances of the incident must be assessed:
If the hazard was known, or reasonably should have been known, by the bus operator and not addressed in a timely manner, the operator or bus company may be held liable for negligence. For instance, if a spill occurred and the staff failed to clean it up or warn passengers, resulting in a fall, this could be grounds for a liability claim.
However, if a passenger’s careless actions contributed to the fall, such as ignoring posted warnings or engaging in unsafe behavior, the liability might be shared or fall entirely on the passenger under comparative negligence laws.
Documentation and evidence play a vital role in these cases. Surveillance footage from the bus, witness statements, and incident reports can all contribute to establishing the sequence of events and determining liability.
By examining the nature of the hazard, the actions (or inactions) of the bus staff, and the behavior of the injured party, a better understanding of liability in a bus slip and fall incident can be formed, guiding the pursuit of appropriate compensation.
Injury claims involving a bus and the entities that operate the bus line are complex. It is not uncommon for these other parties and their insurance carriers or legal teams to push back from having to pay out fair compensation. We encourage you to reach out to a skilled bus accident lawyer who has experience handling slip and fall claims to help you through this process.
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]]>The post Tips to Drive Safe in the Fog appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>Driving in the fog presents various types of hazards for drivers and unfortunately, accidents. If you are in a car accident in Washington, you can contact a Seattle car accident attorney who can help you through the next steps to take. We encourage Washington residents to regularly review tips for safe driving in the fog.
If you know that the day will be particularly foggy and have the option of not operating a vehicle, that may be the best option. Bad environmental factors can increase your chances of being in an accident. If you can avoid traveling in unsafe conditions, you increase your chances of not being in an accident by 100%.
Monitor that odometer and reduce your speed. Allow extra time for your journey, as fog can significantly impact visibility. Plan ahead to avoid rushing, enabling you to drive more cautiously. If you begin to feel unsafe at any time when driving through the fog, find a safe location to pull over as soon as you can.
Use low-beam headlights to make your vehicle visible to others in both the front and rear. This ensures that your taillights are also illuminated. Additionally, if your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, use them to further enhance visibility without causing glare.
Refrain from using high-beam lights in foggy conditions. High beams create glare, hindering your ability to see the road ahead. Stick to low-beam lights to maintain clear visibility without compromising the safety of yourself and others. Additionally, you should avoid using high beams when there is any type of precipitation for this same reason.
Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This precautionary measure allows for adequate response time in the event of sudden stops or changes in traffic patterns, reducing the risk of collisions. Following other vehicles too closely is a leading cause of rear-end accidents, and these incidents are much more likely when there is inclement or foggy weather.
Use road markings as visual cues to stay within the correct lane. These markings become crucial in foggy conditions where direct visibility is compromised, providing a guide for maintaining your lane discipline.
In instances of extremely dense fog where visibility is severely limited, activate your hazard lights and consider pulling into a safe location, such as a parking lot or business driveway. This provides a secure environment to assess conditions and wait for improved visibility.
If no suitable parking lot or driveway is nearby, pull your vehicle off the road as far as possible in a safe manner. Once stationary, turn off all lights except your hazard flashing lights, engage the emergency brake, and ensure that your foot is off the brake pedal to prevent unintentional confusion for other drivers. This strategy minimizes the risk of collisions while waiting for fog conditions to improve.
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]]>The post How Delayed Hospital Treatment Can Harm You appeared first on Elk & Elk Co., Ltd.
]]>Simply put, delayed treatment can lead to significant injuries or even death. When a person does not receive treatment in a timely manner, this could lead to a person receiving a delayed diagnosis or not being diagnosed with a condition at all. For example, if an infection diagnosis gets delayed or is not discovered because of hospital wait times, the infection could spread to vital organs and cause irreparable harm.
Delayed medical treatment at a hospital does not always signify medical malpractice. However, delayed treatment could be considered malpractice if the delay occurred due to unreasonable circumstances. To evaluate whether or not the delay was reasonable or unreasonable, we have to examine whether an adequate standard of medical care was upheld.
When defining the standard of care for medicine, we have to examine how a similarly trained medical professional in a similar type of situation would respond to the same circumstances. If, in this scenario, the delay would be seen as appropriate, then there likely will not be an issue with the standard of care. Thus, no malpractice likely occurred.
However, if an examination of the situation determines that the delay was unreasonable and that there was a deviation from what would be considered an adequate standard of medical care, the affected individual may be able to move forward with a medical malpractice lawsuit.
In order to show that there was a deviation from the standard of medical care, there will need to be an extensive investigation that includes an examination of the patient’s medical records as well as consultations with trusted medical experts in the same medical field. For most cases involving hospital-delayed treatment, the triaging process of an emergency department gets examined. If a doctor or nurse placed a person into the wrong triage category, leading to significant treatment delays, this could signal a deviation from the standard of medical care.
If you or somebody you love has been injured due to the negligent actions of a medical provider, we encourage you to speak to an attorney immediately. If you think you or a loved one were harmed because a hospital made you wait too long, you may be able to recover compensation. A medical malpractice lawyer in Seattle can investigate your claim and help you determine the best path forward for recovering compensation. Claims related to hospital wait times become incredibly challenging, and you need an attorney with extensive experience handling medical malpractice claims by your side.
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