Blog - Personal Injury Attorney Spokane WA

Driving on Slush: A Practical Guide for Dealing With Slushy Snow Roads

April 9, 2019 By Jeremy Friedland

Are you preparing for a harsh winter and concerned about how to handle the roads?

Snow and slush are estimated to cause 24% of the weather-related traffic accidents in the United States. In weather like that you need to prepare and be careful.

You are probably wondering what you can do to be safe on slushy roads. Luckily, there are ways to help you stay safe when you need to brave the weather. This post will help prepare you to dive safely.

Keep reading to learn what slush is, how you can stay safe in it, and what to do if you end up in an accident. read more

Recently Been Injured at Work? How to Find a Personal Injury Attorney in Spokane

March 21, 2019 By Jeremy Friedland

The effects of an accident can last for years after a typical personal injury claim is settled.

Not only is your physical health compromised, but your mental health and time are affected. In the end, you’re left much worse off than before the accident.

Time and health are the most valuable things a person has, so it’s in your best interest to see that you’re protected. A good personal injury lawyer can quicken the settlement process. They can also get you more compensation.

When it comes to lawsuits, you need a professional in your corner. Keep reading to learn how to find a personal injury attorney that will fight for you.

Why Not Deal with this Myself?

The insurance company will do whatever it takes to pay as little as possible. Whether you are a victim of a hit-and-run or an accident on the road, the legal process won’t be easy.

Insurance companies have legal protection at every corner, and so should you.

A good personal injury attorney is a well-practiced professional. They’ll bring you unmatched peace of mind when dealing with the headache that is the legal system.

Personal injury lawyers are master negotiators. These individuals argue for a living, so their defense is well-constructed and meticulous.

They also help to expedite the process, since they have the client’s time and best interests in mind.

So when should you get a personal injury lawyer? The short answer is now.

How Do I Find a Personal Injury Attorney?

Accidents often cause major damage, the effects of which are seen long after they occur. That’s why finding the right lawyer is so important.

The best personal injury tips will come from a licensed professional in your state. To find the right personal injury attorney for you, meet and talk with potential lawyers.

An effective lawyer will have substantial knowledge and expertise, and they’ll be goal-oriented. Having a person on your side that’s driven by results will get you the most compensation in the shortest amount of time.

Top-notch customer service is also the mark of a good injury lawyer. They should always be available for questions and support. Your injury doesn’t revolve around a 9am-5pm schedule.

Setting Expectations

Talking to a good personal injury lawyer will give you the best estimate, both in time and money.

Lawsuits can take a while to settle, so knowing the timeline and what to expect will make the process easier.

Your attorney will also give you an idea of how much your settlement is worth. You might be surprised at how much you can receive, and you’ll get the most money possible with a professional.

Your Personal Injury Warrior

The best chance you have at fair compensation is to find a personal injury attorney.

If you’ve been injured, it’s in your best interest to have someone on your side. The perfect time to talk to an expert is now.

To get started, contact us. Our utmost goal is honesty and integrity, and to us, you’re like family.

The 5 Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injury You Should Know About

February 4, 2019 By Jeremy Friedland

Overall, motorcycles and motorcycle injuries appear to go hand in hand.

The Washington State Traffic Commission estimates that motorcycles comprise about 4 percent of registered vehicles in the state, but are responsible for 14 percent of the traffic fatalities in Washington State between 2013 and 2017.

The unfortunate thing is that many of the motorcycle injury horror stories you may hear can be prevented.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 5 most common types of motorcycle injury you should know about, so you can protect your Self, and your rights when riding the adventure highways of life.

1. Head Injuries Are Most Common Motorcycle Injury

The National Highway Safety Center for Statistics estimates that in 2016, 1,859 motorcyclists saved their lives by remembering to wear their motorcycle helmet. What happens after that remains to be seen, but head injuries are the most common motorcycle injury because many riders don’t bother with a helmet.

Most states have a Universal motorcycle helmet law, and Washington State certainly does as well. You are legally required to wear a helmet.

But some won’t, and will find themselves succumbing to head injury in an accident.

But the truth is that even with a helmet, in a severe accident, you are more susceptible to head injury than someone behind the bubble of a four-door vehicle of tin serving as a barrier between the world and their brain.

2. Road Rash

On all of the motorcycle forums online you are going to hear about road rash. Head injuries are traumatic and could impact you for the rest of your life.

But road rash can as well if not tended to and treated properly. To the average non-motorcycle rider in the world, road rash just sounds like a little scrap from the road.

It is not. Road rash for motorcycle riders is well beyond your average skinned knee. Not treated properly could lead you to further problems like infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.

3. Muscle Damage

There are a number of ways to sustain muscle damage when using a motorcycle. You could sustain muscle damage from repetitive use of certain muscles can lead to damage or injury if you ride your motorcycle a lot.

But your muscles are also exposed during an accident, and you could sustain muscle damage in a collision as well. If you are pinned under something or fall a certain way, you may sustain muscle damage.

Some cases of muscle damage can be treated, and have full limitation to the area in question restored in time. But other muscle damage could create lifelong problems if not treated or rehabilitated properly.

Use these 4 simple tips for avoiding motorcycle accidents and prevent this from happening to you.

4. Biker’s Arm

Biker’s arm is not the tension you might feel in your handlebar arm if you’ve been on the road too long. Although this can be a muscle damage situation if you don’t take care of yourself.

The official form of Biker’s Arm refers to the condition of the arm after it has been used to break a fall. As humans, we are inclined by instinct to put our arms over our heads when we are about to fall.

Motorcyclists do the same thing and will sustain a number of injuries such as broken bones or torn ligaments by doing this in a motorcycle accident.

You can also sustain permanent nerve damage in your arm if this happens when you are on your motorcycle. This damage may not appear for a long time, and you may not know the extent of your injuries for well after an accident.

5. Broken Legs

After you work to protect your brain and your upper limbs when motorcycle riding, you want to consider extra protection for your legs as well. After head injury and arm injuries, broken legs or leg injury are among the next most common type of motorcycle injury sustained in a motorcycle accident.

This makes common sense, considering the legs aren’t protected in the same way as they might be for a car driver. But car drivers can still get their legs injured just as well.

Hard lands on your feet or legs can snap bones in a second, and you can also bleed out if you sustain an injury close to a major vein or artery. At the same time, you could become disabled and never be able to ride your bike again after one leg injury.

Protective gear ahead of time may also help mitigate any damages such as this.

Protect Your Self, and Your Rights

The first thing that is going to fall when you are in a motorcycle accident is your head and your arms. That’s just how the aerodynamics of any fall works.

Your head is the most serious organ you try to preserve, so your arms automatically go up to catch the fall.

This is why head injury, road rash, and limb problems are the most common form of a motorcycle injury. You don’t need to suffer alone.

If you or a loved one is suffering from motorcycle injury after a bad accident, you could be eligible for compensation for losses incurred after any of these injuries have been sustained.

Contact Maurer Law for free online today to ensure you know how to protect your Self and your rights after a motorcycle accident.

7 Cool Tips to Driving in Snow That Will Keep You Safe This Winter

December 27, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Winter is here, and that means snow is here, too.

Every year, hundreds of people are killed and thousands more are injured in winter weather car accidents. Many of these accidents could be prevented with safe driving techniques.

If you’re not confident driving in the snow, or if you just need a little driving safety refresher, keep reading.

Here are seven great tips that will help you stay safe while driving in snow.

1. Slow Down

One of the most important things to remember when you’re driving in the snow is to go slower than you normally would. read more

How to Drive on Black Ice

December 11, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Each year, over 800 people die in the U.S. in auto crashes caused by winter weather such as snow and ice.

Driving on black ice is particularly dangerous because many times you don’t see it ahead of time until it’s too late.

Read on to learn how to drive on black ice to prevent a winter car accident this year.

What is Black Ice?

Black ice is actually not black. Black ice is clear but often looks black because of the pavement underneath.

Black ice is often a very thin sheet of ice on the road. It is very difficult to see it. That’s what makes it so dangerous. read more

4 Simple Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

November 14, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Motorcycle crash fatalities are 28 times more frequent than fatal passenger vehicle crashes.

We don’t say that to scare you. We say it to express how important safety is on your ride.

As many benefits as motorcycles have, the dangers are real. While you can’t control all your risk factors, there are things you can do to lower your risk of motorcycle accidents, especially as the holiday travel season approaches.

Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents

Before your next ride, keep these safety tips in mind.

1. Be Noticeable

One of the common ways motorcyclists get into accidents is when cars turn out in front of them. You can’t control the fact that other drivers don’t always pay attention, but you can take actions to make yourself as noticeable as possible.

First, wear noticeable colors. If you’re riding at night, wearing black from head to toe won’t do you any favors.

Second, position yourself like a car. Leave as much space between yourself and the cars in front of you as you would if you were a car. Don’t drive in between two lanes of cars. Overall, the key is to be where cars would expect you to be.

Along these same lines, be careful not to ride in any cars’ blind spots. This includes not riding too close to the car in front of you. If you do, other drivers who want to turn or change lanes behind that car won’t see you.

Finally, never assume anyone can see you. Defensive driving can save lives.

2. Be Hyper-Aware

In the same way that you want other drivers to keep an eye out for you, you need to be aware of your surroundings as well to avoid a motorcycle accident.

No matter how long your ride may be, keep your mind on the road instead of getting distracted. Always know where the cars around you are by scanning your surroundings as well as your mirrors.

On top of other cars, you need to keep a watch on the road itself as well. Obstructions that seem small can launch a motorcycle into the air.

3. Practice Weather-Safe Driving

Weather is on the way and we’ll have snowy driving conditions before you know it. The weather should have an important effect on your driving habits.

If the road is slippery from ice, leave more space in front of your motorcycle than you would otherwise.

In some cases, the weather can also affect other drivers’ visibility. Whether the problem is fog, heavy rain, or heavy snow, try not to ride during these times. If you must, make sure your lights are on.

4. Keep Up with Your Maintenance

Proper maintenance doesn’t just protect you from expensive repairs. It helps you prevent accidents as well.

Keep up with your regular maintenance appointments so your motorcycle doesn’t have a critical problem. Check your lights every time to ride to ensure that they still work.

Your tires are among the most important parts of safety maintenance, though. Keep up with regular alignments and replace your tires as soon as their treads become worn.

Enjoying a Safe Ride

For most bikers, their motorcycle is more than a mode of transportation. It’s a passion. As important as these tips are for safety, though sometimes motorcycle accidents are unavoidable. If that happens, call our personal injury lawyer.

Tips for Driving in the Rain by an Auto Accident Attorney in Spokane

October 26, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Driving, texting, eating a burger-all at the same time and, now, it starts to rain. Most drivers over-exsert their focus while behind the wheel, which makes rainy conditions that much more dangerous.

A downpour is difficult to drive in, especially if you are driving on the highway. If you want to live to send your next text, you better prepare for rainy conditions. This article offers tips for driving in the rain by an auto accident attorney in Spokane.

Tips from an Auto Accident Attorney in Spokane

Drivers, today, have more to be distracted by than ever. While texting and driving is the leading cause of teen accidents, road dangers are exacerbated by poor weather conditions. According to the Department of Transportation, 22 per cent, of the nearly six million, average annual crashes are caused by weather-related conditions.

The impact of rain on roads can be extremely dangerous. Driving on a rainy urban expressway with poor tire tread, at high speeds is a perfect recipe for disaster.

Take it from this auto accident attorney in Spokane: if you want to avoid filing a car accident police report-or worse-follow these tips for driving in the rain:

Turn Off Cruise Control

Cruise control is great when you are on long trips. But, when the road conditions get hazardous, turn it off. Rain and cruise control don’t mix.

Your cruise control understands what speed you want to drive at. It does not know when the tires are skidding or hydroplaning. Even when it loses traction, the car will continue to accelerate.

When your foot is on the pedal, you can tell is you have lost traction. It is imperative to respond immediately if your car starts to skid-which is not possible with cruise control active.

If you try to break while skidding you can lose control of your vehicle. This is especially dangerous if you are driving uphill or downhill. If cruise control is active when you go into a skid you will deactivate it by breaking-which is a bad idea.

Observe the 5 to 8 Second Rule

In drivers education courses, you learn to give at least three seconds of space to the car in front of you. In optimal driving conditions, three seconds is enough time to see and react to a road event. But, in poor driving conditions, you need more reaction time.

Give yourself a five to eight-second space between your car and the car in front of you. In the event of heavy rain and poor visibility, five seconds is barely enough time to avoid a collision.

Measure how much time you have to react to the car in front of you by matching their speed. Then, pick a visual point ahead of you and start counting when the car in front of yours passes it. The number of seconds, between when the first car passes the stable point, to when your car passes it, is the amount of reaction time you have.

Stay Calm and Respond Correctly to Skids

Become comfortable with proper driving technique when your car is skidding. The most important thing is to stay calm. If you start to panic the dangers increase, exponentially.

Point the tires in the direction you want to move, and let your foot off of the gas. Do not pump the breaks, but press down, gradually. Try to counteract the skid with light force, instead of slamming on the breaks.

As long as you observe the rules for driving in the rain you can avoid an accident. If you are in an accident because of poor driving conditions, consult an accident attorney.

Final Thoughts

Driving is the most dangerous thing you do in your day, but your safety is in your hands. Take it from this auto accident attorney in Spokane-these tips can save the life of you, your loved ones, and those that drive near you. When driving in the rain, remember to stay calm and find your traction.

If these tips for driving in the rain, by an auto accident attorney in Spokane, are helpful, share this article with friends on social media. And, subscribe to our newsletter to receive the most recent posts from the blog. Thanks for reading!

Car Accident Questions: Should You Call a Lawyer or Report a Minor Accident?

September 4, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Every year, road accidents in the U.S. cause injuries and disabilities to 2.35 million individuals. Worse, more than 37,000 people die due to these crashes.

Now, consider the fact that Washington housed over 5.63 million licensed drivers in 2016. With this kind of number, it’s easy to see why the year before, a whopping 117,053 collisions occurred! In fact, there was a crash for every 5 minutes in 2015.

Granted, some of these are what you’d call a minor accident. Many resulted from distracted driving (think texting while driving). But an accident is an accident, and even a small one can already give you a traumatic experience.

But does a minor car accident warrant reporting to the police? Should you even call a lawyer?

All these questions and more we’ll answer in this guide on what to do after a minor car accident. So, make sure you keep reading!

When Reporting a Collision is a Legal Must

The Washington State Patrol requires drivers to report collisions that caused damages of over $1,000. If the police didn’t investigate the crash, you need to file a report no more than four days after the accident.

Of course, you should call the proper authorities if the collision caused serious visible damages. That’s 9-1-1 for major injuries.

What About Fender Benders?

What if the crash you were in was only a bumper accident? In this case, you should still get the insurance information of the other party.

That includes the complete name, addresses, and contact information of everyone involved. Don’t forget passengers and witnesses too. Note the license numbers, plate numbers, and insurance providers of the other parties.

This is especially true if you’re dealing with uninsured or underinsured motorists. Keep in mind that in 2015, there were still 17.4% uninsured drivers in the state.

When and Why Involve a Lawyer Then?

A lot of people make the mistake of not taking a minor car accident with no car damage seriously. There may be no visible property damage, but an unseen injury may have already occurred.

That’s right. You may actually have sustained whiplash. It’s a type of neck injury that can have delayed symptoms, from pain to swelling to even insomnia!

Because the symptoms of whiplash can go unnoticed for a few hours, even days after the accident, you may not have reported an injury right after the crash. That’s why in this case, it’s best you contact a personal injury attorney.

Never Underestimate a Minor Accident

Even if your bumper saved you from serious injuries, its replacement can still cost you $400 to $1,500. Even chips and scratches can already set you back anywhere between $50 and $1,500. Then, there’s the possibility of pain and suffering from hidden injuries, like whiplash.

All this said, you should never think lightly of a minor accident. Besides, even without injuries or damages, it’s already an unpleasant, even traumatizing event.

If you were in a road crash, regardless of how minor you think it is, consider talking about it with us. We can help you figure out the next best course of action.

What Are Your Options After a Motorcycle Crash?

August 14, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Motorcyclists are vulnerable to crashes because they are harder to see. Motorcycle deaths accounted for 13 percent of all auto fatalities in 2015.

Have you or a loved one recently experienced a motorcycle crash and aren’t sure what to do after the health side of things are taken care of? Click here to learn more about your options after a motorcycle crash.

The Claims Process

You should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Be careful what you say on the phone because your insurance company may record, and you don’t want to admit guilt if it isn’t your fault.

Do not give any numbers yet for injuries or damage to your motorcycle because these numbers may continue to rise. You don’t want to just guess or speculate.

Fault for the Accident

If the accident was completely your fault, your insurance company will cover your damages and pay the other driver. However, if your limits aren’t enough, you could be sued by the other driver to cover the additional expenses.

If you are both at fault, you can claim against each other. Washington is a comparative at fault state, so you can divide the settlements between insurance companies. This will reduce the amount your insurance company owes.

In the case that it is unclear who is at fault, both insurance companies will begin to investigate. It may be helpful to have an attorney who can help collect evidence such as eyewitness accounts, testimony, and the accident report.

Determining Liability for the Motorcycle Crash

The accident report and your insurance company will determine who is at fault if you were in an accident with another driver. If the other driver is at fault, your insurance company will handle your medical bills, lost wages, and property. Then they will work with the other insurance company.

However, if the other driver does not have insurance, you may still get compensated with your uninsured motorist cover. You can take action against the uninsured if your limits are not enough.

It may be best to talk to an attorney on how to negotiate a settlement. You will need money to cover your expenses no and in the future. Plus, you will get money for pain and suffering.

Calculating Damages

You will need to figure out how much your claim is including:

Medical treatment
Future medical cost estimates
Lost earnings
Cost to repair or replace your motorcycle

The settlement will include other factors that are not as easy to determine such as pain and suffering, disability, and disfigurement. Insurance companies or an attorney will negotiate these amounts.

You may want to wait until you feel comfortable with the medical treatment in order to move forward. You don’t want to settle too early and find out you need additional treatment.

What Happens with Negotiation

If you hire an attorney, he or she will work with the insurance company for you to reach a fair settlement. You will need to determine which figure you think is fair.

You do have the final say whether to accept a settlement or not. It’s wise not to take the first settlement offered because there is usually room for negotiation.

Getting Your Settlement

When you reach an agreement, you will sign a waiver and will not be able to file another claim for this accident. This is why you should not rush to settle.

Looking for Help?

If you would like some help with the claims negotiation process after a motorcycle crash, contact Maurer Law. Get your free case consultation today.

When Should You Hire an Auto Accident Attorney in Spokane?

July 9, 2018 By Jeremy Friedland

Over 2.3 million people get involved in auto accidents every year in the United States alone. Of those people, over 40,000 are killed.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident and were lucky enough to escape with your life, count your blessings. Still, even non-fatal accidents can cause hardship to victims.

First off, there’s the unquantifiable emotional trauma of an accident. Beyond that, there are physical injuries which may have put you out of work temporarily making it so you’re unable to purchase groceries, make house payments or take care of other necessities.

If you’ve been in an accident in the Spokane, Washington area and are wondering what to do, chances are you should hire an auto accident attorney in Spokane.

Below are a few reasons why hiring an attorney after an accident could be the right move for you.

1. You’re Inexperienced with Car Accidents

The deadlines you need to keep up with to ensure you’re getting maximum compensation from accident claims won’t wait for you to heal from your injuries. The second you’re involved in an accident, the clock starts ticking.

If you’re a novice when it comes to things like filing claims and collecting relevant information to make those claims effective, you should hire an auto accident attorney in Spokane.

2. You’re Managing Disputed Liability

After an auto accident, you hope that your version of the events will be apparent to all parties and your claim will go smoothly. This isn’t always the case though.

Many times, other people involved in accidents will tell their insurance providers a different story once the scene has cleared. Other times insurance companies might come to their own negative conclusions based on their investigations.

If you’re dealing with a situation where you’ve been denied a claim due to disputed liability, an auto accident attorney can help put pressure on the system and turn things around.

3. You Need Maximum Compensation for Long-Term Disability

If a car accident you were involved in is going to cause you long-term issues, it’s imperative that you get a maximum payout. A car accident attorney can work with insurers early to get things moving in the right direction as far as compensation goes.

If the payout insurers land on is not favorable, an attorney can also start the process of taking matters to court and ensuring you get what you deserve.

4. You Want Peace of Mind

There are a lot of processes that need to take place in order for you to get the money you’re entitled to after an auto accident.

If you want to focus on getting better and not on negotiating with insurance companies, taking phone calls from opposing parties and representing yourself in court, you’ll want an attorney in your corner.

Wrapping Up Reasons to Hire an Auto Accident Attorney in Spokane

If you’ve been involved in an accident in the Spokane area, we recommend you hire an auto accident attorney in Spokane immediately.

An attorney can give you peace of mind. The can fight for maximum compensation. They can prove your innocence and help you stay on top of deadlines to make sure your claim gets accepted.

If you’re looking for an accident attorney in the Spokane area, our team at Maurer Law can help. Our law firm has been getting accident victims like you favorable claims for years.

Let us take our expertise and get you what you deserve!

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