Automobile Accidents Attorneys
America’s love of the automobile comes with a human price tag.
We have represented thousands of people seriously injured or killed in car crashes.
The tragedy of dealing with the aftermath of a crash does not end with the physical and emotional harm suffered. The red tape of dealing with insurance companies and the person who caused the wreck, can be overwhelming. One story we hear all the time is that the other person “admits fault.” But once their insurance company gets involved, they change their story.
There are hidden traps that can jeopardize the case. An example occurs when there are more than two people who cause a crash. One might admit fault and try to settle the claim. But if settlement is accepted, then that destroys “joint and several liability”. This can have huge financial consequences.
Another trap involves figuring out which insurance policies apply and what limits are related. In the Ethel Adams case, the insurance company initially refused to pay benefits when Ms. Adams was almost killed in a road rage accident. They said it wasn’t an “accident.” We filed suit and the public outrage was so great that the insurance company changed its mind. Our firm lobbied for a new law dubbed “The Ethel Adams law” that now prevents insurance companies from denying innocent victims uninsured motorist benefits.
Police departments may have major automobile incident teams (MAIT). These investigations occur at all fatality and most catastrophic injury scenes. Interpreting this data, or determining whether it is accurate requires sophisticated and expert analysis. We have substantial resources that help us determine exactly what happened to cause a crash and why. The causes can range from driver negligence, to driving under the influence or while impaired, to automobile defect or highway defect. We consult with accident reconstructionists and safety engineers to make sure all the causes are properly identified.
At the same time, we assist our clients with navigating the health care system. Our firm is at the forefront of the legal community in understanding and dealing with complex medical subrogation (repayment) issues. Victims are often shocked to learn that the government and health insurers will make a claim on any financial recovery. We pay close attention to this issue to protect our clients. We have even sued the government to prevent it from taking too much of our client’s recovery.
Representative cases
Jones v. Yellow Cab of Seattle
$5.6 million verdict
A 20-year-old student approached a north Seattle intersection on his motorcycle when a Yellow Cab suddenly entered the intersection from a side street. The motorcyclist swerved but couldn't avoid being hit. Keith and the legal team filed suit against the taxi company and its driver, as well as against the City of Seattle for failing to trim shrubs blocking a driver's view of the intersection. The verdict amount was to cover lifetime care needs for the student, who was in a coma for two months and has since passed away.
Maislen v. Associated Materials, Inc.
$2.5 Million jury verdict
A daughter who danced for the jury. A spin instructor who demonstrated a routine. These are only a few of the almost 30 witnesses who told the story of a 58 year old non-profit employee whose passions included theater and being a personal trainer. The life changing event occurred when a truck failed to yield the right of way, resulting in crush fractures of the elbow and hip, denervation of the deltoid muscle in his shoulder, concussion, and emotional injury.
Welnick v. Carpenter
Chronic pain jury verdict
Distracted by the hubbub of downtown Seattle, a driver rammed a classic 1966 Mustang in which plaintiff was a passenger. A member of a colorful rock 'n' roll family, plaintiff gave up on her doctors and learned to live with pain. During trial plaintiff's husband played the keyboard and sang for the jury to demonstrate the loss of consortium that occurred because of his wife's depression. The jury entered verdict for three times the defense's final offer.
Jackson v. Washington State University
$2.5 million settlement
A student lost the use of his arm, and his legs were temporarily paralyzed in a vehicle rollover. The 19 year old was part of a lacross team trip to California.
Lau v. Crew Shuttle, Inc.
$2.16 million (policy limits) settlement
A pedestrian crossing an intersection was struck by a van and then a car.
Soto v. John Doe
$1.6 million settlement
An Easter Sunday drive ended in a head-on collision for the Soto family. The mother suffered partial loss of kidney function and closed-head injuries. Her husband and their two children sustained injuries as well. The other driver was intoxicated and driving a company vehicle. Our legal team worked with the man's personal insurance company and his employer's insurance company for the Soto family's settlement.
