Bellevue Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Head on collision on Highway 520 in Bellevue

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

The accident happened this morning around 4am. A woman was sitting in her Mitsubishi Galant in a westbound traffic lane on 520 when she was rear ended by a garbage truck. This first collision forced the vehicle to do a 180 degree turn. The woman then took off and started driving east still in the westbound lanes.

Shortly after she took off driving east, a second collision occurred. She collided head on with a large dump truck. The collision was so severe that her vehicle was thrust under the dump truck and die. In both collisions the woman did not have her head lights on.
Detectives believe alcohol may have played a role in the collisions.

On the look out for driver that ran over victim

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Hong Hoang was walking home after finishing her shift at McDonald's early Friday when she was attacked by an unknown male with his vehicle. The man attempted to kidnap her.

Hoang was able to fight off her attacker even with some broken bones. The attacker took off in his pickup truck. Hoang is now trying to recover from her serious injuries at Tacoma General Hospital. Hoang suffered a broken pelvis, ribs, leg, bruised lung and other injuries.

The attacker is a man in his late 20's, 6 feet tall with dark skin and short curly dark hair. He was driving a pickup truck, a dark blue Chevrolet; vehicle might have a broken window.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to the police.

9-vehicle mess at Northgate

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A 21-year old woman caused a 9-vehicle crash yesterday afternoon at Northgate. Authorities tried stopping the vehicle she was driving after they noticed she had no front tires. The woman did not stop and instead crashed into other vehicles.

Several people were taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical conditions.

Authories believe alcohol and drugs were a factor in the crash.

Crash in Snohomish

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Crash happened in the 6300 block of Northridge Drive. A vehicle crashed into a building. One person died as a result of the crash, no word yet if it was driver or a person inside the building. Authorities are at the scene right now.

Have Ax, Will Travel: Man With Ax Steals Pierce Co. Cop Car

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

According to Sgt. Ed Troyer, it appears the Pierce County man was high on drugs when he weilded an ax and began to chare at officers. Shortly after, the man stole a cruiser and led officers on a 2-mile chase in Puyallup before he sideswapped a few cards and crased the car.

Police officers then struggled with the man, tazed him, and then arrested him.

Woman collides with two garbage trucks

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Early morning Wednesday, a woman collided into a garbage truck. She was driving a Mazda Protege, according to witnesses; she clipped one garbage truck and then struck another garbage truck head on. The accident happened around 6:45am in the Seattle area.

Fire firers were forced to cut into her vehicle to get her out, it took about 15 minutes. She was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The two truck drivers did not report serious injuries.

Head on collision on SR 99

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The collision occurred last night. A 19-year old man was driving a Honda Civic at a high rate of speed near Tukwila when he jumped a barrier and hit a Mitsubishi Montero.

According to the trooper, he estimated that the driver was going over 100 mph. The 19-year old man was taken to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition. The driver of the Mitsubishi was 28 and was not seriously injured. It's still unclear if alcohol and/or drugs played a role in the collision

Seattle and Bellevue Drivers Winter Weather Driving Checklist

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Here are some of the things you should check to make sure you safely get to your destination this winter.

Check Your Battery. Your battery has a more difficult time starting your car in the colder winter weather than the warmer months. A bad battery can leave you stranded in your driveway; or worse, in the middle of nowehere.
Check Your Cooling System. Coolant is a liquid and when winter weather is in effect, coolant may freeze and expand which can severely damage your vehicle. The most typical thing mechanics will do is to flush your coolant and replace it with new coolant that will work better on your engine.
Have an Emergency Kit in your car. This can include warm blankets, hats, coats, as well as food, water, a flashlight, and batteries. A common trend these days is to also include a backup cell phone battery or charging system that runs on alkaline batteries. This may become life or death if you get stranded in places along I-90, SR2, or other more rural and rugged roadways.
On long trips, let people know you when and where you are going. This could become important if emergency crews need to put on a search to look for you and your vehicle.
Carry chains. Many Washington state roadways require chains or 4WD (or both) if weather is sufficiently bad along many of our state's mountain passes.
Make sure you have enough gas in between fueling stops.

These are only a few of the things you should do to keep you and your family safe in Washington state this winter. For more safety tips, visit the NHTSA site here.

Wrong Way I405 Crash in Bothell Sends Two To Hospital

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The 24 year old driver of a Subaru entered I 405 on the 124th St. ramp in Bothell, near Bellevue, Washington, in the wrong direction at about 1.30am early Friday morning. She then crashed head-on into a Jeep. The drivers of the two vehicles were both taken to Harbourview Medical Center in Seattle.

According to Washington State Patrol Sgt. Ken Przygocki, drugs and/or alcohol may have been involved in the accident and troopers are investigating.

Fatal crash between man and vehicle on freeway in Everett

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Fatal crash this morning on Boeing freeway in Everett. It appears that a man was walking on the Boeing freeway after his vehicle had spun out of control, maybe on black ice, when he was hit and killed by a woman driving a sport utility vehicle. The crash happened around 5am. The highway was shut down until 7:20am.

Authorities still don't know why the man was on the freeway after his vehicle had spun out of control and ended up in the grassy median. The name of the man has not been released yet.

Seattle, Bellevue Washington Motorcycle Accidents Double 94-2009

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The statistics are alarming. Motorcyclist involvement in fatal car crashing in Washington state, including Seattle and Bellevue, has increased 2-fold from 1994-2009. According to date there were 34 fatal accidents involving motorcycles in 1994. In 2009, that number more than doubled to 70. However the news for Seattle-Bellevue drivers is not all bad.

The number of passenger cars involved in accidents has steadily declined in the same time period, from 450 to 271 vehicles.

For more statistical data related to Washington State accidents, head over to the NHTSA site here.

Icy conditions in Western Washington

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Just two accidents in the region due to the icy condition drivers are facing.

A driver of a UPS truck ended going sideways on N I-5 south of Tumwater around 12:20am. The gas tanks on the side of the truck came open and spilled diesel fuel on the roadway. Both directions were closed for some time, while clean up took place.

In Lynnwood, a semi ended up on its side in a ditch. According to state troopers the driver was going too fast for the icy conditions. He was taking a ramp at about 55 mph. The truck was carrying 40,000 pounds of oranges but none of them spilled onto the roadway.

Drunk driver goes 18 miles on I-5 in the wrong direction

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Incident happened Wednesday morning around 2am. Pamela Drawsby was driving on I-5 in the wrong direction. Troopers reported to the vehicle, they tried their sirens, spotlights and the PA system but nothing worked in getting Drawsby's attention. Drawsby's speed reached up to 100 mph. According to troopers Drawsby was all over the place. She was lucky she didn't crash into an oncoming vehicle.

Troopers were finally able to stop the vehicle, a white Lincoln LS by using spike strips to flatten the tires. Drawsby was confused and drunk.

Drawsby was booked into Pierce County Jail, and was charged with driving under the influence. She might face additional charges of reckless endangerment.

Head-on crash on SR 167

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A head-on crash killed both drivers on Highway 167, near Puyallup. The vehicles involved were a Kia SUV and a dodge sedan. Its believed the Kia driver crossed into oncoming traffic.

Investigations are still under way. No word on what might have caused the crash.

Hit-and-run driver at large

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The accident occurred in White Center Thursday morning around 1:45am. It happened near 14th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Roxbury Street.

According to one witness, the pedestrian flew about 30 feet after being hit. The pedestrian is a 55 year old man from Seattle. He has suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover.

Investigators believe the driver was coming off Delridge Way and the vehicle to be dark color according to evidence left behind.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact police.

America's Worst Drivers: Montana Takes First In New Study

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

According to studies that have been recently released, surprising new statistics have come to light that show all drivers are not, in fact, created equal.

1. Montana is the Nation's deadliest state

According to the US Census Bureau, Montana's fatality rate is over twice that of California, Colorado, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Oregon and Ohio.

2. Males between 18-20 are 7x as likely to drink and drive than their female counterparts.

“Drinking and Driving: A Threat to Everyone.” U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Vital Signs, October 2011; data drawn from the CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2010.

3. Children are twice as safe when being driven by their grandparents than their parents.

Eduardo Romano, et al. “Alcohol and Highway Safety: Special Report on Race/Ethnicity and Impaired Driving.” (PDF) U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2010.

4. Male drivers are involved in 80% of crashes that involve serious injury and/or death.

Janette Sadik-Khan, et al. “New York City Pedestrian Safety Study & Action Plan.” (PDF) August 2011.

Car Thief Leads Police in High-Speed Pursuit in Bothell

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

On Tuesday morning around 5am, police on patrol discovered a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer that had license plates that were registered to another vehicle. Bothell police then attempted to pull over the vehicle, who did not stop and instead led police on a high speed chase.

Police were able to set up a spike strip in front of the stolen car near the intersection of 168th Street SE and Sunset Road. The driver of the stolen vehicle ran over the strip and the vehicle soon after came to a rest.

The 30-year old driver was taken in to custody and charged with felony eluding and possesssion of a stolen car. He is currently booked into Snohomish County Jail.

SUV Hits Pedestrian on SR99, Pedestrian in Critical Condition

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The accident happened at the intersection of SR99 and 79th Avenue in North Seattle. A man in his 20's was walking along the sidewalk of SR99 when an SUV came up on the sidewalk and struck him. Emergency personnel performed CPR on the vicitim for a half hour before he was transported to Harborview Hospital.

No word yet on if charges will be filed against the driver. For more photos of the accident, click here.

Teen is asking hit-and-run driver to come forward

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

On Christmas Eve Austin Wiedmaier was hit by a vehicle near Port Orchard. Wiedmaier was walking with a friend around 8pm when a vehicle came towards him. He was along Alaska Street outside Port Orchard.

The driver did stop, got out and asked if he was all right. The driver was female, 19 or 20 with a male passenger, same age. They quickly picked up their vehicle parts that had fallen off and quickly drove off.

Wiedmaier was taken to the hospital. He suffered brain hemorrhaging, scabs and bruises all over his legs and a concussion.

Wiedmaier would like for the female driver to come forward, take responsibility for the accident and for his medical bills.

Kitsap County investigators would also like the couple to come forward or if someone has information to report it.

Pedestrian killed by DUI suspect driver

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Theresa Dubs of 55 and Darren Streeter of 47 were walking to Ebey Island after they had ran out of gas somewhere in Everett, when a vehicle crashed onto the walkway sending Streeter over the side and dropping 40 feet. Streeter died at the scene.

The fatal crash happened Monday night on US 2. The driver was a 24-year old man from Everett. Troopers say they smelled alcohol and found marijuana in his vehicle. The driver was taken to Providence Colby Hospital with severe leg injuries.

For photos of the scene, go here.

Alcohol-related crash

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

State troopers reported to a crash near Graham, where the 18-year old teen lost control of vehicle and crashed into a power pole. Three teens were in the vehicle at the time of the crash. It's reported that at least of the teen is in serious conditions.

Crash happened on State Route 161 at 304th Street sometime after midnight. As alcohol was a factor in the crash, the driver could be charged with vehicular assault.

For photos of the vehicle, go here.

For Whom The Bell Tolls: SR520 To Begin Tolling December 29

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

After nearly 6 months of delays, the WSDOT said it is ready to begin tolling the 520 bridge starting 5 a.m. on December 29th. The tolling was due to problems with the "Good-To-Go" electronic purse system that is designed to electronically toll the approximately 100,000 vehicles that pass over the bridge each day.
The same system has been implemented on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, as well as a portion of SR167.
The delays with the 520 bridge system have cost Washington state millions of dollars in lost toll revenue, but it finally appears the system will be fully operational by next week.

The tolls on the bridge will vary depending on the time of day, and will cost as much as $3.50 one-way during peak periods. Drivers can get a bit of a price-break by purchasing a "Good-To-Go" Pass which mounts to the windshield of your car. The pass is electronically linked to an online purse that drivers transfer money into to pay for the tolls. Drivers using a Good-To-Go Pass will get a $1.50 discount per toll. As attractive as this is, most Seattle/Bellevue drivers have not picked up the pass.

Seattle-Bellevue drivers who do not have a Good-To-Go pass will have their license plates scanned and a bill for the toll will come to the registered address of the vehicle. You can pick up a Good-To-Go pass at local grocery stores such as QFC, Fred Meyer, CostCo and Safeway throughout the Puget Sound.

Late Night Graham Crash Injures 3 Teens, Alcohol Likely Involved

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

At around 12:30am, an 18-year old Graham, Washington driver lost control of his Subraru Impreza and drove into a utility pole, injuring all 3 occupants. One of the teens was reported to have been ejected from the hospital. His status is unknown.

WSP troopers said that alcohol was involved in the crash and that the teen driver may be charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Snohomish Man Falls Asleep At The Wheel, Careens Down Embankment

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The accident happened around 5:30am on Monday, December 19th. The driver told authorities that he had fallen asleep at the wheel and had mistakenly thought his car was on the road when the vehicle was actually on the shoulder. The driver then gave the car some gas and went off the road and fell approximately 100 feet down an embankment before coming to a rest. The driver was pinned inside his car and was freed only after emergency personnel arrived. .

At his point, the driver of the vehicle has not been arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence and was transported by ambulence to a local hospital for evaluation.

KIROtv has a video of the indicient you can watch here.

Fatal hit-and-run in Tacoma, Washington

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Fatal hit-and-run happened Friday night on South J and 43rd Street in Tacoma,WA. The victim was 45-year old Michelle Johnson of Burien; she was hit by an SUV.

There were plenty of witnesses to this hit-and-run. Witnesses say they saw the victim and the driver of the SUV arguing mintues before the fatal crash.

The driver of the SUV took ff but later turned herself in to authorities. She has been booked into the Pierce County Jail on suspicion of second degree murder.

For photos of the scene, go here.