Practice Areas
Getting behind the wheel comes with many of its own risks. Even as a mindful and attentive driver, you can still become the victim of a car accident. With technology on the rise, there are more distracted drivers on the road than ever before, which is one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents today. As this number climbs higher and higher, so have the costs associated with an accident. Medical services and procedures are at an all-time high, and the cost of auto parts and labor is not far behind. Even worse, approximately 1 of every 8 drivers on the road doesn’t carry any form of car insurance, meaning all of those costs have to come out of your insurance or potentially your own pocket.
There are so many ways that an accident can cause pain, suffering, and disruption to daily lives of its victims and their loved ones. Don't wait to get the help you need. If you have been the victim of a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident either personally or on the job, or have lost a loved one in a car accident, contact Hohaia Law to start building your case right away.
CAR
ACCIDENTS
In the United States, there are over 6 million car accidents every year. That means that every time you go for a drive, there is the potential for an accident. If you are subject to a car accident, it can be very overwhelming and scary even if you do not have any immediate injuries. Despite the adrenaline, confusion, and potential accusations from the other driver, you still want to do your best to remain calm and gather as much information as possible to begin building a case for your injuries and damages. When it comes to legal representation, very little can happen without evidence. By taking the necessary steps, you can ensure that a personal injury lawyer has the necessary proof to help you rightly recover after an accident.
Steps to take in an accident:
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Call the police and stay on the scene until they are finished making the report, unless you are in need of immediate medical attention
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Take photos of the scene, including any damage and relevant documents
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Gather the other person’s information including: driver’s license number; any insurance details, and the year, make, model, and plates of their vehicle
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Collect names and contact information of any witnesses present at the scene
After a car accident, there are many different domino effects that can take place. No matter what, you always want to visit your doctor to have a physical examination. Injuries can often present themselves later, so it is very critical to get help right away so you can quickly determine the impact of a car accident. In cases where people have waited months to address pain or discomfort from an accident, it becomes very difficult to prove the root or cause of the injury.
With most accidents, quality of life and physical ability are impacted in some way or another. Even what may appear to be a minor injury could turn into months of chiropractic care, disruption from work, or inability to sleep comfortably. This could mean an additional financial burden on you through increased insurance costs, paying toward a health deductible, or potentially lost wages due to time away from work. Additionally, accidents can often be traumatic regardless of the level of physical injury sustained. People may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression, which may transition into post-traumatic stress disorder. Coupled with a limiting injury, these emotions increase tenfold and can become disruptive to a productive and happy daily life.
With personal injury claims for a car accident, it is always best practice to get as much support and defense as possible in the event your life is disrupted physically, emotionally, or financially due to an accident. Navigating the effects of a car accident can be challenging, which is why working with a personal injury lawyer is so beneficial. Through expert counsel and representation, a personal injury lawyer can help you rightly recover from an accident with confidence.
Not sure where to start? Talk to Hohaia Law today about your recent accident and get the help you need to get back on track.
TRUCK
ACCIDENTS
With so many trucks on the road, truck accidents happen more often than you might think. There is a great deal of delivery and transit that happens along I-5 between Seattle and Olympia, and with that comes greater risk of an accident. These vehicles are much heavier than the average car and are capable of causing much greater damage. They are often much worse than car accidents, meaning the physical and emotional impacts are exponentially greater. The injuries can be much more severe and typically require immediate medical attention, which can equate to more stress and trauma during recovery. This all adds up to greater costs to recover after an accident, which can often take much longer than a typical car accident.
Luckily, with greater potential damage comes greater care and protection. Because most of the trucks on the road are operated for business purposes, they often carry commercial insurance. This means that it is rare for victims of truck accidents to be subjected to paying for the expenses themselves since the businesses are more motivated to carry high insurance limits. Though the damages may be significant and life-changing, it is common that in truck accidents there is sufficient coverage on the insurance policy to get you the payout you deserve. Learn more about how insurance is used in an accident.
For drivers injured while operating a transit vehicle, there are multiple options to pursue. First, drivers are covered under workers compensation and can file claims through L&I for their injuries. These payouts often cover medical bills, lost wages, and other affected areas after an accident on the job. This is regardless of fault in an accident. If the other party is at fault, then the driver can also file a claim against that insurance policy for further compensation. While Hohaia Law cannot represent you in an L&I claim, a personal injury lawyer is absolutely encouraged in claims against the at-fault party.
Want to learn more? Talk to Hohaia Law today for a free consultation to understand how on-the-job personal injury claims work.
MOTORCYCLE
ACCIDENTS
Motorcycles may be considered a cool and exciting way to get around, but when it comes to accidents, they quickly become dangerous or even deadly. Motorcycles offer much less protection and safety tools than the average vehicle. Since motorcyclists are not protected inside a vehicle by the frame, seatbelts, or airbags, accidents usually leave them with severe if not life-threatening injuries. Additionally, there is an added impact in motorcycle accidents where the motorcyclist may be hit by the vehicle and then ejected off their bike. An impact against the ground or a nearby object can be detrimental and painful in any circumstance and becomes even greater at high speeds.
Although people can still be seriously injured while wearing protective gear, it is imperative to dress properly when operating a motorcycle. Helmets have made the difference between life and death in over 25,000 recorded accidents since 2002, making them essential regardless of local laws and regulations. Make sure to take every precaution you can before going out for a motorcycle ride and wear a helmet and protective gear. It may just save your life.
Motorcycle insurance recently became required in Washington in 2019 and can protect more than just your bike. Motorcycle insurance also offers essential protection when it comes to potential injuries. Approximately 17% of Washington drivers are completely uninsured, which is why it is critical to protect yourself on the road. Learn more about how insurance can play an important role in your personal injury claim.
Unfortunately, the chance of death in an accident increases significantly on a motorcycle. In motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle, more than half were fatal. The loss of a family member in an unexpected accident like this can be devastating both emotionally and financially as you navigate life without them. If your loved one was recently killed in a motorcycle accident, you and your family have a right to recover for this loss. Learn more about wrongful death claims in the next section.
Motorcycle accidents often have very serious consequences, and you should never have to navigate this alone. Talk to Hohaia Law today and get help obtaining the compensation you deserve after an accident.
PEDESTRIAN & CYCLIST CLAIMS
Even being out on or near the road as a pedestrian or bicyclist presents its own unique risks. People are incredibly vulnerable against a motor vehicle of any kind, so pedestrian and bicyclist accidents have high rates of severe injury and even death. Every 88 minutes, a pedestrian is killed in an accident in the U.S. Whether you are walking or biking in your neighborhood or in a bustling city, it is essential to stay alert and practice safety to prevent an accident.
Tips to stay safe as a pedestrian:
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When possible, walk on the sidewalk and avoid walking in the bicycle lane.
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Never assume the right-of-way, even if you know you have it. With a car vs. a person, the car always wins.
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Always use crosswalks as much as possible to safely cross the street. Jaywalking is against the law and will hinder your injury claim if you are hit by a car while crossing illegally.
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Avoid wearing earbuds in both ears and at high volume so you can remain aware of your surroundings and oncoming traffic.
Tips to stay safe as a bicyclist:
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Always wear a helmet in the event of a crash or impact. This can be the difference between life and death.
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Wear bright and reflective clothing to stay visible to all drivers on the road.
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Never wear earbuds so you can stay connected to the world around you and hear oncoming traffic.
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Avoid riding at night since it is difficult to see hazards on the road and can make it harder for drivers to see you.
In the event of a collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist, there is a responsibility to protect people and their rights. This means in most cases, the law recognizes that people are much more vulnerable than vehicles and will side with the pedestrian in an accident claim. However, this does not mean pedestrians have the freedom to go wherever they please and disregard safety regulations. By taking the time and care to follow road rules as a pedestrian, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury or death and ensure that you can get the representation you need in the event of an accident.
Oftentimes, injuries from a car accident as a pedestrian or bicyclist can be extremely serious and in some cases permanent. Traumatic brain injuries and severe damage to limbs are both very common in this type of accident, often resulting in lifelong disabilities. Living with a disability can not only be painful but can result in a new level of care, which can be costly. Even if you do not require a full-time caregiver, the burden of a disability on yourself and a spouse or family member can lead to more suffering and potentially a loss of income. Working with a personal injury lawyer can help you determine the true cost of the accident and the impact it will have on the rest of your life. This can help you to get the payout you deserve and help you obtain all the services you need to live a normal life.
If you are hit as a pedestrian or bicyclist by an uninsured driver, there are insurance coverages that can pay for your injuries from your own policy. It is important to understand how this can affect your personal injury claim. Learn more about the role of insurance and what it can do for you.
In the event of death, the impact on those left behind is multi-faceted. They have lost a loved one and are often left with medical bills and funeral expenses they may be unprepared for. Hohaia Law doesn’t do any estate planning but can absolutely help you better understand necessary steps in being compensated after a loss. Explore wrongful death claims in the next section.
Concerned about how to handle a pedestrian or bicyclist claim? Talk to Hohaia Law today and understand the necessary steps to get the compensation you are entitled to.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS
Loss of a loved one is never easy, but it becomes much more difficult in an unexpected accident. Typically when someone passes away, there is an estate plan or will that has been established with an executor. The executor is often a family member or close friend that handles the deceased person’s final wishes and takes care of their affairs. When someone is killed in an accident, the executor of their estate can represent them in a personal injury claim to ensure their family is compensated for this loss.
It is never about profiting off of the loss of a loved one, but about making sure you and your family have the funds you need to maintain your quality of life after death. When someone passes away unexpectedly, there are many different impacts that a family may or may not be prepared for. The trauma and grief from losing a loved one in a tragic accident can have a huge impact on daily life for months or even years. The cost of mental health services can be expensive and often are needed for an extended period of time to effectively cope and recover. In addition to the emotional impacts, there are many financial impacts on those left behind. Widows may be left to raise a family alone and have a need to hire additional help to support the children. The loss of income from the deceased person can result in a potential loss of lifestyle due to a change in financial circumstances. This may mean there is a need to downsize, move, or change daily habits in order to meet a new budget.
After losing a loved one in an accident, no one should have to settle for dealing with this burden alone. Through the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can pursue and obtain the necessary compensation for this loss. While it is difficult to place a true monetary value on a person’s life, a personal injury lawyer will work diligently to prove the impact of this loss and get you the payout you deserve.
Coping with loss after an accident? Talk to Hohaia Law today to learn how to proceed with a personal injury claim and find local resources for life after loss.