Miscellaneous

• More about Holland America and Its Harsh Contract with Passengers

  Michael Myers | June 03, 2006 9:00 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Sample text from a Holland America (in this case, Windstar) ticket appears below. The ticket--whether you realize it or not--is your "contract" with Holland America. I'm sure you're thinking "that's funny...I don't remember negotiating a contract with Holland America." Of course you don't remember. You didn't negotiate a contract with Holland America. It's a one-sided contract (otherwise...

• Metro Bus Runs Over Woman

  Michael Myers | June 03, 2006 8:48 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  A 52-year-old woman died Thursday night after falling beneath a Metro bus in Shoreline. The woman stepped off the bus at a stop near Richmond Beach Road and 15th Avenue Northwest in Shoreline. But she then apparently slipped and fell off the curb and beneath the bus. The bus driver pulled away from the stop, hitting the woman.Her death is a tragedy...something that should have been avoided. ...

• You Might Be Able to Recover Even if You Rear-Ended the Car In Front of You!

  Michael Myers | June 03, 2006 2:23 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  According to the Tacoma News Tribune a car-hauler that jackknifed on Interstate 5 near Gravelly Lake Drive during the lunch hour Friday caused at least five accidents involving seven semitrucks and 11 other vehicles. Several people were hurt. The Tacoma News Tribune also reported that a 66-year-old Tacoma man was injured when his Ford F-150 truck was struck from behind and pushed under a...

• Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney

  Michael Myers | June 02, 2006 6:30 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  This year we decided to remodel our house. It was a big undertaking and significant financial investment so we wanted to make sure we "got it right". We scoured the Internet and asked everyone we know for references. Finally we identified the two best residential contractors in Seattle. We gave them our plans and specifications and asked them to bid the job. Both were somewhat reluctant to...

• Commuting by Bike--Cyclists' Right to PIP Coverage

  Michael Myers | June 01, 2006 4:22 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  May was National Bike to Work Month. More and more people are electing to bike to work year round because it is healthy, inexpensive and good for the environment. There are several things to consider before you start commuting. Several websites offer the following tips:1. Start off easy. 2. Don't feel you have to go the distance. 3. Figure out your route. 4. Test it before you commute. 5....

• Medicaid--The Ahlborn Decision

  Michael Myers | May 30, 2006 2:19 PM | 1 CommentSeattle, WA

  The Supreme Court just handed down a great decision for injured persons. The case is called Ahlborn. Ahlborn provides a very strong tool where there is (1) a large Medicaid lien and (2) inadequate insurance to fully compensate the injured person. We just received a call from a young woman who had a $250,000 Medicaid lien. Unfortunately there was only $100,000 in insurance coverage and the...

• Defibrillators Onboard Vessels

  Michael Myers | May 30, 2006 1:31 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Cruise ships and floating casinos should have defibrillators onboard. They should also have crew members trained in CPR. Passengers who have heart attacks are entitled to reasonable medical care. If they don't receive it, they likely have a claim for damages against the cruise line or the owner of the floating casino. For more information about defibrillators, please click on the following...

• Insurance Companies and Recorded Statements

  Michael Myers | May 30, 2006 11:40 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Insurance companies often request that an injured person give a recorded statement. They are not satisfied obtaining information about property damage, medical expenses and lost wages in writing. Insurance companies try to coerce recorded statements for one purpose: to gather evidence that allows them to pay less money to the injured person. If an insurance company tries to get you to give a...

• Holland America--Short Fuse for Cruise Ship Claims

  Michael Myers | May 30, 2006 7:23 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Holland America has a very harsh set of rules for injured passengers. There is a six month deadline for submitting a written claim to Holland America--otherwise the claim is barred. There is a one year deadline for filing suit. Otherwise the claim is barred. And there is a forum selection clause. The forum selection clause requires suit to be brought in a specific city: Seatle,...

• Men Lose Hands in Accidental Blast

  Michael Myers | May 29, 2006 7:27 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  According to KOMO Television, three men are in the hospital with serious injuries after a fireworks accident Thursday. The victims were part of a group ofconstruction at the KOA campground off Highway 12 in Lewis County. One of the men came over to the campfire and showed off a powerful firework that was about 5 inches long and an inch thick. Another man tossed it into the fire, but it failed...