Seattle Personal Injury & Accident Blog

Do Roundabouts Prevent Accidents?

By Pendergast Law on March 16, 2022

A roundabout is a circular intersection where drivers travel counterclockwise until they are ready to exit. Roundabouts are very popular in Europe, and they have become more common in the US in the last few decades.

Although roundabouts tend to eliminate some of the more dangerous types of accidents that often occur at intersections, they take some getting used to. Drivers who are unfamiliar with a roundabout are likely to have difficulty negotiating these traffic circles, and this may result in crashes. Read the rest »

Washington State Supreme Court Expands Premises Liability Rules

By Pendergast Law on February 15, 2022

The Washington State Supreme Court has expanded the rules regarding premises liability in a decision in the case of Johnson vs the State of Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board. This court ruling expanded the liability of landowners regarding the legal concept of “reasonably foreseeable unsafe conditions.” Prior to the court decision, property owners had the duty to discover a dangerous condition and correct it within a reasonable amount of time. Read the rest »

Tesla Reluctantly Cancels Gaming While Driving

By Pendergast Law on January 10, 2022

 

Distracted driving is a huge safety concern for drivers in Washington. In fact, the state has made great strides in reducing the number of accidents and fatalities caused by driver distraction in recent years.

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Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. Becomes Pendergast Law

By Pendergast Law on January 3, 2022

Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. is widely recognized as being one of the most effective and successful personal injury law firms in the Seattle area. In the new year, our firm’s name is being changed to Pendergast Law. You can expect the same superior service and world-class legal representation. We are the same legal team simply with a new name.  We are continuing our services throughout Washington state from the same location:

Pendergast Law

555 South Renton Village Place, Suite 640

Renton, Washington, 98057

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Things to Avoid on Social Media During Your Personal Injury Case

By Pendergast Law on December 14, 2021

After a car accident, your friends, relatives, and associates will be checking your social media posts to see how you are doing. They can post questions about your condition that you may be inspired to answer – but don’t. You may believe that because your social media accounts are set to “private” that your posts cannot be accessed, but this is not necessarily true. Read the rest »

Your Guide for Taking Accident Photos in Seattle

By Pendergast Law on October 4, 2021

If you have been involved in a traffic crash, pictures of your injuries and the accident scene can serve as valuable evidence in your claim or lawsuit. Of course, your first priority is to get emergency medical attention for anyone who needs it, including yourself. If you are able, in addition to reporting the crash to the police, exchanging information with the other driver, and getting contact information for eyewitnesses, take as many pictures as you can at the scene of the accident. If you are unable to do so because of your injuries, try to have someone you trust take them for you.

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Autumn Weather and Treacherous Slip and Falls

By Pendergast Law on September 6, 2021

Autumn weather brings with it a lot to be grateful for, including Halloween, back to school sales, and cooler weather, yet there are also certain unique dangers with it. Seattle seasons almost always include a touch of rain, but autumn sparks the beginning of Washington’s truly rainy weather and wet sidewalks. Coupled with falling leaves, pedestrians must be extra careful when visiting local businesses, as walkways, entrances, and sidewalks can become the sites of serious slip and falls.

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Liability in Garbage Truck Accidents

By Pendergast Law on August 2, 2021

In a city as big as Seattle, garbage and dump trucks are necessary to haul thousands of pounds in trash every week. These large, powerful vehicles perform an invaluable service in our communities, but they must be operated by experienced drivers. Their size and weight can easily contribute to a serious pedestrian or auto accident, and operators should be held accountable when they cause catastrophic injuries.

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Who Is Liable for Swimming Pool Accidents?

By Pendergast Law on July 5, 2021

A warm summer day and a cool swimming pool sound like a perfect combination, but only when the waters are safe. Swimming pools present a number of risks, from drownings to diving injuries, and it is the responsibility of the property owner to minimize these dangers. If an owner allows a swimmer to be injured because of a safety hazard, they may be liable for all damages.

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What Is Responsible for Pandemic Dog Bites?

By Pendergast Law on June 15, 2021

2020 brought many drastic changes to Washington as our state felt the brunt of the pandemic at the very start of the year. Strict lockdown protocols led to the closure of numerous business, ultimately forcing many into work-from-home lifestyles. With all this extra time at home, many chose to adopt puppies to deal with isolation. However, this brought a whole another set of issues, as bright-eyed dog owners realized they were not as prepared for their new responsibilities as they originally thought.

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