By Pendergast Law on June 7, 2013
Three people were injured in a Washington car accident involving a T-bone collision. According to a news report in The Columbian, the car crash occurred on the Interstate 5 southbound near Exit 16 in La Center. Officials say a 55-year-old woman was attempting to merge in a 1989 Dodge Dynasty when she almost collided with a semi-trailer. She veered to avoid hitting the big rig and broadsided a 2005 Buick LeSabre. The driver of the Dodge was listed in critical condition with a head injury. The 66-year-old driver of the LeSabre sustained minor injuries and her 68-year-old passenger was injured but not transported to a hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and charges may be pending.
Merging onto a Washington highway can be a stressful and dangerous endeavor. In general, slower moving traffic attempting to merge onto the highway must yield the right-of-way to faster, oncoming traffic. This does not, however, excuse motorists on the highway from exercising care. Highway drivers must make an effort to allow vehicles to safely enter traffic. When such a crash occurs, investigators look into whether the merging driver was solely responsible for the crash or if the negligence of the other driver caused or contributed to the crash.
It is common in these types of accidents for both drivers to share responsibility for the accident. The state of Washington follows the law of comparative negligence. This means that when more than one driver is responsible for the injuries and damages of those involved, the compensation for the victims is inversely proportional to the fault they are determined to have. For example, if an injured victim of a Washington car accident is 60 percent responsible for the crash, then, he or she may only receive 40 percent of the compensation available.
The Washington car accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. fight to get their clients fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related damages. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a Washington car accident, please call our offices at 888-539-9211 to discuss your case at absolutely no cost.