Phillips Law Firm explains why obtaining an incident report is a good idea regardless of claim intentions.

It is crucial that you call 911 after your involvement with an any serious accident. Whether car, bicycle, pedestrian, truck, or motorcycle accident the police report is often a reliable way to obtain accurate insurance and contact information from the at-fault party. Key evidence including the weather, time of day, witnesses, skid marks and vehicle location are all documented by the police officer, which will help your attorney document facts regarding your case.

WHAT IF I WAS INJURED?

Make sure that those involved in the accident are safe, if medics try to take you to a hospital, let them. It is their job to confirm that you are not seriously injured or if you are that you receive proper treatment for your injuries. While some may feel that it is embarrassing to be taken off in an ambulance, let the medical professionals do their job.

WHAT IF THERE ISN’T A LOT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE?

In certain cases you may feel a police report isn’t necessary. Maybe you think there was only a small amount of damage, or you are against participating in a lawsuit, regardless of personal apprehensions it is still a good idea to have this official document. Remember, filing a police report does not mean you have to file a claim.

WHAT IF I CAN’T REMEMBER DETAILS ABOUT THE ACCIDENT?

Often victims are shaken after an accident and have trouble recalling some details of the occurrence. The police officer is there to help assist you in documenting the facts after an accident. Memories fade; this is why you need a police report to refer back to. If you are feeling any pain it is crucial to mention this to the responding officer and make note of any injury that occurred on the scene. If you fail to mention your injuries, an argument can be made that you were not actually hurt in the accident.

TAKE PHOTOS OR VIDEO

It is also a good idea to have a disposable camera in your vehicle (that is, if you do not carry a mobile device that allows for taking digital photographs). If you are able, it is important to take photos of the scene of the accident. If significant damage occurred to your vehicle it is important to document it as well the location, skid marks, or accident debris. You will also want to take photographs of injuries that occurred as a result of the accident. If your camera does not have a digital time-stamp it is a good idea to E-Mail the photographs to yourself immediately so the date and time is recorded. Documenting the date of the photographs can shut down an argument from an insurance company arguing that a photo could have been taken from “anywhere and at any time”.

I HAVE A POLICE REPORT, NOW WHAT?

After you receive the police report you will want to contact our attorneys at Phillips Law Firm immediately. Handling thousands of cases, Phillips Law Firm has experienced attorneys waiting to assist you in taking the next step in filing a claim.

CALL PHILLIPS LAW FIRM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING YOUR ACCIDENT

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an automobile, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle accident fill out the “Free Case Review” or call us at (800) 708-6000 for a free case consultation. At Phillips Law Firm we have a no fee promise, meaning if we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee. If you have further questions about what to do after an accident please visit our FAQ Accident page or learn more about how Phillips Law Firm can represent you.

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The Ground-Breaking Invention for the Style-Conscious Bicyclist

Anna Haupt and Terese Alstin of Sweden have invented the long-awaited “invisible” bike helmet. Invented to remain invisible unless activated in an accident, it is a helmet solution for those who find traditional helmets uncomfortable or unstylish. A newly implemented law in Sweden requiring children to wear helmets sparked inspiration in Haupt and Alstin to create a bicycle helmet that people would want to wear out of choice instead of requirement.

What is the Invisible Helmet?

The “invisible helmet” invention is called the Hövding, a collar equipped with an air bag that is worn around the neck. The collar looks somewhat like a jacket hood with deploys in a fraction of a second when the accident sensor is triggered by unnatural movement. Intact with a removable liner you can even mix and match the collar to your shirt for fashion-forward safety!

While some worry that the helmet’s airbag may not have a quick enough deployment time, the inventors have recorded that the Hövding has protected 20/20 bicyclists in real life accident cases thus far. Some even consider the Hövding safer than a traditional helmet because the airbag is thought to have a much softer interior than a traditional helmet.

How does the Invisible Helmet work?

The accident sensors are a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes, which are programmed to recognize what is thought to be abnormal movement by the user.

Inside the collar there is a “black box” intact with the technology to collect data for review in the event the air bag is deployed. The information from the “black box” will be then be reviewed by the Hövding makers, Alva, to determine the cause of the accident.

Where can I get my own Invisible Helmet?

United States testing for the Hövding has yet to commence. We encourage everyone to wear a proven safety helmet in the meantime. If you would like learn more about the Hövding you can find more information on the website http://www.hovding.com.

Get started with your free case evaluation!

At Phillips Law Firm our attorneys are dedicated to getting you justice and compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000, we are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee

Learn more about how Phillips Law Firm can help you with after your involvement in a pedestrian accident.

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New law protects victims from being taken advantage of through impersonation

On June 7, 2012 a Washington State law protecting victims of online impersonation went into effect. Under the law, humiliating, defrauding, or malicious impersonation on social networks, online bulletin boards or forums can now be grounds to file a lawsuit.

While online sites can provide an opportunity for networking, there are also opportunities for harmful conduct. Using another person’s name without their consent may mislead, deceive, harass or intimidate which the courts have recognized as possible fraud.

How does the impersonation law protect me and what can I do?

Under the new law a person may be able to make a civil claim if:

  1. The person impersonates another actual person on a social networking web site or online bulletin board;
  2. The impersonation was intentional and without the actual person’s consent;
  3. The person intended to deceive or mislead for the purpose of harassing, threatening, intimidating, humiliating, or defrauding another, and
  4. The impersonation proximately caused injury to the actual person. Injury may include injury to reputation or humiliation, injury to professional or financial standing, or physical harm.

Where can I find more information on the Washington Impersonation Law

To read the specifics regarding the impersonation law please click the following link:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/House/1652-S2.SL.pdf

Washington is one of six states to implement an online impersonation law to protect users from misconduct. Other states aside from Washington with implemented online impersonation laws include California, New York, Mississippi, Hawaii and Texas.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Linked To Yaz Birth Control

What can you do to help with the symptoms

There are treatments available for Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms, however a cure does not presently exist.

Treatments for IBS include:

  1. Treatment through diet.
  2. Treatment through supplements
  3. Treatment through alternative therapies
  4. Treatment through stress management
  5. Treatment through prescription medications

Irritable bowel syndrome is a life-changing digestive disease

Irritable bowel syndrome is considered a life-changing digestive disease that may need lifelong medical treatment. Generally IBS affects one’s ability to consume caffeine, coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol or foods or beverages high in fat but the digestive disease affects everyone differently. Irritable bowel syndrome must be diagnosed by a physician. If you have experienced diarrhea, abdominal pain (including cramping), bloating, or constipation while taking Yaz or Yasmin please contact your medical physician immediately to schedule an appointment for diagnosis. IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort or distress and it is important to begin treatment immediately. Phillips Law Firm is presently handling cases for victims of Yaz and Yasmin. We have been helping women get the justice they deserve for many years. At Phillips Law we believe taking charge of your reproductive life should not cause irreversible detriments to your body.

Phillips Law Firm can Help if you Feel you have a Yaz Claim

If you believe you are a victim of Yaz or Yasmin, call us immediately for a free case evaluation (800) 708-6000. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve for your pain and suffering, irreversible damages, lost wages, and current and future medical bills. We have legal professionals waiting to help you get started with your case 24/7.

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What is cyber harassment and how can you protect yourself?

Harassment is defined as “a feeling of intense annoyance caused by being tormented”. Often we forget that this definition can be applied to situations in a digital realm. When harassment occurs in a digital realm (online or virtually) it is called cyber harassment. With social media participation on the rise, unfortunately more and more people have at some point experienced cyber harassment. It is important to remember that both harassment and cyber harassment are unlawful and you may have the right to pursue a claim against a cyber-harasser.

What is considered cyber harassment?

Posting harassing images, participating in inappropriate “trolling”, contributing to hate sites, unwanted posting of another’s personal information (addresses, phone numbers, or explicative photos), impersonating someone else, and making threatening or degrading statements may all be considered harassment. Depending on the severity of harassment, the actions of the aggressor may be considered criminal. Having someone rate down your Xbox LIVE account because they do not like your gamer skills is not considered harassment. An example of cyberharassment would be an ex-significant other sending explicative photos of you to your workplace, negatively affecting your reputation.

How can you protect yourself from cyber harassment?

Cyber harassment cannot necessarily be prevented but if you have been a victim of cyber harassment the first step you can take to take control of the situation is to let the aggressor (if you know their identity) know that their contact or actions are unwanted and inappropriate. If you have been threatened with violence, report the harassment to your local police authorities so they can investigate the threats. While the alleged harassment may be embarrassing, it is important to document what information was posted and where it was posted online. Most importantly, it is a good idea to seek legal counsel to determine whether or not you may be able to pursue a claim.

Cyber Harassment Laws

RCW 9A.46.020 Definition — Penalties.

(1) A person is guilty of harassment if: (a) Without lawful authority, the person knowingly threatens: (i) To cause bodily injury immediately or in the future to the person threatened or to any other person; or (ii) To cause physical damage to the property of a person other than the actor; or (iii) To subject the person threatened or any other person to physical confinement or restraint; or (iv) Maliciously to do any other act which is intended to substantially harm the person threatened or another with respect to his or her physical or mental health or safety; and (b) The person by words or conduct places the person threatened in reasonable fear that the threat will be carried out. “Words or conduct” includes, in addition to any other form of communication or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication. (2)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, a person who harasses another is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (b) A person who harasses another is guilty of a class C felony if any of the following apply: (i) The person has previously been convicted in this or any other state of any crime of harassment, as defined in RCW 9A.46.060, of the same victim or members of the victim’s family or household or any person specifically named in a no-contact or no-harassment order; (ii) the person harasses another person under subsection (1)(a)(i) of this section by threatening to kill the person threatened or any other person; (iii) the person harasses a criminal justice participant who is performing his or her official duties at the time the threat is made; or (iv) the person harasses a criminal justice participant because of an action taken or decision made by the criminal justice participant during the performance of his or her official duties. For the purposes of (b)(iii) and (iv) of this subsection, the fear from the threat must be a fear that a reasonable criminal justice participant would have under all the circumstances. Threatening words do not constitute harassment if it is apparent to the criminal justice participant that the person does not have the present and future ability to carry out the threat. (3) Any criminal justice participant who is a target for threats or harassment prohibited under subsection (2)(b)(iii) or (iv) of this section, and any family members residing with him or her, shall be eligible for the address confidentiality program created under RCW 40.24.030. (4) For purposes of this section, a criminal justice participant includes any (a) federal, state, or local law enforcement agency employee; (b) federal, state, or local prosecuting attorney or deputy prosecuting attorney; (c) staff member of any adult corrections institution or local adult detention facility; (d) staff member of any juvenile corrections institution or local juvenile detention facility; (e) community corrections officer, probation, or parole officer; (f) member of the indeterminate sentence review board; (g) advocate from a crime victim/witness program; or (h) defense attorney. (5) The penalties provided in this section for harassment do not preclude the victim from seeking any other remedy otherwise available under law. [2011 c 64 § 1; 2003 c 53 § 69; 1999 c 27 § 2; 1997 c 105 § 1; 1992 c 186 § 2; 1985 c 288 § 2.] NOTES: Intent — Effective date — 2003 c 53: See notes following RCW 2.48.180. Intent — 1999 c 27: “It is the intent of chapter 27, Laws of 1999 to clarify that electronic communications are included in the types of conduct and actions that can constitute the crimes of harassment and stalking. It is not the intent of the legislature, by adoption of chapter 27, Laws of 1999, to restrict in any way the types of conduct or actions that can constitute harassment or stalking.” [1999 c 27 § 1.] Severability — 1992 c 186: See note following RCW 9A.46.110.

RCW 10.14.020 Definitions.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter. (1) “Course of conduct” means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. “Course of conduct” includes, in addition to any other form of communication, contact, or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication, but does not include constitutionally protected free speech. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of “course of conduct.” (2) “Unlawful harassment” means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or is detrimental to such person, and which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. The course of conduct shall be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and shall actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner, or, when the course of conduct would cause a reasonable parent to fear for the well-being of their child. [2011 c 307 § 2; 2001 c 260 § 2; 1999 c 27 § 4; 1995 c 127 § 1; 1987 c 280 § 2.]NOTES: Reviser’s note: The definitions in this section have been alphabetized pursuant to RCW 1.08.015(2)(k). Findings — Intent — 2001 c 260: “The legislature finds that unlawful harassment directed at a child by a person under the age of eighteen is not acceptable and can have serious consequences. The legislature further finds that some interactions between minors, such as “schoolyard scuffles,” though not to be condoned, may not rise to the level of unlawful harassment. It is the intent of the legislature that a protection order sought by the parent or guardian of a child as provided for in this chapter be available only when the alleged behavior of the person under the age of eighteen to be restrained rises to the level set forth in chapter 10.14 RCW.” [2001 c 260 § 1.] Intent — 1999 c 27: vSee note following RCW 9A.46.020.

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Steps to follow to keep your children safe

Before you send your child to summer camp this year, Phillips Law Firm has a few tips you can review with your child in an effort to prevent an accident while they are away from home.

Beware of others with illnesses:

Colds, the flu and other contagious diseases can spread quickly in a camp environment. Often physical activity participation is required so it is important your child wash their hands as frequently as possible between activities. If your child is ill it is best to keep them home to prevent others from falling ill. Make sure protocols for medical treatments and ill-care procedures are clear before enrollment.

Be hygienic:

Encourage your child to shower at the end of each day, or whenever the camp schedule allows. After long days of outdoor activities, it is important to stay clean. Reusing the same sleeping bag or blankets for a prolonged period of time without first washing off dirt and perspiration can create a breeding ground for germs. Have your child wash their hands before eating to avoid bacteria and germs transferring in their mouths.

Wear proper footwear:

Closed-toe tennis shoes are often required for camp activities. Make sure your child has the appropriate foot-wear necessary for all sport activities. If you send your child to camp with only flip-flops they are more susceptible to broken toes or slip and falls. Almost 30% of camp-related accidents are due to trip, slip or fall accidents. Many accidents may be prevented with the proper foot-wear.

Use the proper safety equipment for each activity:

Misuse or lack of safety equipment can lead to serious injury. If rock-climbing is on the schedule for your child at summer camp make sure they have access to a helmet and proper safety gear. Neck and spine injuries are the most common injuries from faulty equipment.

Make sure health records and emergency contact forms are properly updated:

Camp attendees are in the hands of the camp guidance teams, and if your child has an allergy it is important for supervisors at the camps to be aware any preexisting medical conditions. For example, if your child has a potentially deadly allergy to bees but you forgot to mention the fact on their medical forms, life-saving medications might not be able to be administered because permission was not granted. Send your child with an EpiPen or other physician-prescribed medications necessary for emergency distribution. Many summer camps do not allow children to take mobile devices to camp. If an emergency does occur, it is crucial your emergency phone numbers are accurate.

Have your child attend all appropriate safety training course:

Fifteen percent of summer camp injuries are knife-related. Young camp attenders may have never cooked for themselves before and are not aware of the dangers of cutting knives. It is important your child attends all safety seminars in preparation for newfound independence.

Warn your child about peer-pressures during free time:

Twenty percent of all summer camp injuries occur during what is called “free time”. Campers are allotted a certain percentage of time to choose their own activities while at camp. While some campers choose this time to reflect and write letters home, other campers may want to partake in physical activities with their new friends. Young persons may feel pressured to partake in dangerous activities to impress their new friends, so it is a good idea to warn them in advance of the pressures they may face. At Phillips Law we handle cases of serious personal injury. Call (800) 708-6000, we are here to help you, offering free case consultations 24/7 to help answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your case.

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Things to follow to avoid trouble during a road trip

June 20, 2012 marked the official first day of summer, and it’s time to start preparing for road trip safety. Phillips Law Firm has a few tips for staying safe and avoiding accidents, protecting you and your family on the roads this summer.

Wear a seat belt:

70% of fatal crash victims were found to not be wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. Always buckle up and make sure that your children do not unbuckle for any reason.

Get an auto checkup before your trip:

Make sure that your vehicle is in pristine shape before you begin a road trip. Leave yourself enough time between the inspection date and your road trip to get any mechanical work done ahead of time. Often mechanical problems cannot be fixed “same day”. Poor tire pressure is leading cause for automobile crashes related to maintenance problems.

Download mobile applications for your children:

When your children become fussy and irritable after sitting for a prolonged period of time, a mobile app might be the cure to the fuss. If you allow your children to use your phone you may want to consider downloading family rated apps. If you have more than one child, have them take turns and coach one another. They will become less of a distraction for you and in turn will learn time management. Driving distractions increase your risk of accident involvement by 20%.

Do not text or fidget with your GPS while driving:

Just as texting and driving do not mix, you should never fidget with your GPS while driving. Instead, pull over to a gas station, fuel up, stretch your legs and search for driving directions while your vehicle is off. Taking your eyes off the road to tinker with gadgets can only lead to potentially fatal accidents. Another solution is to have another adult in the vehicle search for the GPS destination on your behalf. Texting while driving contributes to 1,600,000 accidents annually, approximately 25% of all automobile collisions.

Pack no-mess foods:

To avoid dripping sauce or other messy foods in your vehicle, pack foods that will not cause a mess. Pretzels, carrot sticks, crackers or nuts are great examples of foods that will drip or require extreme caution when eating on the go. When you or your children spill, it is all too easy for your eyes to shift from the road to the mess. Driving and eating at the same time is not currently illegal by law but you may be ticketed for distracted driving.

Beware the dangers of late-night driving:

Leaving in the middle of the night to avoid rush-hour traffic is only beneficial if you are awake and alert. If you are pushing to keep your eyelids open, it is best to leave at a more reasonable hour. If you leave late at night be sure to be cautious of other sleepy drivers and on the lookout for drunk drivers. If you see a sleepy or drunk driver on the road, call 911 and report them to local police authorities.

Use flameless flares:

A flameless road flare will alert other drivers of your idle vehicle without the risk of burn from a traditional flare. LED flares have become a safer alternative to the traditional flare. You can find flameless road flare products at http://www.powerflare.com/. Turn your hazards on and raise your hood to alert other drivers of your situation.

Don’t Speed:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the consequences of fast driving quite simply: “Speeding is one of the most prevalent factors contributing to traffic crashes. The economic cost to society of speeding-related crashes is estimated by NHTSA to be $40.4 billion per year. In 2008, speeding was a contributing factor in 31 percent of all fatal crashes, and 11,674 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes”.

Practice Defensive Driving:

Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, avoid abrupt lane changes and never flash your headlights out of frustration. We hope these tips help you manage your next road trip more safely and effectively.

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DePuy ASR Hip Implant Recalled

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12-13% failure rate. Phillips Law Firm can help

Complications from DePuy ASR hip implants include severe pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of mobility. The resolution to correcting a defective hip implant is revisional surgery. Unfortunately, patients needing a surgical revision for their implant often find the recovery to be painful. Researchers have posed the question of whether DePuy ASR metal hip implants are linked to increased cancer risk, however the answer is not definitive at this time. This question arises from the fact that properly functioning DePuy hip implants contain metal components that rub together, with the risk that small particles of metal could flake from the implant into the body, potentially leading to an increase of metal ions in the blood. Metallosis (the buildup of metallic debris in the soft tissue) has been linked to the heart condition cardiomyopathy, also known as “the heart muscle disease”. Hip replacements affect persons of all ages. It is a false assumption that hip replacements are only necessary for the elderly. Statistics show that there are a rising number of injury cases in young athletes that later require hip replacement. While hip replacements are common over a wide range of ages, research shows that correctional surgery is more dangerous in older patients because of higher risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Various types of hip injuries can contribute to the need for a hip replacement:

Hip Burstis – A problem of pain and inflammation over the outside of the hip and thigh area. Broken Hip – About 300,000 Americans sustain a hip fracture every year. Athletic accidents and slip and falls are common reasons for this injury occurrence. Hip Pointer – A bone bruise or possible fracture. This type of injury can occur from a football tackle or a scenario causing direct impact to the hip. Hip Stress Fracture – An injury often seen in runners from repetitive movement causing fracture displacement. Labral Tear of the Hip Joint – When the labrum (the ring of cartilage around the ball-and-socket) is torn surgical intervention is sometimes necessary. Snapping Hip Syndrome – This type of chronic hip pain can be bothersome. Please visit this page for more information on how Snapping Hip Syndrome can occur.Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome – Inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Hip Osteonecrosis – Also known as avascular necrosis, this is a condition in which disruption of the blood supply to the hip can occur. Without proper blood circulation the bone can collapse. The ASR hip lawsuits are currently consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL.) Experts have predicted the first federal trials could begin as soon as March 2013. As more victims are coming forward with injury claims the number of lawsuits is expected to grow. Phillips Law Firm represents victims of defective hip replacement products nationally. If you are curious as to the results of other victims’ cases you can check updates here.

Have you been injured by a surgical hip product?

At Phillips Law Firm our national medical product liability attorneys are dedicated to getting you justice and compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Law Firm at (800) 708-6000, we are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee

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4th of July is Around the Corner

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Phillips Law Firm wants you to have a safe and fun Independance Day

Safety tips from Phillips Law Firm:

Please only light off approved, legal fireworks from reliable Washington State retailers. Beware of the risks of holding a sparkler. Studies show that sparklers are responsible for 7% of all firework related injuries. Injury risks from fireworks include:

  • Burns (3rd, 2nd and 1st degree)
  • Loss of limbs or digits (fingers, toes, hands, arms and feet)
  • Broken bones or torn ligaments
  • Permanent blindness
  • Permanent scarring

Avoid artillery shells and other aerial type fireworks. While these fireworks may be beautiful to watch they are unpredictable and pose a risk to house fires. If you get the urge to light an explosive device such as anM-80M-100 or other type of homemade or modified firework, remember that it would be a felony offense. Don’t do it. Always have an adult light the fireworks. While you want your children to partake in the 4th of July excitement, the risks are too prominent to ignore. Make sure to have a garden hose or fire extinguisher readily available. Don’t hold fireworks in your hand for any reason. After alcohol intake it may seem like fun to hold a Roman Candle. Don’t do it. Remember to light your fireworks away from buildings, houses, trees, plants or anything potentially flammable. Fireworks may be safe if lit upright but they are susceptible to tipping. Make sure to light off your fireworks with enough space so that if tipping accidentally occurs the sparks will not hit anything nearby. Use eye protection. If a spark hits your eye, the trauma can be potential blinding. It is better to take precautions than avoid protective gear because of aesthetics. Make sure to avoid bottle rockets and other flying-type fireworks. Anything with a stick or fins that flies in the air is considered illegal in Washington State. If you purchase a “dud” and the firework does not light, make sure to keep away from it for at least five minutes as a precaution. Keep a tub of water nearby to soak your used fireworks before disposing of them. It is your responsibility to clean up all the debris from the street. Make sure to leave your neighborhood streets the way they were prior to the 4th of July holiday. After you light the firework make sure to move away quickly. This tip may seem obvious but it’s not every day that you are allowed to light fireworks so you may forget to move swiftly after lighting them. Keep your pets indoors. Sometimes pet owners sedate their pets in order to ease their nerves because the loud booms from the fireworks frighten them. Be aware of others lighting fireworks at the same time as you. Make sure only one firework is lit at a time. If you are unsure about how to light fireworks safely consider attending a fireworks show instead. Safety is a priority for these shows and there is no clean-up involved for you.

Firework regulations in unincorporated King County:

Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Fireworks sales are legal beginning at noon on June 28 until 11 p.m. and then daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. No sales can occur after July 4. To purchase fireworks you must be at least 16 years of age with picture identification.

City

Firework Regulations

Auburn 4th of July only
Bellevue Banned
Black Diamond 4th of July only
Bothell 4th of July only
Burien Banned
Carnation Banned
Clyde Hill Banned
Covington 4th of July only
Des Moines Banned
Duvall 4th of July only
Enumclaw 4th of July only
Federal Way Banned
Hunts Point Banned
Issaquah Banned
Kenmore Banned
Kent 4th of July only
Kirkland Banned
Lake Forest Park Banned
Maple Valley 4th of July only
Medina Banned
Mercer Island 4th of July only
Newcastle Banned
Normandy Park June 28 to July 4
North Bend 4th of July only
Pacific 4th of July only
Redmond Banned
Renton Banned
Sammamish Banned
SeaTac Banned
Seattle Banned
Shoreline Banned
Skykomish 4th of July only
Snoqualmie 4th of July only
Tukwila Banned
Woodinville Banned
Yarrow Point Banned
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Boating Safety and Alcohol

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With Seafair festivities just around the corner and beautiful weather ahead it’s time to start thinking about boating safety. In 2011, the Coast Guard counted 4588 boating related accidents that involved 758 deaths, 3081 injuries and approximately $52 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents, with alcohol being the leading factor in 16% of all boating fatalities. The crime of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in Washington State is a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

In 2011 there were 93 boating accidents and 15 deaths in Washington State. In the event of an emergency, swimming may be necessary for survival, requiring coordination, judgment, vision and balance; all of which are affected by alcohol consumption. The 2011 Coast Guard report shows the number one reason for alcohol-related boating deaths is coordination impairment after falling in the water. When normal brain activity becomes delayed cognitive abilities and judgment are decreased. It is crucial to have fully functioning cognitive skills when operating a boat because there are many variables that can lead to an accident.

With other swimmers, boaters and inanimate objects to avoid, it is important to be as alert as possible at all times. Having sharp vision is crucial to avoid these variables and when under the influence of alcohol, nearly all aspects of vision are impaired. Decreased depth perception, peripheral vision, night vision, ability to distinguish colors and poor focus leave intoxicated boaters 10 times more likely to die than sober boaters.

Even though the summer brings warm weather and in some cases warm water, to an intoxicated individual the ability to judge temperature is impaired. Alcohol creates a physical sensation of warmth that can lead the boater to thinking that they are comfortable when in fact they are more susceptible to hypothermia. When falling into colder water the boater might not remove himself from the situation quickly enough due to these factors and injury or death can occur.

Middle ear impairment from alcohol can confuse a man overboard to distinguish up from down, causing greater risk of drowning than a sober individual. In many cases boaters do not wear life jackets with the assumption that only smaller children who don’t know how to swim need them. The intoxicated individual is usually on a boat with others who have been drinking as well so the likelihood of a successful water rescue is limited.

All of these factors, combined with sun, noise, wind and spray experienced while boating accelerate and increase a drinker’s impairment and can have deadly consequences. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and the fact that not all boaters are as responsible as yourself. Make sure to always have a life jacket readily available for each person on the vessel, including adults. Accidents can occur without warning so it is important to be prepared in the event of a water vessel capsizing. While you might be a strong swimmer, if you are far from a dock at the time of an accident help may be hours away.

Have you been an unfortunate victim of a boating accident?

At Phillips Law Firm our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to getting you justice and compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000, we are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee

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