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Personal Injury
What is a Personal Injury claim?
A personal injury claim arises from any injury caused at least in part by someone other than yourself.  Often, these claims arise from automobile, motorcycle or bicycle collisions.  If you get hit by someone else due to their negligence and you file your claim before the time limit expires (Statute of Limitations) you may be entitled to be compensated for all medical bills, lost wage, property damages and other losses related to the collision.

Car Seats and Safety


According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)  passenger safety fact sheet among children under age 5, in 2006, an estimated 425 lives were saved by car and booster seat use.  Child safety seats reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants, and by 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4 years.  NHTSA cites researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, found for children 4 to 7 years, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59% compared to seat belts alone.  NHSTA fact sheet goes on and says all children ages 12 years and younger should ride in the back seat. Adults should avoid placing children in front of airbags. Putting children in the back seat eliminates the injury risk of deployed front passenger-side airbags and places children in the safest part of the vehicle in the event of a crash.  Overall, for children less than 16 years, riding in the back seat is associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of serious injury.
Time is of the essence.
Since there are specific time limits for every different type of injury claim, it is critical to discuss your claim with an attorney as soon as possible.  We have a list of recommended do's and don'ts below.  Also, it is important to report claims to an attorney to ensure your claim is properly documented and evidence is not lost.  Our office can help you protect your rights.
Insurance.
Insurance companies, like any other business, are in business to make money.  They do so by collecting premiums and trying to minimize losses during claim payment.  This fact applies whether its your's or someone else's insurance company.  With your own insurance company this may arise if a PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or UIM (Under Insured Motorist) claim is made.  Our office can help you protect your rights.

Bicyclists - Am I Covered?
If you are injured due to a hit and run, uninsured driver or from a defective road condition, you may still be insured.  If you own a car and have PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or UIM (Uninsured/Under Insured Motorist) it will likely cover your medical bills and possibly other damages (lost income, pain and suffering, inconvenience and other out of pocket costs).

Following these suggestions will help you preserve your rights in your personal injury case.

1.         DO NOT talk to any one about your case except members of this office and your doctors.  This includes your own insurance agents and their lawyers.  Refer them to this office.

2.         DO NOT sign any forms, applications or reports prepared by persons not affiliated with this office.

3.         DO bring all forms, applications and reports to this office for review.

4.         DO save all correspondence, reports, bills and written communication that you receive from any source regarding this case and turn it over to this office.

5.         DO NOT have your car repaired until photographs have been taken of the car.

6.         DO NOT throw away any casts, crutches, braces, medicine bottles or other objects connected with your injury.

7.         DO  save all casts, crutches, braces, medicine bottles or other objects connected with your injury for this office; those objects may be helpful for your case.

8.         DO follow all your doctor's instructions regarding your treatment.

9.         DO keep a record of all your visits to the doctor and all treatment, therapy and medication programs you are following.

10.       DO notify this office of any changes in treatment, therapy or medication.

11.       DO  keep a record of all wages lost due to your injury.

12.       DO inform this office if you obtain information not known at the time of our initial consultation, such as new witnesses, further injury or any facts you did not remember or were not aware of at the time of the interview.

13.       DO keep a record of your daily problems and progress.
This website is for general information only.  If you have questions or need advice, please give us a call at 206-789-6655 or 425-882-7900 or email us at peter@petercowles.com.  Law Offices of Peter F. Cowles, PS. 5341 Ballard Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107 (main location & mailing address) and 8201 - 164th Avenue NE, Redmond, WA 98052.

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