Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Driver Killed in Large Truck Accident

The driver of a passenger car was killed this morning when he crashed into the back of a semi that was parked on the side of the highway. The accident occurred on southbound Highway 167 near Auburn when the 29-year-old driver smashed into the rear end of the parked tractor-trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver of the truck was not injured in the crash. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Large trucks often have to stop on the side of the road because of mechanical problems or shifted loads, or even to get some rest in order to comply with hours of service obligations for commercial drivers. However, truck drivers are required under federal law to immediately activate the truck's hazard lights and place warning devices on the traffic side of the truck at distances of 10 feet and 100 feet from the disabled commercial vehicle. Failure to follow these safety precautions may make it difficult for other motorists to see the disabled vehicle.

If you were injured or someone you love was killed in a crash involving a large truck, contact the experienced Seattle accident lawyers at Peizer, Richards & Ziontz at (206) 682-7700 to discuss your case. The Seattle accident lawyers at Peizer, Richards & Ziontz handle personal injury and auto accident cases in Seattle, Alki, Ballard, Beacon Hill, Bellevue, Bothell, Brighton, Broadmor, Broadway, Fauntleroy, Fremont, Georgetown, Green Lakes, Hazelwood, Kenmore, Kirkland, Laurelhurst, Madrona, Medina, Mercer Island, Metum, Midlakes, Queen Anne, Rainier Beach, Redmond, Renton, Richmond Beach, Shoreline, Wallingford, and Yarrow Point. Our Seattle car accident lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation in all personal injury and auto accident cases.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Toyota Sued over Lost Value of Vehicles

Toyota owners from Normandy Park are suing the automaker over the lost value of their vehicle in the wake of recent product defects and recall announcements. The lawsuit was filed in federal court, and, if approved by a judge, could become a class action involving over 100 other Toyota owners in Washington State. The plaintiffs allege that the Toyota defects violate Washington's Consumer Protection Laws and constitutes breach of contract.

The complainants, Dana and Doug Wallace, bought a Toyota RAV4 in September 2009. They received a recall notice shortly after purchase, which instructed them to take the vehicle to a local dealer for repairs. The lawsuit alleges, however, that amid news reports that Toyota doesn't know exactly what is causing the braking and acceleration problems, their vehicle is worth almost 20% less than what it was when they purchased it. If successful, the class action suit could end up costing the company upwards of $5 million.

If you have experienced a loss of value on your recently purchased Toyota vehicle, contact the Seattle accident attorneys at Peizer, Richards & Ziontz at (206) 682-7700 to discuss your case. Our Seattle accident lawyers handle personal injury and auto accident cases in Alki, Ballard, Beacon Hill, Bellevue, Bothell, Brighton, Broadmor, Broadway, Fauntleroy, Fremont, Georgetown, Green Lakes, Hazelwood, Kenmore, Kirkland, Laurelhurst, Madrona, Medina, Mercer Island, Metum, Midlakes, Queen Anne, Rainier Beach, Redmond, Renton, Richmond Beach, Shoreline, Wallingford, and Yarrow Point. Our Seattle accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation in all auto accident and defective product cases.