Biking originated as a recreational activity. Over time in an increasingly congested region, many Puget Sound residents have adopted bicycling as a form of transportation to/from work. The majority of bicyclist commuters abide by the Washington State bike laws, however, there are the few that do not and unfortunately inflict serious personal injury upon innocent [...]
Nov
19
2009
19
2009
Nov
8
2009
8
2009
Puget Sound Winter Storm Preparedness
In light of recent extreme winds and rains, crashing trees and branches and the pond-sized roadway puddles around the Sound, individuals should take preventative measures to ensure themselves, their cars and their homes against avoidable loss and inconvenience. A great source is the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) storm preparedness website: Take Winter by [...]
Oct
30
2009
30
2009
Uninsured Children Have 60% Increased Chance of Dying
A recent John Hopkins study confirms that children who are uninsured are more likely to die in the hospital. This is not a matter of the child not receiving adequate care or priority treatment at the hospital, but rather an issue of adequate, routine care leading up to the hospital visit.
Uninsured children do not regularly [...]
Oct
21
2009
21
2009
Battle of Insurance Coverage: Workers’ Compensation v. Health Insurance
Another debate regarding which insurer should pay for the medical bills makes headlines. On April 12 nad 14, 2009, Pasadena hospital nurse, Amelia Mendoza, suffered traumatic brain injury when a patient repeatedly violently struck her in the head. A week following the attacks, Amelia (52 years old) collapsed with a stroke. Amelia’s private insurer, BlueCross [...]
Oct
19
2009
19
2009
Special Rules for Vespas and Scooters In Seattle
Although they maneuver and fit in places that a bicycle can – vespas and scooters can not legally travel in the same places as bicycles do on roadways. Seattle Municipal Code 11.53.190 provides one exception: vespas and scooters may enter a bike lane only when maneuvering a turn, and only after first yielding to bicyclists.
Which [...]
Oct
12
2009
12
2009
Selecting or Renewing Your Health Insurance Policy?
While the debate on health care reform continues, the annual renewal period for health insurance policies is quickly upon us. Whether you have an individual, private plan or are covered by your employer’s insurer, this post applies to you.
This weekend the NY Times published an excellent article outlining the considerations insureds must make when renewing [...]
Sep
17
2009
17
2009
Insurance Bad Faith – recover $$ from your insurer for dropping you
An insurance company owes its insured a duty of acting in good faith and fair dealing. In other words, the insurer must act reasonably in processing and paying your insurance claims. This contractual relation is why you pay your insurer steep monthly insurance premiums – to be covered in times of need.
In South Carolina, an [...]
Sep
16
2009
16
2009
Negotiating Value of Damaged Goods in Ravenna Flood
Some Ravenna residents continue to negotiate the value of their personal belongings damaged in the flood caused by the City of Seattle. The City of Seattle promptly accepted responsibility for negligently flooding Ravenna area homes. Now it’s just a discussion of money. While it may seem unfair, Washington state law provides that the value of [...]
Aug
24
2009
24
2009
How to Select Auto Insurance Coverage That’s Right For YOU In Washington State | eHow.com
During an economic recession, everyone is pinching pennies – but your auto insurance coverage should not be one of those places. A few dollars savings now will not help you in the future, when there’s an accident, or accruing medical bills.
This article will walk you through the insurance requirements under Washington law and what all [...]
Aug
22
2009
22
2009
Most Homeowners and Renters Insurance policies exclude “flood” as a covered loss
Seattle homeowners and renters in the Ravenna neighborhood, just north of the University of Washington, experienced extensive property damage loss when the City of Seattle’s water main broke, causing over 800,000 gallons of drinking water to flood area residents’ homes. City of Seattle has admitted liability.
