Tag Archives: Attorney

Car Accident: Don’t Settle Too Early!

March 1, 2019Personal InjuryAttorney, Car Accident, Centralia, Lawyer, Olympia, Personal Injuryadmin

There are reasons why a car accident victim should not rush to settle a claim with an insurance company. First, insurance companies are not in business to give away money, so any offer is going to be well below the value of your case. Second, many injuries and conditions don’t present immediately. One such condition is called frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.

A very common part of the body to be injured in a car accident is the shoulder. Whether it is the seatbelt or striking the car door, the shoulder seems to be among the most common car accident injuries. Injuries could include soft tissue damage, a broken bone, torn rotator cuff, torn bicep tendon, or another very painful injury.

These conditions are serious and retaining an attorney to protect your rights and benefits is important. Contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Centralia or Olympia at (360) 736-1301 for a Free Consultation.

Continue reading Car Accident: Don’t Settle Too Early! →

Choosing the Right Attorney for You!

January 18, 2019UncategorizedAttorney, Centralia, Injury, Lawyer, Olympia, Thurstonadmin

Choosing a lawyer for your personal injury, automobile collision, wrongful death, or workers’ Compensation case is a decision that is similar to picking a partner for marriage. It may be a long relationship and it is always one that requires the two parties, the attorney, and the client, to trust each other. If one party does not trust or believe in the other, justice and full compensation cannot be obtained. That is why the law office of Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP offers free injury consultations in Olympia and Centralia by calling (360) 736-1301.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno encourages face-to-face interactions with those seeking legal representation and the actual attorney who would be trusted with that case.; especially if you are injured because there is so much at stake. Some out-of-town and out-of-state, lawyers think they can value your case, assess your family’s needs, and truly advocate for you from a computer screen or over the phone.

Continue reading Choosing the Right Attorney for You! →

Injury Attorneys: Low-Impact Crashes Cause Injuries

September 4, 2018Personal InjuryAttorney, Car Accident, Centralia, Injury, Lawyer, Olympiaadmin

One of the most common arguments made by insurance companies is that “your low impact car accident did not cause your injuries.” At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, our injury attorneys won’t let the insurance companies discount your injuries and bully you to settle for less than you deserve.

Injured? Injury Attorneys Althauser Rayan Abbarno. — Call Althauser Rayan Abbarno at (360) 736-1301 for a FREE Injury Consultation in Olympia or Centralia.

We have all heard or seen the stories where a car was totaled in a collision but the driver walked away unharmed. We also have seen the story where a relatively minor car accident resulted in major injuries that caused a lifetime of problems for the driver or passenger. At Althauser Rayan Abbarno, we have seen just about everything.

In most car accidents, regardless of the severity of the impact, the driver’s and passengers’ bodies are jolted and jostled in various directions. They may be sitting straight, reaching for the radio at a red light, or turning their head to speak to another occupant of the car. Speed, direction, and body positioning are all factors that determine the severity of an injury.

Too often, insurance companies equate minor vehicle damage with a minor physical injury. It is also true that the driver and/or passengers may also believe they are not hurt from a low-impact collision because they do not experience immediate symptoms. It is not uncommon, for victims of an automobile collision to wake the next day stiff and in pain.

Victims of car accidents should not be punished for the negligence of other drivers. Insurance companies often fail to realize that it is costly and time consuming to obtain reasonable medical care, coordinate the repair of a vehicle, or lose precious time with family and friends because of pain, discomfort, and physical limitations. Our legal system can’t take pain away or rewind time. All it can do is compensate the victims financially. Don’t give up your legal rights.

peter-abbarno-(left)-and-todd-rayan-(right) — Injury Attorneys in Centralia and Olympia! Call (360) 736-1301 for Free Consultation.

Proving to insurance companies that your injuries are worth compensating financially is what Althauser Rayan Abbarno attorneys do daily. If you are a victim of a car accident, don’t delay, call (360) 736-1301 for a FREE Injury consultation and evaluation in Olympia or Centralia.

For more than 70 years, the Injury Attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno have been representing injury victims in the South Sound, Southwest Washington, and throughout the State of Washington.

The attorneys and staff of Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP are once again supporting the Miss Lewis County Scholarship program! Miss Lewis County 2017 Kennedy Woods and the 2018 Contestants for the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program are hard at work preparing for the pageant on Saturday, March 10th. The Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program was not only supported by the law firm of Althauser Rayan Abbarno, but by Peter Abbarno who served as a mock judge for the contestants for the month prior to the competition.

“I was honored to be a mock judge for the contestants and help them prepare for the pageant,” said Peter Abbarno, Partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno. “I am very proud of all of them! They are all very deserving.”

Continue reading Miss Lewis County Pageant Supported by Althauser Rayan Abbarno →

Police ‘Emphasis Patrols’: Your Rights and Responsibilities

December 1, 2017Criminal DefenseAttorney, Centralia, Criminal Law, Driving, Drunk, DUI, Lawyer, Olympia, Traffic InfractionPeter Abbarno

The holiday season means a lot of traveling and fun with family and friends. It also means the driving conditions become dangerous because of traffic congestion, rain, snow, and slippery leaves on the roadway. The attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno want to remind you to drink responsibly and stay focused on road conditions and avoid a DUI.

The State Patrol announced this past weekend that it will be conducting emphasis patrols in Lewis, Thurston, Cowlitz, and Clark counties. This means law enforcement will patrolling more aggressively, actively looking for infractions, and making more contact with drivers. At no other time is it more important to stay alert and stay sober. Unfortunately, mistakes happen and you, a friend, or a family member may find themselves detained by law enforcement. If you are stopped by law enforcement, remember the following:

1. Be calm and respectful. No one ever made a case better by arguing with an officer.

2. You have the legal obligation to share the following information: Your Identity, Your driver’s license, Your automobile registration, and Your proof of liability automobile insurance. RCW 46.61.020. Other than the above information, you have the right to remain silent. Inform the officer you don’t want to answer any questions and that you choose to invoke your right to silence.

3. Follow all lawful commands the officer makes, including getting out of the vehicle if ordered to do so. However, all roadside testing is voluntary, and you have no duty to perform any tests or answer any questions, including roadside sobriety tests.

4. If you are arrested for a DUI, you will likely be asked to provide a sample of your breath for testing. Before you do so, you have the right to contact an attorney, which you should exercise. RCW 46.20.308. It is important to unequivocally invoke your right to silence, and ask to contact an attorney for advice. Remember, ask to speak with your attorney, and at your first opportunity call Jake McGhie 24/7 at 360-880-2399.

The first and most important priority for your holiday season should be spending time with loved ones, and getting there and home safely. That’s the goal of law enforcement as well. Be safe, drive sober, but know your rights in case the unexpected occurs.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with DUI, a traffic infraction, or any felony or misdemeanor crime, call Jake McGhie with Althauser Rayan Abbarno 24/7 at 360-880-2399 for a free consultation in Centralia or Olympia.

Low-Back Pain? Washington State L&I approves acupuncture pilot program!

September 27, 2017UncategorizedAttorney, Centralia, Injury, Olympia, Workers CompensationPeter Abbarno

Work Related Back Pain? Beginning October 1st, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), will pay for low-back pain acupuncture treatments as part of a two-year pilot program to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of acupuncture in the Worker’s Compensation System.

How can I find participating acupuncturists?

Use L&I’s Find A Doctor tool:
Select the “All Providers” radio button.
Enter your town or address in the “Start location” field, then click “Search.”
When you receive results, on the right-hand side you will see an option to “Sort by.”
Click the drop-down menu and select “Provider Type.” You will see the list of acupuncturists participating in the pilot, sorted by proximity to you.

If you or someone you know has been injured at w ork, call Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP at (360) 736-1301 for a FREE Consultation in Centralia or Olympia.

Learn to drive safely in the rain. . . Again!

September 18, 2017UncategorizedAccident, Attorney, Automobile Collision, Centralia, Lewis County, Olympia, Personal Injury, Thurston CountyPeter Abbarno

Do you remember how to drive safely in the rain? Many drivers forget the basics that could help them avoid a collision and car accident. Here are a couple tips to keep you and your family safe.

Plan Ahead
Planning is easier said than done. The best advice for driving in heavy rain and slick conditions is to simply avoid it, if possible. However, if travel is unavoidable, plan your trip to avoid the most hazardous and congested highways and roads. And, be sure to build in extra time.

Slow Down
Vision is poor, reactions times are slower, and slick roads means automobiles are harder to stop. To prevent collisions, try driving 10 miles an hour slower than usual. This will give you more time to brake and delivers more control over the vehicle.

Continue reading Learn to drive safely in the rain. . . Again! →

Another Reason to Choose Althauser Rayan Abbarno!

August 4, 2017UncategorizedAbbarno, Althauser, Attorney, Centralia, Criminal Law, Estate Planning, Family Law, Lawyer, Olympia, RayanPeter Abbarno

The Associate Attorneys are another reason to choose Althauser Rayan Abbarno by Kristina Lotz at Thurston Talk!

The associate attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno are passionate about serving the Lewis and Thurston County communities – a place they work, play and call home.

Allyson Felt

Associate Attorney Allyson Felt focuses on civil litigation, including contract disputes, estate planning, probate and real property. “I appreciate being able to truly help our clients and make a difference for them during a struggle they are having,” she says. “For me, that is what is most rewarding about it.”

She calls Thurston County home and loves to hike with her dog, a five-year-old Golden Retriever, Henry. She also loves participating in the local sport groups that meet to socialize and get healthy, as well as the “watch parties” for a variety of teams like the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders, though truth be told, she is a Packers fan at heart. She is also a member of the Thurston County Bar Association.

Emily Laz

Associate Attorney Emily Laz focuses on family law, including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, domestic violence protection orders and anti-harassment orders. “When families are in need of a family lawyer, they are incredibly stressed out and at a very traumatic point in their lives,” she says. “I like to help them through it. My job is equal parts counselor and attorney and I very much enjoy that.”

Emily loves hiking through Capitol Forest and the waterfront with her dog, a one-year-old Border Collie named Tucker. Allyson and Emily go on doggy playdates with their four-legged friends.

Jakob McGhie

Associate Attorney Jakob McGhie’s practice focuses on criminal defense, including felony and misdemeanor criminal defense, firearm rights restoration, traffic infractions and the expungement and sealing of criminal records. “The reason I became a lawyer is because I love the fact that we live in a nation that is ruled by a set of laws and core principles,” he says. “And I see being a criminal defense attorney – defending people who could be wrongly accused – and making sure they receive a strong, thorough and complete defense, as necessary for a functioning democracy.”

He represents the greater Olympia region on the Washington State Bar Association Young Lawyer Committee and is a member of the Thurston County Bar Association. Jake also loves to hike in Capitol Forest and can often be found at Olympic Card and Comics.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno prides itself on being a firm that takes care of all your legal needs. Whether you were injured in an automobile collision or at work, or have any other legal need, the Althauser Rayan Abbarno team makes sure clients and their families are represented from top to bottom.

Todd Rayan: Local Lawyer Passionate About our Community

June 30, 2017UncategorizedAccident, Attorney, Automobile Collision, Centralia, Lawyer, Lewis, Olympia, Personal Injury, ThurstonPeter Abbarno

Injury attorney and Althauser Rayan Abbarno partner Todd Rayan is a Local Lawyer who is Passionate About our Community!

When you need an injury attorney, there is nothing better than one who not only knows the law, but knows the local area. Knowing the law, local rules, community, as well as experts to call when needed for an injury case, are very important. Todd Rayan, partner at Althauser Rayan Abbarno, is Thurston County’s hometown lawyer. Rayan was born and raised in Rochester and has a passion for helping the people of Thurston County.

Todd Rayan works side by side with the attorneys at Althauser Rayan Abbarno to help clients navigate complex cases during challenging times. Photo courtesy: Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP.

“I have been a lifelong resident of Thurston County and I am looking forward to continuing to expand our service area to make it more convenient for our clients,” Rayan says.

Rayan didn’t go far when it came time to go to college, choosing Saint Martin’s University where he received degrees in History and Political Science, along with a teaching certificate. He did his student teaching in Rochester and was a teacher and coach at River Ridge High School.

Peter Abbarno: Guest Editorial on Civil Legal Services

May 18, 2017UncategorizedAbbarno, Attorney, Centralia, Chehalis, Legal Aid, Lewis CountyPeter Abbarno

Althauser Rayan Abbarno attorney and Centralia City Councilmember Peter Abbarno: Guest Editorial in the Chronicle on Civil Legal Services!

We all know that there are critical components of every thriving community. We see them every day in our community, professional and public work — like vibrant public schools, servant leaders taking active roles in our community, volunteers helping those less fortunate to improve their lives, and a fair justice system.

Lewis County Bar Legal Aid has provided civil legal services to low-income residents in Lewis County for more than 25 years. Supporting Legal Aid is not only the right thing to do, but it is a fiscally responsible approach to budgetary constraints. Thank you, Carolyn Hipps, Director of Lewis County Bar Legal Aid, Todd Chaput, and the United Way of Lewis County for your effort and continued support of Legal Aid in Lewis County.

In this time of budget and policy challenges, we should all be able to agree that access to justice is part of what helps our community succeed and is a central part of our democracy. We should encourage our elected leaders to do all they can to ensure the fairness of our civil justice system, and continue to adequately fund the civil legal aid system.

Read my guest commentary with Todd Chaput in The Chronicle.