Tag Archives: Lawyer

STP Riders Coming Through Town: Use Caution – Prevent Bike Injuries!

July 10, 2019Personal InjuryAttorney, Bicycle, Bike, Centralia, Injury, Lawyer, Olympia, Seattle to Portland, STPadmin

The Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride is celebrating its 40th anniversary with up to 10,000 riders bicycling from Seattle to Portland. Althauser Rayan Abbarno injury attorneys remind drivers and bicyclists to use cause and prevent injuries.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno Injury Attorneys in Olympia and Centralia.

STP is a 200 mile ride from July 13-14 that begins in Seattle. The midway point is Saturday in Centralia, with the race finishing in Portland on Sunday.

STP is considered one of the top 1o biggest recreational bicycle rides in the country. It is organized by Cascade Bicycle Club.

The injury attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno want to remind bicyclists and drivers to use caution this weekend. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, there are over 400 reported bicycle collisions in 2019; including 2 fatalities.

“Our injury attorneys see bicycle and pedestrian collisions all the time,” said Peter Abbarno, partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno. “We are only 7 months into 2019 and there have been 400 reported Bike Accident. Bicycle and pedestrian collisions are on the rise. With 10,000 more STP riders on the road, vehicles and bike riders need to be even more aware of their surroundings and follow the rules of the road.” Althauser Rayan Abbarno is a law firm with offices in Olympia and Centralia.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno Bike Accident Attorneys in Olympia and Centralia.

Not all collisions can be avoided; however, sharing the road, having patience, wearing a helmet, and following the traffic laws can greatly reduce injuries. If you or someone you know has been injured, call the Bike Accident Attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Centralia and Olympia at (360) 736-1301. Althauser Rayan Abbarno represents injury victims throughout the State of Washington.

The Washington State Department of Transportation asks motorists to observe the rules of the road for safe driving around people on bikes and to prepare for travel delays during the popular recreational ride. As state driving laws periodically change, drivers may want to review the state driver guide and the driving among bicyclists section.

Contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno

If you or someone you know was injured in a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian collision, contact the injury attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno for a free consultation in Olympia or Centralia. Call (360) 736-1301.

For more than 70 years, Althauser Rayan Abbarno has represented individuals and businesses in our community. Contact our attorneys near you in Centralia and Olympia by calling (360) 736-1301.

Local Attorneys Support the Little Red Schoolhouse Supply Drive

July 9, 2019ArticlesAttorney, Centralia, Education, Lawyer, Little Red Schoolhouse, Olympia, Supply Driveadmin

The law offices of Althauser Rayan Abbarno are supporting the Little Red Schoolhouse Supply Drive this year by matching $1,000.00 of donations to the organization at the KXXO Mixx 96.1 on air marathon August 9th.

“Every child in our community deserves the necessary supplies to be successful in School,” said Peter Abbarno, attorney and partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno. “A core value of ours is making a difference by giving back and supporting educational opportunities. Our office also leads the Centralia Back to School Supply Drive.”

Althauser Rayan Abbarno sponsors the Little Red Schoolhouse Back to School Supply Drive.

On August 9th, KXXO MIxx 96.1 radio will be hosting a 12-hour marathon. On air personalities will be on the corner of State and Washington in downtown Olympia asking for donations.

The attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno will be making an appearance to match up to $1,000.00 from KXXO listener donations.

“Our attorneys and staff believe in making a difference by giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play,” said Todd Rayan, attorney and partner with Althauser Rayan Abbarno. “We love having opportunities to give back and we appreciate the relationship with KXXO Mixx 96.1. Our office also sponsors the morning Tribond contest at 7:40 and sponsor the Christmas Toy Drive.”

The Little Red Schoolhouse Project will be distributing the supplies on August 15 from 8am to 6pm at Komachin Middle School in Lacey. For more information or to donate, visit www.redschool.com.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno has been representing individuals and businesses in our community since 1946. To meet with their attorney in Olympia on Pervical Landing or in Centralia in historic downtown, call (360) 754-5844 or visit Centralialaw.com

Contractual Non-Compete Clauses are Changing!

July 9, 2019UncategorizedAttorney, Centralia, Contract, Employment, Lawyer, Olympiaadmin

Covenants of noncompetition: Today

Generally, courts in the State of Washington will enforce covenants of noncompetition if the covenant is reasonable.

Whether a covenant is reasonable involves a consideration of three factors: (1) whether restraint is necessary for the protection of the business or goodwill of an employer, (2) whether it imposes upon the employee any greater restraint than is reasonably necessary to secure the employer’s business or goodwill, and (3) whether the degree of injury to the public is such that the loss of the service and skill of the employee warrants nonenforcement of the covenant.

A covenant not to compete must be supported by consideration. If the covenant not to compete is entered into at the time that employment commences, the general rule in Washington is that consideration sufficient to support the covenant is inherent in employment itself. On the other hand, if the covenant not to compete is entered into after employment commences, there must be independent consideration.

Public policy requires that a court carefully examine covenants not to compete, even when protection of a legitimate business interest is demonstrated, because of equally competing concerns of freedom of employment and free access of the public to professional services.

Covenants of noncompetition: January 1, 2020

Beginning January 1, 2020 there will be a new standard for covenants of noncompetition between employers and employees, which prohibit employees from seeking employment with competing companies. The new standard was passed by the State Legislature in the 2019 Session.

The new law makes these employment agreements unenforceable unless they meet a newly defined set of criteria, including that the employee earns more than $100,000 per year (adjusted for inflation) and that the noncompete period does not exceed 18 months.

If the agreement is a condition of employment, the terms of the agreement must be disclosed to prospective employees beforehand. It also requires that laid-off employees continue to be paid during the enforcement period.

The new law also prohibits noncompete agreements for contractors unless the contractor is paid more than $250,000, and allows courts to assess damages or a $5,000 penalty, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees.

Contacting Althauser Rayan Abbarno

Many contracts are complex and confusing for both sides of the agreement. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is very important. For a consultation with an Althauser Rayan Abbarno attorney in Centralia or Olympia call (360) 736-1301 or visit Centralialaw.com

Closed for Independence Day: Attorney Hotline!

July 2, 2019ArticlesAttorney, Attorneys Near Me, Centralia, Lawyer, Lawyers Near Me, Olympiaadmin

The Centralia and Olympia law offices of Althauser Rayan Abbarno will be closed on July 4th and July 5th for the Independence Day holiday. Call our Attorney Hotline if you need to speak with an attorney near you.

We recognize that emergencies happen.

Maybe it is a vehicle collision and you are unsure what to do! Our Attorneys near you are available at (360) 880-2399.

Maybe you were charged with a crime and need advice from a criminal defense attorney. Our Attorneys near you are available at (360) 880-2399.

We are here when you need us most! Attorneys Near you in Olympia and Centralia!

Although our physical office is closed, our attorneys are always willing and able to assist you with legal questions. To speak with our attorneys in Centralia or Olympia after hours, call (360) 880-2399.

For over 70 years, the attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno have represented individuals and businesses throughout Washington State.

To meet with our attorneys in Olympia or Centralia call (360) 736-1301 or visit www.CentraliaLaw.com

100 Deadliest Driving Days for Teen Drivers: Staying Safe!

June 19, 2019Personal InjuryAttorney, Car Accident, Centralia, Injury, Lawyer, Olympia, Personal Injury, Vehicle Collisionadmin

The official beginning of Summer is June 21st! Summer brings beautiful weather, trips to the beach, and vacations. While summer is usually a time for relaxation and fun, it also kicks off the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers!

The 100 deadliest days is a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the number of crash fatalities involving teen drivers historically rise. According to We Save Lives, an average of 260 teens are killed in car crashes each month during summer. That is a 26% increase compared to other months of the year.

So far this year in Washington, the Washington State Department of Transportation reports there have already been 326 vehicle collisions involving distracted teens; with 4 resulting in fatalities.

Although some vehicle collisions are accidents, most are preventable and a result of driver negligence. The Injury Attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno urge parents to prioritize safety for teen drivers and themselves. Review the driving safety tips below to help keep our roads safe for all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, no matter what season.

Put the Distractions Away

Approximately 60% of teen crashes today are caused by distracted driving. During summer months, distracted driving contributes to 9% of fatal teen car crashes. We already know from the WSDOT that there have been 4 distracted teen collisions resulting in fatalities.

Car and Motorcycle Injury Attorneys in Olympia and Centralia!

To help limit the temptation to engage in distracting behaviors, drivers should have their directions set up, desired music playing, climate controls set, and cell phone put away prior to putting the car in drive.

All drivers, including teens, should also refrain from eating or drinking, applying makeup, and talking on the phone while driving.

Drive on the Defense

Defensive driving is known to saves lives and prevents the likelihood of a crash. Even if you are not a teen and driving appropriately, all drivers should be aware of their surrounding.

Never assume other drivers are sober, alert, and obey the rules of the road. Expecting other drivers to make mistakes will enhance your ability to proactively prevent an accident.

Obey Speed Limits

Speeding is another leading cause of fatal car crashes for teens. On a national scale, speeding killed 9,717 people in 2017, accounting for more than a quarter of traffic fatalities that year. When a driver chooses to speed, they are at risk for greater potential for loss of vehicle control, reduced effectiveness of protection features, and increased fuel cost.

Never Drink and Drive

If you or your teen have been drinking, never get behind the wheel of a car. Encourage your teens to contact you if they are in a potentially dangerous driving situation. Also encourage teens to say no to a ride with a driver who has been consuming alcohol or drugs.

If you are planning to attend a function that will be serving alcohol and you will be drinking, make other accommodations for travel. Uber, Lyft, taxis, shuttles, and limos are all options to help prevent impaired drivers on the road. Plus, they can be fun!

Make Summer Safer

Car accidents are rarely accidents. With an increased awareness on the road, you and your teen can prevent crashes before they happen. Make this summer as safe as possible by applying these four driving safety tips today!

Getting Legal Help!

If you or someone you know was injured in a vehicle collision, contact Althauser Rayan Abbarno for a free injury consultation in Centralia or Olympia at (360) 736-1301 or visit centralialaw.com.

For more than 70 years, Althauser Rayan Abbarno has been representing individuals and businesses in our community. Nominated best customer services in Lewis County, Althauser Rayan Abbarno delivers results for its clients and builds relationships.

Head Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment!

June 14, 2019Personal InjuryAttorneys Near Me, Car Accident, Centralia, Head, Injury, Lawyer, Olympiaadmin

Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP has handled many head injury cases. In addition to advocating for our injury clients, our injury attorneys learned about the impact head injuries have on the victim and their family.

Our injury attorneys want to educate our community and share information about how head injuries occur, what symptoms the injured person and their family should look for, and what treatments are available for people that have a head injury.

Causes of Head Injuries:

Head injuries are often the result of a blow to the head. Some of the most common head injuries are associated with motor vehicle collisions, falls, physical assaults, and sports-related accidents. However, health professional indicate that it is not necessary to strike your head to suffer from a head injury in a traumatic event.

Individuals often suffer head injuries in automobile collisions even though they did not strike their head against any object. Your brain can be injured by jolting or jerking movements which cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull; many have diagnosed this condition as whiplash. However it can be much more serious.

It is important to note that someone can suffer a head injury, yet diagnostic studies like MRI and CT scans may not find any anomalies. Medical science recognizes that not all head injuries show up on these studies. It is important to understand this because our injury attorneys have successfully represented clients with significant head injuries that had unremarkable diagnostic studies.

Symptoms of Head Injuries:

Our injury attorneys take all injuries very seriously; especially head injuries. That is a reason why Althauser Rayan Abbarno offers free injury consultations in Olympia and Centralia. We want there to be no barrier to you getting the help and guidance you need. Call (360) 736-1301.

There are several important questions our attorneys ask: Are you having headaches? Are your eyes light sensitive? Are there memory problems? Do you see a significant change in personality? Are they easily frustrated or angered? Do they have trouble selecting what words they want to use? Do they repeat themselves or ask the same questions?

Other problems could show up, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, such as fear of driving or being a passenger in a vehicle.

Our injury attorneys help gather information from you so you can make educated decisions about your case and your medical care.

Treatments for Head Injuries:

Our attorneys strongly recommend that clients with head injuries or suspected head injuries seek treatment with a neurologist and a neuropsychologist to determine the extent of injury and how it will affect the injured person. Using testing and interviews they can evaluate whether someone suffered from a head injury and the severity. In some cases, medication is prescribed to help relieve the pain and discomfort. Others are prescribed treatment. In many cases, time is the best cure.

If you require treatment, a neuropsychologist will often recommend that you see a chiropractor, massage therapist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist to help sort out the problems you are having and come up with solutions.

Furthermore, if you suffer from tinnitus you may be referred to an audiologist to get a diagnosis and assist you with therapies. Vision problems may result in a referral for vision therapy or other optometry specialists. Our attorneys help clients find recommended treatment providers.

Getting Help for Head Injuries:

Local lawyers near you in Olympia and Centralia!

Unfortunately, not all head injuries resolve. Some require prolonged treatment. If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury in an accident or collision, it is important to contact experienced injury attorneys to protect your rights and benefits, and guide you through the process.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno offers free injury consultations in Olympia and Centralia by calling (360) 736-1301 or visiting CentraliaLaw.com.

Third-Party Claims: Workers Injured In Car Accidents

May 7, 2019Workers CompensationAttorney, Car Accident, Centralia, Injury, Labor and Industries, Lawyer, Olympia, Workers Compensationadmin

Generally, employees injured at work may not sue their employer or other employees outside of the Workers’ Compensation system. However, the right of an injured worker or their beneficiary to seek damages against a responsible third party is an exception to the general rule.

Hiring a personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm like Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Olympia and Centralia may help the injured worker navigate both systems better, receive the necessary medical treatment, and recover more for the injuries.

Althauser Rayan Abbarno – Experienced and Local- Olympia and Centralia – (360) 736-1301

If an employee is injured in the course of work, by a third party, the employee should file a Workers’ Compensation claim, as well as a personal injury claim against the third party. This will helpthe injured worker receive the maximum amount of benefits and recover the maximum amount of compensation.

A third party is a person, not employed by the same employer, who injures or causes the death of the employee while the employee is working. Some common examples include:

Continue reading Third-Party Claims: Workers Injured In Car Accidents →

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.