‘Ethel’s Law’ sails through Senate

Published 9:00 pm Friday, March 3, 2006

OLYMPIA – Lawmakers are on the verge of preventing what happened to Ethel Adams of Everett from happening to other state residents.

On Tuesday, the state Senate passed legislation revising the definition of an auto accident to make certain that insurance companies cover people such as Adams, who nearly died last year in a wreck caused by criminal behavior.

Adams was driving on Aurora Avenue N. near N. 185th Street in Shoreline. A man allegedly rammed his vehicle into the rear of his girlfriend’s pickup, which careered across the centerline, slamming into Adams’ car.

Adams spent nine days in a coma and five months in a hospital and nursing home. Initially, her insurer refused to pay her medical expenses, claiming the wreck was the result of an intentional act, not an accident. Under state law, insurers only have to pay bills incurred from accidents. The firm later relented.

Under the proposed law, an accident is described as any occurrence that is unexpected and unintended from the view of the person with the coverage.

“It feels good to know our citizens are going to be protected, and insurers will cover what we always thought it would cover,” said Rep. Mark Ericks, D-Bothell, the prime sponsor of the bill.

The bill, dubbed “Ethel’s Law,” passed the Senate on a 48-0 vote. In January, the House of Representatives backed it 96-0.

Because of a minor wording change made by senators, the House must concur before it is sent to Gov. Chris Gregoire for her signature.

Reporter Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com.