An accident can disrupt your life in an instant. One moment you’re driving through Federal Way, and the next you’re dealing with injuries, medical appointments, and insurance companies that seem more interested in closing your claim than helping you recover.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and an insurance company that’s already trying to minimize what they owe you. You need someone on your side who understands how these cases work and won’t back down from aggressive adjusters.
At Herschensohn Law Firm, we’ve spent over 20 years fighting for injury victims in Federal Way and across Washington State. Our founding attorney, Zach Herschensohn, has secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for clients, including a recent $2,700,000 verdict for a woman who sustained a permanent back injury in an auto accident. We understand what you’re going through. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Herschensohn Law Firm for Your Federal Way Injury Case
When you’re recovering from an injury, you don’t need a law firm that treats you like just another case number. We do things differently.
Two Decades of Washington Legal Experience
We’ve represented injury victims throughout Washington State since 2003. Zach Herschensohn earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and has been licensed to practice in Washington since 2003. He’s also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
This experience? It means we know the local courts, judges, and insurance company tactics that affect your case.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve secured a $5,000,000 award for the family of an insulator who died from mesothelioma. A $2,250,000 settlement in a sexual abuse case against the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. A $1,600,000 recovery for a construction worker injured by electrocution. These results don’t happen by accident. They happen because we prepare every case like it’s going to trial.
You Work Directly With an Experienced Attorney
Many personal injury firms pass your case off to paralegals or junior associates after the initial consultation. We don’t do that. When you hire Herschensohn Law Firm, you get Zach Herschensohn’s personal attention. He’s a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and serves on the board of the King County Bar Association.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “From the initial interview to the partial settlement I received this past week, the process has been outstanding. Zach and his staff of legal assistants, paralegals and attorneys have insured the insurance companies and medical providers were aware of their responsibilities to me, both medical and financial.” – Barbara Miller
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us a dime unless we recover compensation for you. No retainer fees. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. We cover all the costs of investigating and building your case upfront because we believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Around-the-Clock Availability
Injuries don’t happen on a convenient schedule. That’s why we offer 24/7 live call answering at (206) 338-4175. When you call, you’ll speak with a real person who can help, not an automated system. We also have five office locations across Washington State, including our Kent office at 19219 68th Ave S Suite M-101, making it easy for Federal Way residents to meet with us.
Understanding Personal Injury Cases in Federal Way
Federal Way sits in a unique position in King County. With a population of approximately 100,000 residents, it’s a bustling suburban community that experiences significant traffic congestion and pedestrian activity. The city’s location along major transportation corridors creates numerous opportunities for serious accidents.
King County consistently ranks among the highest in the state for traffic collision rates, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and high-speed highways creates a perfect storm for accidents.
Several factors make Federal Way particularly challenging for drivers and pedestrians.
Pacific Highway S (State Route 99) runs directly through Federal Way and is notorious for accidents. This arterial roadway handles heavy commercial traffic, frequent lane changes, and numerous access points to shopping centers and businesses. Rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes are common here, especially during rush hour.
Interstate 5 cuts through the heart of Federal Way. This section sees thousands of vehicles daily. Multi-vehicle pileups happen with alarming frequency, especially during rainy conditions.
The Commons at Federal Way is one of the region’s largest shopping centers. It generates substantial foot and vehicle traffic. Pedestrian accidents in parking lots and at crosswalks happen regularly, often resulting in catastrophic injuries.
S 320th Street serves as a major east-west arterial connecting Federal Way to neighboring communities. The concentration of businesses, traffic signals, and turning vehicles creates multiple conflict points where accidents occur.
Federal Way Transit Center sees considerable activity from buses, pedestrians, and vehicles. Accidents involving transit vehicles or pedestrians crossing to catch buses present unique legal challenges due to government entity involvement.
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Federal Way
Our firm represents victims of various accident types throughout Federal Way and King County.
Car accidents remain the most common type of personal injury case we handle. Whether you were hit by a distracted driver on Pacific Highway, involved in a chain-reaction crash on I-5, or struck by a commercial vehicle making an unsafe turn, we know how to build a compelling case. We investigate every aspect of your accident. We obtain police reports and witness statements. We hire accident reconstruction experts when necessary.
Our firm has secured significant compensation for car accident victims, including a $2,700,000 verdict for a woman who sustained a permanent back injury. This case is particularly noteworthy because the jury awarded damages solely for pain and suffering. There were no economic damages claimed and no surgery performed.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Collisions involving semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and other commercial trucks often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight disparity. Federal regulations governing the trucking industry impose strict requirements on drivers and companies. Violations of these rules can be critical evidence in your case.
We’ve recovered substantial compensation in trucking cases. $1,250,000 for one client. $1,200,000 for the family of a retired man killed in a truck accident. In many cases, truck accident law protects victims in these complex cases.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists face unique dangers on Federal Way’s roads. Despite following all traffic laws, riders are often struck by drivers who fail to check their blind spots or misjudge the motorcycle’s speed. The injuries are typically severe, including road rash, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries.
Insurance companies frequently try to blame motorcyclists for their own injuries. They suggest riders were speeding or driving recklessly. We aggressively fight these unfair characterizations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“Zach has been incredibly helpful with my motorcycle accident case. He’s professional, easy to reach, and explained everything clearly, which gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.” – Haohua Huang
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Federal Way’s pedestrian infrastructure still has gaps that put people on foot at risk. Crosswalk accidents, parking lot collisions, and right-turn incidents cause serious injuries. Because pedestrians have no protection, they often suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures.
Bicyclists face similar dangers, especially along roads without dedicated bike lanes. When drivers fail to maintain proper clearance or turn without checking for cyclists, the results can be devastating.
Slip and Fall and Premises Liability
Property owners in Federal Way have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for visitors. When they fail to repair hazards like broken sidewalks, clean up spills in grocery stores, or provide adequate lighting in parking structures, people get hurt.
We’ve handled numerous premises liability cases involving retail stores, restaurants, apartment complexes, and commercial properties. Property owners and their insurance carriers often argue that the victim should have seen and avoided the hazard, but slip and fall victims have legal rights that we aggressively protect.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Washington law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites and attacks in most circumstances. Under RCW 16.08.040, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog biting someone, whether or not the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This is different from some states that give dogs “one free bite.”
Dog attacks can cause severe physical injuries, including permanent scarring and disfigurement, as well as psychological trauma. Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks and may suffer long-lasting emotional effects.
Construction Site Injuries
Federal Way’s ongoing development means construction sites are common throughout the city. These worksites present numerous hazards. Falls from heights. Electrocution risks. Struck-by accidents. Caught-between incidents.
While workers’ compensation provides some benefits for injured construction workers, you may also have a third-party claim against property owners, general contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. We secured a $1,600,000 recovery for a construction worker injured by electrocution. Determining liability in construction site injury cases requires understanding OSHA regulations and site safety requirements.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. While no amount of money can replace your family member, Washington law allows certain family members to pursue compensation for their loss. We handle these sensitive cases with compassion while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation.
Common Personal Injury Damages in Federal Way
The severity of injuries in personal injury cases varies widely, but certain types of injuries appear repeatedly in our Federal Way cases.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even seemingly minor accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). When your head strikes a window, dashboard, or pavement, or when your brain moves violently inside your skull from rapid acceleration or deceleration, you can suffer a concussion or more serious brain injury.
Symptoms may not appear immediately. You might experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, or sensitivity to light and sound days or even weeks after the accident. Insurance adjusters often dismiss these “invisible” injuries. That’s not how TBIs work. Even mild traumatic brain injuries can have long-term cognitive and emotional effects.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. It fundamentally alters every aspect of your life. These catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, home modifications, assistive devices, and often round-the-clock care. The lifetime costs of treating a spinal cord injury can run into the millions of dollars.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones might seem straightforward, but they often require surgery, hardware implantation, extensive physical therapy, and multiple follow-up appointments. Complex fractures may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility. We’ve recovered significant compensation for fracture victims, including a $512,000 settlement for a client with a herniated disc.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash, sprains, strains, and muscle tears are often dismissed by insurance companies as minor injuries that will heal quickly. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Soft tissue injuries can cause chronic pain lasting months or years. Because these injuries don’t show up clearly on X-rays, insurance adjusters frequently question their legitimacy.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma in car accidents can damage internal organs. Your spleen. Liver. Kidneys. Intestines. All without any obvious external signs. These injuries can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Psychological Trauma
Physical injuries are just part of the picture. Many accident victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions following a serious accident. Mental health treatment is expensive, and insurance companies often try to minimize or dismiss psychological injuries entirely.
What Your Federal Way Injury Case Is Worth
One of the first questions clients ask is, “How much is my case worth?” The honest answer is that every case is different and the value will depend on multiple factors that are specific to your situation.
Washington law recognizes two main categories of damages in personal injury cases:
Economic Damages include medical expenses (emergency room treatment, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, future medical care), lost wages, lost earning capacity, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages compensate you for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
The $2,700,000 verdict we secured for a client with a permanent back injury consisted entirely of non-economic damages – this means it was just pain and suffering with no economic damages claimed. This demonstrates that juries in Washington recognize the profound impact injuries have on victims’ lives beyond just medical bills and lost wages.
The best way to understand what your specific case is worth? Schedule a free consultation with our firm at (206) 338-4175.
Washington State Personal Injury Laws You Should Know
Understanding the legal framework governing your case is important. These are the key Washington State laws that will affect your injury claim.
Statute of Limitations
Under RCW 4.16.080, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Washington. If you don’t file within this time frame, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. You’ll lose your right to compensation forever.
Simple example: Let’s say you were injured in a car accident on Pacific Highway on March 15, 2025. You would have until March 15, 2028, to file a lawsuit.
There are exceptions to this rule, though. If you were injured by a government entity (like a city bus or a vehicle driven by a government employee), much shorter notice requirements apply. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. Understanding personal injury law fundamentals helps protect your rights from the start.
Comparative Fault
Washington follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule under RCW 4.22.005. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, though.
For example, if a jury determines your total damages are $100,000 but you were 20% at fault for the accident, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. Insurance companies love this rule because they can try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout.
No-Fault Insurance Limitations
Washington is not a no-fault insurance state, which means you can pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, you’re required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. This covers your medical expenses and lost wages up to the policy limits regardless of who caused the accident.
Mandatory Insurance Requirements
Washington requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Unfortunately, these minimums are often inadequate to fully compensate serious injury victims.
Insurance Company Tactics That Hurt Federal Way Injury Victims
Insurance companies are businesses focused on protecting their bottom line. While they advertise being “like a good neighbor” or having you “in good hands,” their primary goal is to pay as little as possible on your claim.
The Early Low-Ball Settlement Offer
Within days or even hours of your accident, an insurance adjuster might contact you with a settlement offer. They’ll present it as a generous, quick resolution to your case. Don’t fall for it. At this early stage, you likely don’t know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you give up your right to pursue additional compensation. Even if you discover more serious injuries later.
The Recorded Statement Trap
Insurance adjusters often request a recorded statement shortly after an accident. They frame it as a routine part of the claims process. What they don’t tell you is that they’re looking for any statement they can use against you later. You’re not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. We strongly advise against it.
Delay Tactics and Stalling
Insurance companies know that time is on their side. The longer they drag out your claim, the more financial pressure you face. Medical bills pile up. Collection agencies start calling. We counter these tactics with aggressive deadlines, documented communication, and when necessary, filing a lawsuit to force them to take your claim seriously.
Disputing Medical Treatment
Insurance companies frequently argue that your medical treatment was unnecessary, excessive, or unrelated to the accident. This is why following your doctor’s treatment plan exactly and maintaining detailed medical records is so important. We work with your healthcare providers to obtain comprehensive medical documentation.
Surveillance and Social Media Monitoring
Insurance companies regularly hire private investigators to surveil injury victims. They’re looking for any evidence that contradicts your claimed injuries. They also scour social media accounts looking for problematic posts. We advise clients to be extremely careful about their activities during the pendency of a claim and to avoid posting anything on social media.
Steps After an Injury in Federal Way
The actions you take immediately after an accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
In the Immediate Aftermath
Call 911 even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. The Federal Way Police Department should be notified of any accident, and paramedics can provide immediate medical evaluation. Document everything if you’re physically able. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, visible injuries, property damage, road conditions, and traffic signals. Get the names and contact information of all witnesses.
Seek medical attention immediately. Go to the emergency room or urgent care facility even if you think your injuries are minor. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or brain injuries, may not produce immediate symptoms. St. Francis Hospital and MultiCare Urgent Care Federal Way both serve the community.
Don’t admit fault. Stick to facts when talking to police. Don’t speculate about what caused the accident. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney first.
In the Days Following the Accident
Follow your treatment plan. Attend all medical appointments. Take prescribed medications. Complete physical therapy. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t serious.
Keep detailed records. Maintain a file with all medical bills, prescriptions, therapy appointments, and doctor’s notes. Keep a pain journal documenting your symptoms and limitations. Save pay stubs showing lost wages.
Preserve evidence. Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been inspected and photographed. Keep damaged clothing or personal items. Save receipts for everything. Avoiding common mistakes after a workplace injury applies equally to all injury cases.
Contact Herschensohn Law Firm at (206) 338-4175. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better. Our initial consultation is free.
The Personal Injury Legal Process in Federal Way
Understanding what to expect can reduce anxiety about the legal process.
Stage 1: Free Consultation
When you contact our firm, we’ll schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We’ll ask detailed questions about how the accident happened, your injuries, your medical treatment, and how the injuries have affected your life. There’s no obligation. Everything you tell us is confidential.
Stage 2: Investigation and Case Building
If you decide to hire us, we immediately begin building your case. This involves obtaining police reports, gathering medical records, interviewing witnesses, photographing the accident scene, consulting with experts if necessary, reviewing insurance policies, and calculating your damages. Evidence that strengthens car accident claims forms the foundation of successful cases.
Stage 3: Demand and Negotiation
Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we prepare a comprehensive demand package. This document presents all evidence of liability, details your injuries and treatment, itemizes your economic damages, and argues for appropriate non-economic damages. We submit this to the insurance company and begin negotiations.
Stage 4: Resolution
Most personal injury cases settle without going to trial. If we reach a fair settlement, you’ll review and approve it before we finalize the agreement. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
Time Limits for Filing Your Federal Way Injury Claim
We’ve already mentioned Washington’s three-year statute of limitations, but it’s important enough to emphasize again. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation entirely.
Claims Against Government Entities
If your injury involved a government vehicle or occurred on government property, much shorter deadlines apply. You must file a claim with the appropriate government entity within a specific timeframe, often just 120 days. If you don’t meet this deadline, you lose your right to sue. Understanding whether you can sue a government agency for injuries requires immediate legal consultation.
Evidence Deterioration
Even though you have three years to file a lawsuit, you shouldn’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance camera footage is often automatically deleted after 30-90 days. Witnesses move away or forget important details. Physical evidence gets cleaned up. Your own memory of the accident fades over time.
Federal Way Personal Injury FAQ
How much does it cost to hire Herschensohn Law Firm?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, so there’s no financial risk to you. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us anything.
How long will my case take?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case. Some straightforward cases with clear liability and limited injuries might settle within a few months. More complex cases can take a year or longer. We can’t finalize your claim until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Almost certainly not. Insurance companies make lowball initial offers hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full value of your case. Before accepting any settlement, consult with an attorney. Our initial consultation is free.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still recover compensation under Washington’s pure comparative negligence rule. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you won’t be barred from recovery entirely.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. We explore every possible avenue for compensation.
About Herschensohn Law Firm
Our firm was founded on a simple principle: injured people deserve an aggressive advocate who will fight for their rights against insurance companies and large corporations. We’ve put this principle into action for over 20 years.
Attorney Zach Herschensohn has been practicing personal injury law since 2003. He’s licensed in Washington and admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. He’s also handled cases in Oregon, California, Indiana, and Alaska.
Zach’s legal victories include three published appellate decisions: Gibson v. American Construction Company, Inc., Lunsford v. Saberhagen Holdings, and Coulter v. Asten Group, Inc.
Zach is a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and serves on the board of the King County Bar Association. He’s also actively involved in the Washington State Bar Association, Public Justice, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, and American Association for Justice.
Results That Speak for Themselves
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to achieve substantial compensation:
- $5,000,000 for the family of an insulator who died from mesothelioma
- $2,700,000 for a woman with a permanent back injury (pain and suffering only)
- $2,250,000 sexual abuse settlement against a state agency
- $1,900,000 nursing home sexual assault case
- $1,600,000 for a construction worker injured by electrocution
What sets us apart isn’t just our legal expertise. It’s how we treat our clients. As Erin Wood shared: “If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer who will go above and beyond for you, you couldn’t do much better than Herschensohn Law. Zach and his team will go the distance to make sure that you feel supported in the process.”
We communicate clearly. We return calls promptly. We keep you informed throughout your case. You’ll have direct access to Attorney Zach Herschensohn, not just paralegals or assistants.
Important Federal Way Resources
If you’ve been injured in Federal Way, these local resources can help:
Federal Way Police Department (253) 835-6700
33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
St. Francis Hospital (253) 944-8100
34515 9th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
MultiCare Urgent Care Federal Way (253) 815-5600
1414 S 324th St, Federal Way, WA 98003
King County Superior Court (206) 477-1187
516 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Washington State Department of Licensing
Online services at dol.wa.gov
Federal Way City Hall (253) 835-7000
33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Washington State Department of Transportation
Collision data at wsdot.wa.gov
Contact Our Federal Way Personal Injury Lawyers Today
You didn’t ask to be injured. You were simply going about your life when someone else’s negligence turned everything upside down. Now you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future.
You deserve compensation for what you’ve been through. We’re here to fight for it.
We’ve spent over 20 years standing up for injury victims against insurance companies and large corporations at Herschensohn Law Firm. We know their tactics. We understand Washington law. We have the resources to build a winning case.
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your full damages. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your rights.
Call us today at (206) 338-4175 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
We only get paid if we win your case. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by calling us.
Your recovery is our priority. Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing. Contact Herschensohn Law Firm today and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.
