Your frequently asked questions, answered
What is the average personal injury case worth?
Every personal injury case is different, and how much your case is worth depends on your injuries, if these injuries keep you from working, your medical expenses, and other factors. You can’t trust an online case assessment tool to give you a reliable case assessment, nor can you rely on the insurance adjuster to offer a fair settlement amount. When you request a case evaluation with our law firm, we’ll calculate the value of your case and give you an honest assessment about what your claim is worth.
How much does it cost to hire Herschensohn Law to fight for me?
We work for clients on a contingency fee agreement. That means you pay nothing for our legal services unless we win by securing you an insurance settlement or jury verdict.
Why does having aggressive legal representation matter?
After a terrible auto accident, motor vehicle accident, or other personal injury in Washington state, injured people deserve answers, financial compensation, and peace of mind. Negligent companies, drivers, and insurance companies rarely want to take responsibility for their mistakes, and injured people face an uphill battle when it comes to getting the financial compensation they need and deserve. Our team at Herschensohn Law has a long track record of taking an aggressive stance when we fight for our clients. Whether it’s through negotiations or a jury verdict, he’ll advocate for your best interests and make sure you don’t miss out on the compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance companies know this too; when they see you’ve got a personal injury lawyer who’s a skilled trial attorney in your corner, they often back down and start to play fair.
What should I do if I was injured while visiting from out of state?
If you were injured in Washington state but you don’t live here, it’s a good idea to contact our law firm to go over your legal options. Attorney Zach Herschensohn has a firm grasp of the laws in Washington and can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
What should I bring to my meeting with a personal injury lawyer?
After you’ve scheduled your free consultation, you should bring a few things with you to your meeting so we can get a head start on your case, including:
- Any medical documents given to you at the emergency room or doctor’s office
- Documents given to you by police at the scene of the accident
- Any photos or videos you took as evidence
- All the information you have about the parties involved in your accident
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses
- The at-fault party’s insurance information and your insurance information
- A list of questions you may have for us
- Anything else you feel might be relevant to your case
What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Washington state?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Should you try to pursue a lawsuit after this deadline has passed, your case will likely be dismissed. However, if you have any questions, you should contact an attorney and request a consultation right away.
Can you file an insurance claim without a police report?
You should always get a copy of your accident report, but in most cases, it is not required to file a claim with your insurance company. Keep in mind an official police report is a valuable piece of evidence that can be used to prove fault in a car accident.
Can an insurance company refuse to pay a claim?
Insurance companies often deny injured people’s claims, which is why hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can help level the playing field. If you believe you have a valid claim, an attorney can help you get the financial compensation you’re entitled to.
How do insurance companies decide who is at fault?
Insurance companies often have teams of attorneys and experts who will investigate your crash, gather physical evidence, seek out witnesses, and obtain police reports, which can all be used to decide who’s responsible for your car accident. In some cases, an insurance company will deny fault by a policy holder and try to say the accident was your fault, even if they know that’s not true.
What is the average settlement for a car accident?
The amount of compensation you receive in a settlement from a car accident depends on the specific details of your case. Your claim could be worth hundreds, thousands, or maybe even millions, depending on the damages you suffered because of your crash. Variables include your medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. This is why it’s smart to let an experienced Kent car accident lawyer look at your case. Attorney Zach Herschensohn can give you a good idea of how much compensation you may be entitled to.
How much is my pain and suffering worth after a car accident?
You may not be entitled to pain and suffering because the amount of compensation you receive will depend on how seriously you were injured and what kind of car accident you were in. No two cases are the same, and every injury victim has different circumstances. This is why you should hire an experienced car accident lawyer. An attorney can assess how your crash has affected your life and will help you understand the value of your pain and suffering damages.
How long does it take to negotiate a car accident settlement?
Each insurance company is different, but you have rights when you file a claim. Your insurance company is legally required to give you a timely and clear explanation of their coverage decision and a clear explanation as to how they’ll pay your claim. They’re also required to respond to your questions promptly and release payments to you in an appropriate amount of time once a settlement is reached.
What is the average payout for a personal injury claim?
Your personal injury claim could be worth hundreds, thousands, or maybe even millions of dollars. It all depends on the specific details of your case, the extent of your injuries if you can no longer work, and more. While no two cases are ever exactly the same, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages from missed time at work
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Replacement services, such as housekeeping and childcare
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
Who else can I talk to about my accident?
We don’t recommend talking with anyone about what happened except your attorney and doctors. It’s important to avoid talking about your accident with any of the parties involved, because anything you say to them could potentially be used to challenge your claim. You also should never post anything about your accident online or on social media, as those comments can also come back to haunt you. Finally, it’s critical that you refuse to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without first speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney. Politely decline to answer any questions and refer them to your lawyer.
Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?
It’s usually not a good idea to accept the first cash settlement offer an insurance company makes. These initial offers are often much lower than what you’re entitled to. You have a right to negotiate for more money, even though insurance companies don’t want you to know that. Attorney Zach Herschensohn is a master negotiator who knows how to handle the insurance company to get you the highest amount of compensation possible. He’s also willing to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make you a fair offer.
When should I contact a personal injury attorney?
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you should contact our law firm as soon as possible. Working with an attorney is the best way to protect your rights. First, it’s critical for us to begin investigating your accident right away. The sooner you hire us to represent you, the sooner we can gather physical evidence, track down witnesses, review police reports, and continue to take steps to build a strong case on your behalf. Second, the longer you wait, the more you run the risk of losing out on the compensation you’re entitled to. There are strict deadlines in personal injury claims, and you only have a limited amount of time to initiate a lawsuit under the statute of limitations.
How much does it cost to talk to a personal injury lawyer?
At Herschensohn Law, we offer everyone a free consultation. There are no obligations, and it is 100% free of charge. During your free consultation, we will listen to you, answer your questions, explain your legal options, and give you honest advice as to whether we think your case is worth pursuing. If you do end up hiring us to represent you, it still won’t cost you anything unless we win your case.
Can I file a personal injury lawsuit on my own?
While you aren’t legally required to hire an attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit, your case is unlikely to be successful without an experienced lawyer representing your interests. Every personal injury case has unique circumstances, and a comprehensive understanding of the law is critical in order to obtain a positive outcome. Since you can receive legal representation on a contingency fee basis (you don’t pay anything unless the law firm wins your case), there’s little to lose and much to gain by hiring a personal injury attorney.
Do I need a personal injury attorney?
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company to pay for your damages. Unfortunately, a lot of insurance companies give injury victims a hard time. They’ll make lowball settlement offers and question the extent of your injuries—all in an effort to pay you as little as possible so they can line their own pockets. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and demand fair compensation. If they refuse to cooperate, an attorney can help you pursue a lawsuit in court. Attorney Zach Herschensohn is a skilled negotiator and accomplished trial attorney who will advocate for you and fight for your best interests so you can focus on recuperating.
How much is the average personal injury settlement?
The amount of money you receive from a settlement or jury award will depend on the extent of your injuries and the details surrounding your accident. Some personal injury claims are worth hundreds or thousands, while others may be worth millions. With that said, if you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s reckless actions, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- All your medical expenses, including the cost of future care
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Replacement services (childcare, housework, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium and companionship
What are the most common injuries people get from accidents?
There are many ways injuries can happen in an accident, and while some of them may only be considered minor injuries, others can be permanent and have lasting consequences. Some injuries accident victims often suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Concussions
- Head injuries
- Facial injuries (cuts, bruises, scarring, and broken bones)
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Shoulder injuries, such as a separated shoulder or torn rotator cuff
- Back injuries, such as herniated discs or slipped discs
- Spinal cord injuries that may result in partial or permanent paralysis
- Abdominal injuries
- Knee injuries
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Burns
- Fractured or broken bones
Is it worth hiring a personal injury attorney?
If you were injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we strongly urge you to consider speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer to go over your legal options. Common scenarios where you may need the help of an attorney include:
- You were seriously injured due to someone’s negligence.
- You suffered a debilitating or permanent injury in an accident.
- You need help investigating your accident and proving liability.
- You need help negotiating with the insurance company.
- You need help assessing the insurance company’s cash settlement offer.
- The insurance company is trying to reduce your compensation or deny your claim.
- A loved one was killed in an accident, and you want to pursue a wrongful death claim.
CONTACT HERSCHENSOHN LAW
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.
We’re proud to fight—and win—for injured people in Kent, Washington. View our case results to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire Herschensohn Law Firm?
It costs nothing upfront. Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC works on a contingency fee agreement, which means you pay nothing for legal services unless the firm wins by securing an insurance settlement or jury verdict. Consultations are free and the firm answers calls 24/7 at (206) 588-4344.
Where are Herschensohn Law Firm's offices located?
Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC is headquartered at 19219 68th Ave S, Suite M-101, Kent, WA 98032, with additional offices in Seattle (1918 1st Ave N), Graham (21916 Meridian Ave E), Ellensburg (301 E 2nd Ave, Suite 201), and Chehalis (1357 NW Louisiana Ave). All offices are reachable at (206) 588-4344 with 24/7 live call answering.
What areas of Washington does the firm serve?
Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC serves clients throughout Washington State, with a concentration in South King County including Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Tukwila, and SeaTac, plus Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Puyallup, Graham and Pierce County, Ellensburg and Kittitas County, and Chehalis, Centralia, and Lewis County.
How long does a personal injury case take in Washington?
Most Washington personal injury claims resolve in several months to two years, depending on how long medical treatment continues, whether liability is disputed, and whether the case must be filed and tried. Settling before treatment is complete is the most common way injured people leave money on the table. Free consultation: (206) 588-4344.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring any police or incident report, photographs of the scene and your injuries, insurance information for all parties, medical records and bills you have received, proof of lost wages, and any correspondence you have received from an insurance company. If you do not have all of it, come anyway; Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can help obtain the rest. Free consultation: (206) 588-4344.