If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. More than 120,000 car accidents occur in Washington each year, with many happening right here on Federal Way’s busy streets. At Herschensohn Law Firm, we’ve spent over two decades fighting for people like you who deserve more than a quick settlement or empty promises from insurance companies.
Our track record demonstrates our commitment to clients. We recently secured a significant $2.7 million verdict for a woman with permanent back injuries from her car accident. She didn’t require surgery, but she was permanently disabled and we won a jury award consisting entirely of pain and suffering damages.
“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. His experience shows, and I feel secure knowing he’s fighting for a fair settlement and coverage of my medical bills.” – Haohua Huang
Why Choose Herschensohn Law Firm?
We Know Federal Way and Its Legal Landscape
We’ve been practicing in Federal Way and throughout Washington for years. We understand this area and the unique challenges it presents. The I-5 corridor carries more than 240,000 vehicles through Federal Way daily, creating bottlenecks that lead to rear-end collisions and aggressive driving incidents. Our extensive car accident experience in this specific area provides insights that out-of-town attorneys simply don’t possess. We know where accidents happen most frequently, where to locate crucial evidence, and which local medical providers deliver the best care for accident victims.
Results That Speak for Themselves
Attorney Zach Herschensohn has been licensed in Washington since 2003. He has secured published appellate victories, including Gibson vs. American Construction Company, Inc. and Lunsford vs. Saberhagen Holdings. More importantly, we’ve achieved substantial results for our clients. Here’s a sampling from our case results:
- $2,700,000 for permanent back injury (auto accident)
- $860,000 for cervical surgery after trucking crash
- $700,000 for torn rotator cuff (motor vehicle collision)
- $564,000 for back injury case
- $512,000 for herniated disc
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our ability to secure significant compensation for our clients.
Comprehensive Support When You Need It Most
Insurance companies count on accident victims feeling overwhelmed and accepting inadequate offers. We provide thorough personal injury case management that includes medical referrals, repair shop coordination, and all insurance communication. You can focus on your recovery while we handle every aspect of your legal case.
No Financial Risk to You
We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. This approach allows you to access experienced legal representation regardless of your current financial situation.
Understanding Car Accidents in Federal Way
Federal Way’s location between Seattle and Tacoma creates significant traffic challenges. King County accounts for 30% of traffic fatalities statewide. The combination of commuter traffic, commercial vehicles, and busy shopping centers creates multiple accident risks throughout the day.
Local conditions affect accident frequency more than many people realize. Federal Way’s hills, curves, and weather patterns create driving challenges unique to our area. Rain contributes to 70% more accidents in Washington compared to clear weather conditions. Given our frequent precipitation, this statistic has particular significance for Federal Way residents.
High-Risk Accident Locations
S 320th Street and Pacific Highway S: This heavily trafficked intersection serves major retailers including Costco and Home Depot. Left-turn accidents occur frequently here, particularly during evening hours when visibility decreases.
I-5 and S 272nd Street: Merging accidents happen regularly during rush hour periods. The short acceleration lane creates dangerous conditions when vehicles cannot match highway speeds quickly enough.
Enchanted Parkway: These curved sections become particularly hazardous during wet conditions. Speed-related crashes increase 45% on curved roads during rainy weather.
Dash Point Road: The winding sections near the state park feature limited visibility and steep grades. Motorcycles and bicycles face especially high risks here during busy summer months.
Steel Lake Road Shopping Area: Multiple driveways and parking lots create numerous conflict points. Backing accidents and parking lot collisions occur frequently along this commercial corridor.
Types of Car Accidents We Handle
Rear-End Collisions
Stop-and-go traffic on I-5 through Federal Way creates ideal conditions for rear-end accidents. These crashes constitute 32.5% of all traffic accidents nationwide. Distracted driving significantly increases these risks. We regularly represent clients whose accidents involved drivers who were texting, eating, or adjusting GPS devices instead of focusing on traffic. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can cause serious injuries including whiplash, herniated discs, and traumatic brain injuries that may not show immediate symptoms.
Intersection Accidents
Federal Way’s busy intersections frequently see accidents resulting from left-turn failures and red-light violations. These crashes often produce severe injuries due to the high-impact forces when vehicles collide at perpendicular angles. Our investigation process includes examining traffic signal timing, obtaining surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and verifying whether traffic control devices were functioning properly.
Highway Merging Accidents
The multiple I-5 on-ramps throughout Federal Way create dangerous merging situations. When drivers cannot accelerate to appropriate highway speeds or fail to yield properly, serious accidents result. We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault in these complex cases, particularly when multiple vehicles become involved.
Parking Lot Incidents
Federal Way’s numerous shopping centers present unique liability circumstances. Property owners must maintain safe parking areas, provide adequate lighting, and ensure clear traffic flow patterns. Our premises liability experience enables us to pursue claims against multiple parties when circumstances warrant it.
Hit-and-Run Cases
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents occur with concerning frequency in our area. When an at-fault driver flees the scene, your uninsured motorist coverage becomes essential. We assist clients in navigating these claims while coordinating with law enforcement to identify fleeing drivers.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
Weather-related pileups on I-5 can involve numerous vehicles and create complex liability situations. Chain-reaction crashes increased 15% during the 2022-2023 winter season in Washington. Thorough investigation becomes crucial to protecting your interests in these cases.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries
Despite insurance company claims to the contrary, whiplash represents a serious medical condition. The sudden jerking motion during rear-end collisions stretches and tears muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck and back. Symptoms often don’t appear immediately, which insurance adjusters frequently use to question the injury’s legitimacy. Our experience with soft tissue injury cases helps us properly document symptoms and secure appropriate compensation for ongoing treatment needs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Even accidents that seem “minor” can cause concussions and other forms of brain trauma. Motor vehicle accidents cause 14% of all traumatic brain injuries, yet these injuries often go undiagnosed initially. Cognitive problems, memory difficulties, and personality changes can significantly affect your ability to work and maintain relationships. We work closely with neurological specialists to document these complex injuries and pursue compensation for long-term care requirements.
Back and Spinal Injuries
Herniated discs, compression fractures, and other spinal injuries frequently result from car accidents. The forces involved in even moderate-speed collisions can damage vertebrae and surrounding tissues. Many clients require extensive physical therapy, pain management injections, or surgical intervention. Insurance companies often dispute connections between accidents and pre-existing conditions, making thorough medical documentation absolutely essential.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Federal Way’s intersection accidents often cause severe fractures requiring surgical repair. Compound fractures, shattered bones, and joint damage frequently require multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation periods. We calculate not only immediate medical expenses but also future surgical needs and permanent disability impacts.
Psychological Trauma
Car accidents cause psychological injuries that deserve compensation alongside physical damages. PTSD affects 39.2% of crash survivors, often leading to anxiety, depression, and difficulty driving. Mental health treatment costs accumulate quickly, and we ensure these damages receive proper consideration in settlement negotiations.
Determining Your Case’s Value
Economic Damages
Your case’s financial losses include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future costs related to your injuries. Medical bills can reach tens of thousands of dollars, particularly when surgery becomes necessary. We document all current treatment costs and collaborate with medical experts to project future medical needs. Lost wages extend beyond immediate time away from work to include reduced earning capacity when injuries prevent returning to your previous employment.
Property damage may seem straightforward, but hidden damage often exists. Frame damage, diminished vehicle value, and rental car expenses can accumulate significantly. We ensure insurance companies pay for complete repairs or total loss values rather than superficial fixes.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering compensation addresses physical discomfort, emotional distress, and life disruption caused by your injuries. Washington doesn’t impose caps on non-economic damages in car accident cases, allowing juries to award appropriate compensation based on injury severity and life impact. Our recent $2.7 million verdict for a client with permanent back injury demonstrates how juries value these damages when cases receive proper presentation.
Loss of enjoyment compensation covers activities you can no longer perform due to your injuries. Whether it involves playing sports, gardening, or simply enjoying family time without pain, these losses deserve recognition and appropriate compensation.
Value-Affecting Factors
Injury severity directly impacts compensation amounts. Permanent disabilities, scarring, and ongoing pain receive higher valuations than injuries that heal completely. Clear liability enhances case value, while disputed fault can reduce settlements under Washington’s comparative negligence law.
Insurance policy limits sometimes restrict available compensation regardless of actual damages. We investigate all potentially liable parties and available insurance coverage to maximize recovery opportunities.
Washington State Car Accident Laws
Comparative Negligence
Washington follows the comparative negligence doctrine under RCW 4.22.005, which allows you to recover damages even when partially at fault. Your compensation gets reduced by your fault percentage, but you can still recover provided you’re not 100% responsible. For example, if you’re 20% at fault for an accident involving $100,000 in damages, you can still recover $80,000 from the other driver.
This law protects accident victims from insurance tactics that attempt to assign complete blame. Even if you made a minor error like failing to signal, you can still pursue compensation for the other driver’s more significant violation.
Insurance Requirements
Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. However, these minimums often prove inadequate for serious injuries. We strongly recommend higher coverage limits and uninsured motorist protection.
Tort System
Unlike no-fault states, Washington operates under a tort system where the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for accident damages. This allows you to pursue compensation directly from the responsible party rather than relying solely on your own coverage. However, this also makes proving fault crucial to your case’s success.
Insurance Company Tactics We Counter
Quick Settlement Pressure
Insurance adjusters often contact accident victims within hours, offering settlements before you understand your injuries’ full extent. Eighty percent of car accident symptoms don’t appear until 24-48 hours after the incident, making immediate settlements potentially harmful to your interests. These early offers rarely account for ongoing medical needs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
We advise clients never to accept initial offers without thorough medical evaluation and legal consultation. Once you sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation even if your injuries prove more serious than initially apparent.
Recorded Statement Requests
Insurance companies request recorded statements under the guise of needing your account of events. In reality, they seek admissions of fault or inconsistencies they can later use against your claim. Insurance adjusters receive specific training to ask leading questions that create doubt about your claim’s validity.
We handle all insurance company communication to protect your interests. When statements become necessary, we prepare you thoroughly and ensure your rights remain protected throughout the process.
Medical Records Overreach
Insurers often request extensive medical records spanning years before your accident, hoping to discover pre-existing conditions they can blame for your current injuries. This tactic allows them to argue that your pain stems from previous problems rather than the recent accident.
We carefully review all medical record requests and object to overly broad demands. When pre-existing conditions exist, we work with medical experts to demonstrate how the accident aggravated or worsened your condition.
Deliberate Delay Tactics
Insurance companies understand that financial pressure can force accident victims to accept inadequate settlements. They deliberately slow claim processing, request unnecessary documentation, and create scheduling delays hoping you’ll become desperate enough to accept whatever they offer.
We advance case costs and work on contingency fees to remove financial pressure from your decision-making. This allows us to pursue full compensation without rushing into unfavorable settlements.
Steps After a Federal Way Accident
Immediate Actions at the Scene
Call 911 immediately, even for accidents that appear minor. Federal Way Police respond to traffic accidents and create official reports that often become crucial evidence. Police reports influence insurance decisions in 89% of disputed liability cases, making official documentation essential for protecting your interests.
Photograph everything before vehicles get moved. Capture damage to all vehicles, street conditions, traffic signs, and the overall accident scene. Modern smartphones can capture dozens of photos quickly, and this evidence frequently proves invaluable during claim negotiations.
Seek medical attention promptly, even when you feel fine initially. Adrenaline and shock can mask serious injuries, and delayed medical treatment provides insurance companies with ammunition to dispute your claim. Emergency room visits create immediate medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
Exchange information but avoid admitting fault. Collect names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plates from all involved drivers. Remain polite but don’t discuss who caused the accident or apologize, as these statements can later be used against your interests.
Actions in Following Days
Follow all medical treatment recommendations completely. Treatment gaps allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that you caused additional harm by not seeking proper care. Maintain all medical appointments and follow prescribed therapy regimens.
Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident. This includes medical bills, prescription receipts, wage loss documentation, and a daily journal describing your pain levels and activity limitations. These records become essential evidence supporting your damages claim.
Contact Herschensohn Law before speaking with other insurance companies. Once you retain our services, all communication flows through our office, protecting you from manipulation and ensuring your rights remain preserved throughout the claims process.
Our Legal Process
We begin every case with a comprehensive evaluation of your accident, injuries, and damages. We review police reports, medical records, and insurance correspondence to fully understand your situation. This consultation involves no cost or obligation, allowing you to understand your legal options before making any decisions.
Our investigation extends beyond police reports to uncover all available evidence. We photograph accident scenes, interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and consult with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. Proper evidence collection within the first 30 days significantly increases settlement values, making prompt action essential.
Insurance adjusters know we’re prepared to take cases to trial when necessary, giving our negotiations more influence than what unrepresented claimants typically receive. We present comprehensive demand packages that document all damages and demonstrate clear liability, making it costly for insurers to dispute legitimate claims.
While most cases settle without trial, we prepare every case as though it will proceed to court. This includes deposing witnesses, consulting with medical experts, and developing compelling presentations that clearly demonstrate your damages. Insurance companies settle more favorably when they know we’re prepared to present your case effectively to a jury.
Critical Time Limits
Statute of Limitations
RCW 4.16.080 requires personal injury lawsuits to be filed within three years of the accident date. While this may seem like adequate time, building a strong case requires months of investigation, medical treatment, and negotiation. Waiting too long can severely limit your legal options and weaken your claim’s value.
Missing this deadline typically prevents you from pursuing any compensation, regardless of how clearly the other driver was at fault. Very few exceptions exist, making timely action essential for protecting your rights.
Evidence Preservation
Physical evidence disappears quickly after accidents. Surveillance footage often gets deleted within 30-90 days, witness memories fade, and accident scenes change. Weather conditions wash away skid marks, damaged barriers get repaired, and other crucial evidence vanishes.
Early legal representation ensures evidence preservation through formal legal processes. Once we become involved, businesses and government entities must preserve relevant footage and documentation that might otherwise be lost.
Don’t delay. Contact us now at (206) 338-4175 for your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
“What are the costs for legal representation?”
We work exclusively on contingency fees for car accident cases, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This arrangement allows everyone to access experienced legal representation regardless of their current financial situation. We advance all case costs, including expert witness fees, medical record retrieval, and investigation expenses, then recover these costs from your settlement or verdict.
Research shows that most clients receive more compensation when represented by an attorney than when handling claims themselves, even after paying legal fees. Represented claimants receive settlements averaging 3.5 times higher than unrepresented individuals, more than covering legal costs while providing superior results.
“How long will my case take to resolve?”
Case timelines vary significantly based on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance company cooperation. Straightforward cases with clear fault and minor injuries might resolve within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability can require 12-24 months or longer.
We never rush cases toward quick resolutions that shortchange our clients. It’s essential to understand the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs before settling.
“Should I accept the insurance company’s initial offer?”
Almost never. Initial settlement offers average only 32% of actual case value, and accepting these offers means forfeiting all rights to additional compensation. Insurance companies make deliberately low initial offers hoping you’ll accept quickly before understanding your injuries’ complete impact.
“What if I contributed to the accident?”
Washington’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even when you contributed to the accident, provided you weren’t 100% responsible. Your compensation gets reduced by your fault percentage, but you can still pursue significant recovery based on the other driver’s greater share of responsibility.
“What happens if the other driver was uninsured?”
Approximately 13.8% of Washington drivers lack required insurance coverage, making uninsured motorist coverage essential protection. If you carry this coverage, your own insurance company pays for damages the uninsured driver caused, though they often resist these claims with the same vigor they’d use against external claims.
About Herschensohn Law Firm
Zach Herschensohn has dedicated more than 20 years to protecting personal injury victims throughout Washington State. Licensed to practice in Washington since 2003 and admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in 2005, he brings extensive courtroom experience and proven results to every case.
Our published appellate victories in Gibson vs. American Construction Company, Inc., Lunsford vs. Saberhagen Holdings, and Coulter vs. Asten Group, Inc. demonstrate our ability to win complex cases at every judicial level. Zach earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 2002 and his undergraduate degree in Communication Theory from Western Washington University in 1997.
Professional recognition includes membership in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, and American Association for Justice. Zach serves on the King County Bar Association Board and volunteers for pro bono cases, demonstrating our commitment to serving the community beyond fee-paying clients.
Our clients consistently commend our responsive communication and personal attention:
“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. His experience shows, and I feel secure knowing he’s fighting for a fair settlement and coverage of my medical bills.” – Haohua Huang
“We are so happy that we chose the Herschensohn Law Firm to represent us with my son’s accident. From first contact with them, we felt confident with their abilities and expertise. They walked us through the case so we knew what to expect and what the timeline would be.” – Alex Zahajko
We maintain five office locations across Washington State, ensuring convenient access for clients throughout the region. Our 24/7 live call answering service means you can always reach us when you need assistance, not just during standard business hours.
Local Federal Way Resources
Medical Facilities
St. Francis Hospital (Federal Way) – 34515 9th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003. This comprehensive hospital provides emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and surgical services for serious accident injuries. Their trauma team has extensive experience with car accident cases and understands the importance of proper medical documentation for legal purposes.
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center – 202 N Division St, Auburn, WA 98001. Located just north of Federal Way, this facility offers comprehensive emergency and trauma services. They maintain excellent orthopedic and neurological departments for treating complex accident injuries.
Transportation Options
King County Metro provides bus service throughout Federal Way, offering transportation alternatives while your vehicle undergoes repairs. Routes 170, 180, and 181 serve major Federal Way corridors and connect to regional transit systems.
Sound Transit offers commuter rail service from Federal Way to Seattle and Tacoma, providing reliable transportation for medical appointments and work obligations during your recovery period.
Government Resources
Federal Way Police Department – 33325 8th Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003. You can obtain copies of accident reports and follow up on hit-and-run investigations through their records department. Police reports typically become available 5-10 business days after accidents occur.
Contact Our Federal Way Car Accident Lawyers
Don’t allow insurance companies to take advantage of your situation. Every day you delay gives them additional opportunities to minimize your claim and deny the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Call us now at (206) 338-4175. Our phones are answered 24/7 by live staff, never automated systems. We offer immediate free consultations with no obligation, and you’ll speak directly with experienced legal professionals who understand your circumstances.
We guarantee you pay no fees unless we win your case. This commitment means we’re as invested in your success as you are, and we won’t settle for inadequate offers simply to close cases quickly.
Our Federal Way car accident lawyers have helped hundreds of local residents secure fair compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’re prepared to put our experience and resources to work for you immediately.
Your free consultation includes:
- Complete case evaluation
- Review of medical records and police reports
- Explanation of your legal rights under Washington law
- Honest assessment of your case’s potential value
- No pressure and no obligation to retain our services
Office locations serving Federal Way residents:
- Kent Office (Closest to Federal Way): 19219 68th Ave S Suite M-101, Kent, WA 98032
- Seattle Office: 1918 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
- Graham Office: 21916 Meridian Ave E, Graham, WA 98338
Don’t face this challenge alone. Contact Herschensohn Law Firm today and allow us to protect your rights while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Your future depends on the decisions you make now.
This information serves educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case presents unique circumstances, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
