Frequently Asked Questions
Real Answers From A Local Firm
Getting Started
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
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You pay no upfront attorney fees. We work on a contingency fee. That means our fee comes from the recovery. If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe attorney fees.
Do you take every case?
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We focus on serious injury and complex claims in Vancouver and Clark County. We keep a smaller caseload so we can prepare cases thoroughly. If we cannot take a matter, we may be able to suggest another resource.
What happens during a free case evaluation?
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We listen to what happened, identify the key issues (injury, liability, insurance coverage, and deadlines), and explain next steps. We will tell you what we need to review and what you should avoid doing early on.
Will I work directly with an attorney?
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Yes. When you hire our firm, you work directly with Grant. He handles the key decisions and guides the direction of your case.
How soon should I call after an injury?
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Call as soon as you can. Early documentation helps. Evidence disappears. Medical records begin the timeline. Deadlines run whether you feel ready or not.
Insurance and Medical Bills
Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?
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Usually, no. Adjusters use recorded statements to narrow issues, challenge injuries, or shift fault. If you need to speak with an insurer, we prefer to guide that first.
Who pays my medical bills right now?
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Many Washington drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which can help pay certain medical bills early. Coverage depends on your policy.
What if the other driver has no insurance or low limits?
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) may apply through your own policy if you purchased it.
The insurance company already made an offer. Should I accept it?
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Treat early offers carefully. Many offers arrive before the long-term medical picture becomes clear. We can review the offer, the medical status, and the documents that affect value.
Will my insurance company get repaid for PIP payments?
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Sometimes. Repayment rules depend on coverage, recovery source, and other factors. We review this early because it can affect net recovery and settlement structure.
Value, Timing, and Court
How much is my case worth in Washington?
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Value depends on medical treatment, the impact on work and daily life, long-term prognosis, and how clearly the evidence supports liability. We focus on documenting the full impact and preparing the case so it holds up under scrutiny.
How long do personal injury cases take?
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It varies. Serious injury cases often take longer because we need to understand the long-term impact before resolving the claim. Liability disputes, expert review, and litigation can extend timelines.
Do most cases go to trial?
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Many cases resolve before trial. We still prepare cases for court when necessary because that preparation affects how insurers evaluate the claim.
What does “prepare the case for court” mean?
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We organize evidence early, document long-term impact, track deadlines, and build a case that can proceed through litigation in Clark County if it needs to.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Washington?
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Many injury claims in Washington fall under a three-year limitation period. Different deadlines can apply depending on the type of claim, so we review timing early.
Washington-Specific Issues
What if my claim involves a public school district or another public entity?
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Washington law generally requires filing a formal claim with the government entity before a lawsuit can proceed. Strict procedures and timing rules apply. We handle that process and ensure deadlines are met.
What if I was partly at fault?
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Washington uses comparative fault rules. Fault allocation can affect recovery. We focus on evidence and liability analysis early, so fault arguments do not define the case.
Does it matter why I was on the property in a premises liability case?
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Yes. Washington premises liability often depends on your status on the property (for example, invitee vs. licensee vs. trespasser) and the duty of care owed.
The Types of Cases We Focus On
We handle serious injury and complex negligence matters in Vancouver and throughout Clark County, including:
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Auto and truck accidents
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Brain and spinal cord injuries
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Wrongful death
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Medical malpractice involving severe harm
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Premises liability
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Child injury cases
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Institutional and school district claims
If your injury required emergency care, surgery, imaging, extended treatment, or time away from work, contact us.
Real People.
Real Outcomes.
No Fees
Unless We Win
You pay no attorney fees upfront.
If we don’t win money for you,
you don’t owe attorney fees.
Get A Free
Case Evaluation
Tell us what happened. We’ll give you a clear answer about next steps.
Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Contact Us
Local In Clark County
Serving Vancouver, Camas, Kelso, Longview, Washougal, Battle Ground, Long Beach, Woodland, La Center, and Ridgefield for over 30 years.
203 SE Park Plaza Dr., Suite #215
Vancouver, WA 98684
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
