Bellingham Personal Injury Attorneys
Proudly serving Bellingham, Northern Washington, and the Pacific Northwest
Accidents are an unfortunate part of life, and they can happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or any other incident resulting in personal injury, the aftermath can be overwhelming and life-altering. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in or near Bellingham, Washington, seeking legal guidance can be your crucial first step toward recovery and justice. At The Advocates Injury Attorneys, we’re here to provide you with a free consultation, so you can understand your rights and the path to compensation.
Studies have shown accident victims that hire a lawyer receive an average settlement 3.5x larger than those who do not. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a lawyer for your claim, but it does mean that if you’ve been injured, you should always obtain a free consultation before deciding to move forward on your own.
Office Address
1344 King St., Suite 205
Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: (360) 309-0415
Get a Free Consultation
Our experienced team in Bellingham can assist with any questions relating to your personal injury claim. Some of the most frequently asked questions include:
How soon after my accident do I need to hire a lawyer?
In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations on a negligence claim is generally 3 years, with some minor exceptions. If you feel you need legal representation, we recommend securing an attorney as early as possible, since it can often be difficult to find representation when nearing the expiration of the statute of limitations.
How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?
There is almost never any up-front cost to hire a personal injury lawyer. We don’t get paid unless you get paid. When we recover a settlement for you, we retain 1/3 of the total amount as our fee. If we have to file suit, the fee goes up to 40%.
In almost all instances, we only retain clients when we believe we’ll be able to add value to their injury claim. If it’s a straightforward matter and injuries are minor or nonexistent, we’ll typically suggest that you try to work with the insurance company directly. Since consultations are always free, it’s beneficial to talk with an attorney as early as possible to determine the best course of action for your circumstances.
What happens when I retain an attorney?
When retaining an attorney, you leave most of the work to your attorney and their team. We will first notify all involved parties (insurance carriers, medical providers, etc.) that we are representing you. We will make sure all your bills will be taken care of. Once your treatment is complete, we will begin working to get you a fair, reasonable bodily injury settlement. We take care of your case so you can concentrate on getting better!
Will I have to sue someone?
At The Advocates, we do our best to settle your accident claim fairly and equitably before resorting to filing a lawsuit. However, we will always do what’s best for you, to be sure you’re appropriately compensated for your injuries. This may include filing a suit or litigating your case if the insurance company refuses to agree to a fair offer.
Will I need to go to trial?
Some cases do go as far as a trial, but not without exhaustive efforts by our firm to settle your case first. Your legal team will be in full communication with you through every step of your case. We will discuss your options with you as the case proceeds. In many instances, pushing for a trial when it’s in your best interest will lead to a higher settlement offer before the trial even starts.
Although it’s a last resort, going to trial is one of the best tools available when the insurance company refuses to do what’s right.
How long will the process take?
While you are still being treated, we usually don’t move your case toward the settlement process. This is to ensure your request for compensation includes all relevant medical treatments and that no additional or unexpected bills will arise after closing out your injury claim. Once your treatment is complete, we can then start moving your case forward.
Once care is complete, we begin gathering information such as medical bills and medical records, which can take around 8-12 weeks. Once the information is forwarded to the insurance company for settlement purposes, your case may be completed in 60-90 days. However, it can take much longer if litigation is needed.
Your attorney will be in direct contact with you throughout the settlement process to discuss offers and recommendations.
Talk to an Advocate Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in or near Bellingham, Washington, seeking a free personal injury consultation is your first step towards securing the compensation and justice you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you may face after an accident. Our team of award-winning attorneys is here to listen to your story, evaluate your case, and provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward your path to recovery.
A History of Client Success
With hundreds of 5-star reviews and a track record of over-delivering for clients, The Advocates are committed to ensuring everyone we represent gets the maximum value for their injuries. Because our litigation team is ready to step in when insurance companies try to short-change clients, the firm has garnered a reputation for never backing down. This means clients of The Advocates often receive larger settlements than they may have gotten if they’d worked with a less aggressive firm that rarely sets foot in a courtroom.
It’s All About You
In the end, it comes down to what’s best for you. Because all fees are paid out of the final settlement or verdict, The Advocates only work with people we’re confident will receive significantly more money in their pocket with our representation than if they’d handled the claim alone.
By obtaining a free consultation, you’ll get all the information to decide whether you’d benefit from having The Advocates fight for compensation on your behalf. The decision is yours.
The advocates are awesome. I have been to the office many times and am always greeted with a smile. They work so hard day in and day out to get all my needs met. There is no other law firm I would trust more than The Advocates. Seattle’s finest law firm, I highly recommend.
Katie Burns