What Is a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit Worth in Tacoma?

Catastrophic injuries are life-changing events that can leave victims facing years of recovery, permanent disability, or an inability to work. In Washington state, especially in urban centers like Tacoma, these lawsuits often result in significant financial compensation — but how much your case is worth depends on several key factors.

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is any injury that results in permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of independence. These are not minor injuries — they often require long-term care or cause lifelong complications. Examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Severe burns and disfigurement
• Amputation of limbs
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Organ damage or multiple fractures

How Much Is a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit Worth?

The value of a catastrophic injury lawsuit depends on the severity of your injury and how it impacts your life. Many settlements in Tacoma range from $250,000 to over $5 million, depending on factors like:

• Current and future medical costs
• Lost income and earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Need for long-term care or home modifications

Example: Tacoma Construction Site Injury

Imagine a 35-year-old worker who suffers a spinal cord injury after a scaffolding collapse near the Tacoma Mall. He receives emergency surgery at St. Joseph Medical Center and is left unable to walk or return to his job. Over time, he requires a wheelchair-accessible home and long-term in-home care. A case like this could be worth $2 million or more depending on liability, lost income, and lifelong care needs.

Where Do These Injuries Happen in Tacoma?

We’ve represented victims injured in high-traffic areas like I-5, Pacific Avenue, and South 38th Street, as well as near the Port of Tacoma and Tacoma Dome. Many catastrophic injuries occur in:

• Auto and truck accidents
• Construction site accidents
• Pedestrian crosswalk collisions
• Workplace equipment failures

If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence — such as a reckless driver, unsafe premises, or defective product — you may be entitled to full compensation.

How Are These Claims Calculated?

At Strong Law, our Tacoma catastrophic injury lawyers use expert evaluations, life care plans, and economic forecasting to build the full value of your claim. We factor in:

• Hospital and rehab costs
• Specialist treatment and adaptive equipment
• Loss of income and future earning capacity
• Psychological trauma and therapy needs

How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in WA?

Under Washington state law (RCW 4.16.080), you have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly — so the sooner you act, the stronger your case.

Can I Afford a Lawyer for This?

Yes. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and get started right away.

Speak to a Tacoma Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in Tacoma, don’t wait. Our team at Strong Law will investigate your case, handle the legal process, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Contact us today or call 206-737-2997 for a free consultation. We’re proud to serve injury victims across Pierce County and beyond.

Also serving surrounding areas such as Lakewood, University Place, and Federal Way. For more info, visit our Tacoma Personal Injury page or our Tacoma Brain Injury Lawyers page.

Accidents Raise Questions, Not Just Injuries

On June 24, 2025, a bicyclist riding against traffic on River Road in Eugene was hospitalized after being struck by a Toyota Sienna. The crash caused significant traffic delays and renewed local concerns about road safety for cyclists (KVAL News).

A few weeks later, on July 9, a motorcyclist died in a collision with a sedan near the Beltline Highway on-ramp — closing parts of Barger Drive for hours while investigators worked the scene (City of Eugene).

Tragic events like these not only change lives in an instant — they also leave families asking urgent questions. What comes next? Who do we call? What kind of legal help fits the situation?

This guide walks through the types of attorneys who handle different types of accident cases in Oregon — including car crashes, cycling injuries, motorcycle collisions, and wrongful death.

Car Accident vs. Auto Accident Lawyer – Is There a Difference?

In Oregon, the terms “car accident lawyer” and “auto accident lawyer” are used interchangeably. Both refer to attorneys who represent individuals injured in crashes involving passenger vehicles, SUVs, or rideshare services.

These attorneys assist with:

• Determining fault
• Dealing with insurance adjusters
• Recovering costs for medical care, lost wages, and vehicle damage

For example, on April 14, 2025, four children and an adult were injured in a head-on crash near Shasta Middle School on Barger Road. Investigators believe the driver may have suffered a medical emergency before the collision (City of Eugene).

Learn more about our Eugene Car Accident Lawyer services.

Bicycle and Motorcycle Collisions – More Vulnerability, More Complexity

Riders on two wheels — whether pedaling or powered — face heightened risks in traffic. Injuries tend to be more severe, and legal assumptions about fault can work against them unfairly.

In the June 24 River Road crash, investigators examined the cyclist’s direction of travel, right-of-way, and road visibility — all standard questions in bicycle cases (KVAL).

Motorcycle crashes are often even more severe. In the July 9 fatal crash at Barger and Beltline, the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene (City of Eugene).

Eugene Bicycle Accident Lawyer |
Eugene Motorcycle Accident Lawyer |
Statewide Motorcycle Accident Help

When a Loss Turns Legal: Understanding Wrongful Death in Oregon

When a crash leads to the loss of life — whether at the scene or in the weeks that follow — it may fall under Oregon’s wrongful death laws. These are civil cases (not criminal trials) designed to help family members recover compensation and hold responsible parties accountable.

According to ORS 30.020, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the deceased person’s:

• Spouse or registered domestic partner
• Child or stepchild
• Parent
• Estate representative

Damages may include funeral costs, loss of income, and non-economic losses such as companionship and emotional suffering. Oregon law sets a three-year statute of limitations to file a wrongful death claim.

Eugene Wrongful Death Attorney Services |
Statewide Wrongful Death Help

Who Handles What? Quick Reference Guide

Additional Support

If your accident involved a rideshare, commercial truck, or unsafe product — or resulted in serious brain or spinal injuries — our team can help:

• Uber Accident Lawyer
• Truck Accident Lawyer
• Brain Injury Lawyer
• Spinal Injury Lawyer
• Construction Accident Lawyer

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Top 5 Roads Where Motorcycle Crashes Happen in Denver

Denver’s booming traffic and unpredictable weather can make motorcycle riding dangerous — especially on certain high-risk roads. If you ride regularly, these are the top streets where motorcycle accidents most often occur in the Denver area.

1. Colfax Avenue (U.S. 40)

One of Denver’s busiest thoroughfares, Colfax is known for high traffic volume, pedestrian crossings, and sudden stops. The mix of buses, aggressive drivers, and narrow lanes makes this road particularly hazardous for motorcyclists.

2. I-25 Corridor

I-25 runs straight through the heart of Denver and is a hotspot for high-speed accidents. Sudden lane changes, limited visibility in traffic, and heavy commuter congestion increase the risk of serious motorcycle crashes — especially during rush hour.

3. Speer Boulevard

Winding along the South Platte River and connecting downtown to the Highlands, Speer Boulevard sees a blend of cars, bikes, and pedestrians. Sharp curves and multiple intersections create conditions where even experienced riders can be caught off guard.

4. Federal Boulevard

Known for speeding, aggressive drivers, and frequent red-light runners, Federal Boulevard consistently ranks among Denver’s most dangerous roads. Poor road conditions and lack of motorcycle-friendly infrastructure also contribute to the crash rate.

5. Hampden Avenue (U.S. 285)

Stretching across the southern edge of Denver, Hampden Avenue is a fast-moving corridor that transitions from urban traffic to suburban sprawl. Intersections near Sheridan and Colorado Blvd are especially high-risk zones for riders.

Injured in a Motorcycle Crash in Denver? Know Your Rights.

If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident on one of these roads — or anywhere in the Denver metro — you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, bike repairs, and more.

At Strong Law, we fight for riders. Our
Denver motorcycle accident lawyers
understand Colorado’s liability laws and how to deal with insurance companies that often try to shift blame onto bikers.

📊 Curious about local crash data? See the latest
Colorado crash statistics from CDOT.

💡 You may also be interested in our
Denver personal injury lawyer or
truck accident attorney pages for related legal help.

📞 Free consultation. No upfront fees.

Car Accident in a Friend’s Car: Who Pays the Bill?

Borrowed a car and got into an accident? Here’s what happens next.

Whether you were driving your friend’s car with permission or lending yours to someone else, the aftermath of an accident can get legally complicated fast. In most cases, car insurance follows the vehicle — but there are important exceptions and limitations to know.

What Usually Happens After the Crash

In most states, including Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Colorado:

• The car owner’s insurance is primary. That means if you crash your friend’s car, their insurance is usually the first to pay.
• Your insurance may be secondary. If the damages exceed your friend’s policy limits, your own insurance might be used to cover the difference (depending on your coverage).
• Fault still matters. If you were driving recklessly or without permission, your friend’s insurance may deny the claim.

What to Do Immediately

1. Report the accident to police and the insurance company.
2. Document everything – take photos, collect witness info, and get a copy of the accident report.
3. Have the car owner contact their insurer as well.
4. Talk to a local attorney if there are injuries, damage disputes, or you’re being blamed unfairly.

Why a Lawyer Helps in Borrowed Car Accidents

These cases often involve:

• Waiver of subrogation clauses
• Miscommunication between multiple insurers
• Fine print exclusions in rental or borrowed vehicle policies
• Disagreements between insurance companies
• Denials based on “unauthorized use”
• Injuries that lead to finger-pointing between driver and owner

A lawyer can help protect both the driver and the vehicle owner, especially when:

• The insurance company denies the claim due to ‘non-permissive use’
• Legal definitions of fault vary by state and affect payout timelines
• There are serious injuries or hospital bills
• The driver is uninsured or underinsured
• The insurance company is delaying or denying the claim

State-by-State Differences to Know

Washington

• Permissive use laws are strong.
• PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is optional but common.
• Car owner’s insurer is typically primary.

Oregon

• PIP is mandatory and covers up to $15,000 in medical bills.
• Fault can impact payouts due to comparative negligence.

Utah

• A no-fault state. Your own PIP covers your medical costs regardless of fault.
• PIP coverage minimum is $3,000.

Colorado

• At-fault system with optional MedPay.
• Primary insurance usually follows the vehicle, but MedPay can help drivers directly.

When to Call a Lawyer Immediately

Consider reaching out to an attorney if:

• You were denied coverage due to “non-permissive use”
• The car was uninsured or underinsured
• You’re being sued or held personally liable for damage
• The at-fault driver’s insurer is stalling or offering a lowball payout
• There are serious injuries or disputes over medical costs

FAQ: Common Borrowed Car Accident Questions

Q1: What if I didn’t have permission to use the car?
You may not be covered by the car owner’s insurance, and they may even file a stolen vehicle claim.

Q2: Will my friend’s insurance rates go up?
Possibly. Even if you were driving, their insurer paid the claim.

Q3: What if both of us have insurance?
The car owner’s insurer pays first. Yours might kick in if their limits are exceeded.

Q4: Can my friend sue me?
In some cases, yes — especially if you were driving recklessly or lied about what happened.

Q5: What if I wasn’t at fault?
The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover the damages, but legal help can make sure you’re treated fairly.

Checklist: What to Do If You Crash a Friend’s Car

• ✅ Ensure everyone is safe and call 911
• ✅ Take photos of damage, road conditions, and license plates
• ✅ Collect names and contact info of all parties involved
• ✅ File a police report
• ✅ Inform both your insurer and the vehicle owner’s insurer
• ✅ Get legal guidance before accepting blame or a lowball settlement

Outbound Resources to Learn More

• Insurance Information Institute: What to Do After a Car Accident
• Washington State PIP Law – RCW 48.22.085
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Serving You Locally

Our team at Strong Law has helped clients in:

• Tacoma navigate borrowed car claims involving family or roommates
• Eugene accidents where college students shared vehicles
• Midvale crashes involving rental cars or employer-owned vehicles
• Denver drivers confused by overlapping policies

Video: [Embed your “Car Accident in Friend’s Car: Who Pays the Bill?” video here]

Need help after a borrowed car crash? Call your local Strong Law office today for a free consultation.

Legal advice varies by location and situation. This post is for informational purposes only.

Motorcycle accidents can leave lasting injuries, financial hardship, and uncertainty about what steps to take next. Our team at Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, speaking with our Oklahoma City, OK motorcycle accident lawyer can be an important first step toward getting the compensation you deserve. With a client-first mindset and a 4.9-star Google rating, our firm is proud to support riders across Oklahoma. Contact us today for a free consultation with our motorcycle crash lawyers.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Motorcycle Accident?

Start by getting medical care right away—even if your injuries feel minor. Next, call law enforcement to file an accident report. If it’s safe, take photos of the scene, your bike, and any visible injuries. Try to gather contact information from witnesses and anyone involved in the crash.

Then, reach out to our motorcycle injury lawyers. Our team can review your case and help you avoid mistakes that might affect your ability to recover damages. We bring real-world knowledge from working inside the insurance industry, helping us understand what information can move your case forward.

Can I Recover Damages If I Wasn’t Wearing A Helmet?

Yes, but it may affect your case. Oklahoma law doesn’t require riders over 18 to wear helmets. However, if you suffered a head injury and weren’t wearing one, the other party’s insurer may try to use that fact to reduce the value of your claim.

That said, our motorcycle wreck lawyer team has experience handling these types of cases. We know how to present medical records, liability details, and accident reports in a way that supports your recovery.

What If I Was Partially At Fault For The Crash?

Oklahoma follows a “modified comparative fault” rule. This means if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation. Your settlement or award would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Our biker accident lawyer team can examine the facts and help assess how fault may be divided. We’ve handled many cases where motorcyclists were unfairly blamed, and we know how to highlight the facts that matter.

How Much Is A Motorcycle Injury Claim Worth?

There’s no fixed amount for a motorcycle accident claim. It depends on your medical bills, time off work, future treatment needs, and how the crash impacted your life. Pain and emotional distress may also factor in.

We build strong cases based on real evidence. Our founding attorney, Jed Strong, worked for years as an insurance defense attorney, giving us insight into how insurers calculate payouts—and how to present a case that reflects your full losses. We use that insight to support our clients, helping them recover adequate compensation to cover their medical bills and lost income.

How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?

In Oklahoma, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, the court may dismiss your claim entirely.

That’s why it’s best to speak with our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers as soon as you can. We can help preserve valuable evidence and keep your case on track from the start.

Let Us Help You Recover After An Accident

Motorcycle accidents can be overwhelming—but we’re here to help you deal with the legal aspects. At Strong Law Accident & Injury Attorneys, we focus on giving clients honest answers, dependable support, and the attention their case deserves. If you’ve been hurt, speak with our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers today. Our motorbike lawyer team is ready to help you move forward with confidence.