Herschensohn Law, a Washington State firm specializing in car accident claims and litigation, has secured an $850,000 settlement for client Monty Dodge, who suffered permanent neck injuries in a November 2020 rear-end collision in Sumner, Washington. The at-fault driver's insurer initially offered only $13,078, and Dodge's own underinsured motorist carrier offered $11,000, despite the severity of his injuries.
On November 10, 2020, Dodge was driving down a steep hill in rainy conditions when traffic ahead stopped suddenly. He successfully braked and avoided a collision, but was then rear-ended with tremendous force by a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser, pushing his vehicle into the car in front of him. Years earlier, Dodge had undergone cervical disc replacement surgery following a separate accident and had fully recovered, being symptom-free until the 2020 crash. After the collision, he was diagnosed with a permanent injury to his facet joint—a different area of his neck than the prior surgery.
Despite the clear connection between the crash and his renewed symptoms, the FJ Cruiser's insurance carrier initially refused to pay the $100,000 policy limit, arguing that his symptoms were related to the prior accident. Herschensohn Law filed a lawsuit and demanded the full policy limits, while also pursuing a claim under Dodge's underinsured motorist coverage for damages exceeding $100,000. After years of delay tactics and two years of litigation, the at-fault insurer tendered the full $100,000 policy limits. However, Dodge's own insurer offered only $11,000.
Recognizing the need for additional leverage, Herschensohn Law partnered with trial attorney Joe Pipinich, known for securing substantial verdicts. Through continued litigation, Dodge's insurer agreed to a fair settlement of $750,000, bringing the total recovery to $850,000. This outcome is particularly notable given Dodge's modest medical expenses of $38,000. Insurance companies often undervalue claims based solely on medical bills, ignoring the lasting impact of permanent injuries. In Dodge's case, treatment options were palliative, consisting primarily of radiofrequency ablations to manage symptoms, yet the legal team successfully demonstrated the profound and permanent nature of his injuries.
According to Herschensohn Law, the case exemplifies the importance of aggressive legal representation when insurers offer inadequate settlements. The firm applies a thoughtful, well-conceived methodology, allocating resources based on the unique demands of each case and drawing on decades of experience in personal injury and car crash litigation. For more information, visit Herschensohn Law.
