How Spokane Personal Injury Attorneys Maximize Settlements

When you’ve been seriously injured in Spokane, Washington, the last thing you expect is a battle with your own insurance company. After a car crash, slip and fall, or other personal injury, you turn to your insurer or the at-fault party’s provider for compensation. But what happens when they refuse to pay fairly or stall your claim without good reason?

This is where a Spokane personal injury attorney can make a world of difference—especially when it comes to bad faith insurance litigation. Skilled attorneys not only help you fight for the maximum settlement but also hold insurers accountable when they act in bad faith.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how Spokane injury attorneys maximize settlements, explain the legal concept of insurance bad faith, and help you understand when and why litigation may be your most powerful option.

What Is a Personal Injury Settlement?

A personal injury settlement is the monetary compensation awarded to someone injured by another’s negligence. It may include payment for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
  
  

• Lost income
  
  

• Pain and suffering
  
  

• Emotional distress
  
  

• Property damage
  
  

• Loss of consortium
  
  

Settlements are typically reached out of court between your attorney and the insurance company. But when negotiations fail—or the insurer refuses to act fairly—litigation becomes necessary.

The Role of a Spokane Personal Injury Attorney

Experienced Spokane personal injury lawyers are more than legal advisors—they're your advocate, negotiator, and protector. Here’s what they do:

Case Investigation & Evidence Collection

They gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions to build a solid liability case.

Damage Calculation

They assess both economic and non-economic damages, including long-term care costs and emotional impact.

Insurance Negotiation

They deal directly with the insurer—often stopping adjuster tactics designed to confuse or intimidate you.

Litigation Preparation

If negotiations fail, your attorney can file a lawsuit, represent you in court, and potentially pursue a bad faith claim if the insurer acted unlawfully.

How Insurance Companies Devalue or Deny Claims

Insurance companies make profits by paying out as little as possible. Here are some common tactics they use in Spokane and across Washington:

• Delaying claim responses
  
  

• Denying liability without a valid reason
  
  

• Offering lowball settlements
  
  

• Requesting unnecessary paperwork
  
  

• Blaming the victim
  
  

• Misrepresenting policy coverage
  
  

• Failing to conduct a proper investigation
  
  

If your insurer or the other party’s insurance provider uses these strategies, it could be a sign of bad faith.

What Is Bad Faith Insurance?

Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurance company fails to uphold its legal obligation to deal fairly with its policyholder or a claimant. This includes both first-party claims (you vs. your insurer) and third-party claims (you vs. someone else’s insurer).

Bad faith might involve:

• Unjustified denial of coverage
  
  

• Deliberate delay in payments
  
  

• Failure to properly investigate your claim
  
  

• Refusal to settle when liability is clear
  
  

• Offering unreasonably low amounts
  
  

• Threatening or misleading statements
  
  

Washington State Laws on Insurance Bad Faith

Washington state law provides strong consumer protections against insurance bad faith.

Key Legal Statutes

• RCW 48.30.010 – Prohibits unfair insurance practices
  
  

• WAC 284-30-330 – Lists specific unfair claims settlement practices
  
  

• Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) – Allows policyholders to sue for bad faith
  
  

These laws allow injured Spokane residents to seek additional damages beyond their initial claim—including punitive damages, emotional distress, and attorney’s fees.

Signs Your Insurance Company May Be Acting in Bad Faith

Here’s what to watch for:

• Unreasonable Delays: They keep asking for more documentation without explanation.
  
  

• Inadequate Investigations: No follow-up calls, interviews, or review of key evidence.
  
  

• Contradictory Reasons for Denial: They change their explanation each time you inquire.
  
  

• Low Settlement Offers: The offer doesn’t even cover your medical bills.
  
  

• Intimidation or Threats: They try to scare you into settling or not pursuing your claim.
  
  

• Ignoring Communications: Repeated voicemails, emails, or letters go unanswered.
  
  

If these sound familiar, contact a Spokane personal injury attorney immediately.

Steps Spokane Injury Lawyers Take to Maximize Settlements

1. Document All Losses

Your attorney will thoroughly document:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
  
  

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  
  

• Pain and suffering using personal journals and psychological records
  
  

2. Hire Medical and Accident Experts

Expert witnesses—like orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and accident reconstruction specialists—can strengthen your case’s value.

3. Demand Letters That Set the Tone

A strong demand letter includes:

• Legal arguments
  
  

• Damage calculations
  
  

• Evidence summaries
  
  

• A specific settlement amount
  
  

This shows the insurance company your lawyer is serious—and prepared to go to trial.

4. Identify Bad Faith Early

Experienced lawyers recognize bad faith quickly and call it out—often pushing insurers to settle just to avoid exposure.

5. File a Lawsuit if Needed

If negotiations stall, Spokane injury lawyers don’t hesitate to file suit and escalate to