No More Get-Out-of-IFCA-Free Card: Washington Court of Appeals Closes a Loophole for Insurers Who Commit Bad Faith
On June 16, 2026, Division Two of the Washington Court of Appeals decided Labeaume v. First National Insurance Company of America and answered a question that has split federal judges in this state for more than a decade: can an insured still bring an Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) claim after the...
What Can You Do When Your Own Insurance Company Won’t Play Fair? You Have Options
It’s a tale we’ve heard over and over. You’ve been with the same insurance company for years. You’ve paid your premiums diligently. But then, when something bad happens and you need them, they leave you hanging, drag their feet, lowball your claim, or flat-out refuse to pay.
It’s a...
Amputation Injuries: Understanding Your Legal Options in Seattle
Losing a limb is one of the most traumatic injuries a person can face. The physical recovery alone is extensive, but the emotional and financial impact can last a lifetime. If your amputation injury was caused by someone else’s actions—or inaction—you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Stritmatter Law, we help...
The Importance of Expert Witnesses in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injuries turn lives upside down. They often leave people with long-term medical needs, emotional trauma, and financial stress that doesn’t go away after a few weeks or months. These are not your average injury claims. They require more evidence, a more strategic approach, and additional support to prove.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury Under Washington Law?
A catastrophic injury is one that permanently alters the way you live. These are injuries so severe they prevent you from returning to the same job, caring for yourself, or enjoying daily life the way you once did. Whether caused by a serious car crash, a fall, or another act of negligence,...
Car Collisions Caused by Dangerous Roadside and Shoulder Conditions
If you have been injured in a car accident that involved hitting a utility pole or other object along the side of a road, or experienced a loss of control due to a steep slope along the side of a road, you might have a claim...
Auto Insurance Tip: Maximize your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Benefits
By: Lisa Benedetti
As personal injury attorneys, we see far too often people who have been seriously injured in car accidents who will never be fully compensated for their damages. Why? Because there is not enough insurance.
According to a recent study by the Insurance...
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Caused by Airbags and Other Explosive Sounds
By Ray Kahler
Can you lose your hearing from a car accident? The answer is yes. Many studies have reported profound high-frequency hearing loss and tinnitus following air bag deployment in an automotive accident.* In fact, in...
Promises and Pitfalls of Autonomous Vehicles
By Daniel Laurence
The “promise” of “autonomous vehicles” is still not even a promise. It is a risky dream that may eventually be done, like going to the moon. If and when it does, it will change...
Washington Supreme Court Decision Paves Way for Greater Uber and Lyft Accountability
By Lisa Benedetti
Companies like Uber and Lyft have long avoided legal responsibilities like worker benefits and injury victim compensation by...