Providing Caring, Experienced Customer Care Every Step Of The Way

At Pendergast Law, we know how difficult pursuing a claim can be and the toll it can have on almost every aspect of your life. No matter what the size or scope of them is, lawsuits are thoroughly complicated affairs. Without proper guidance, they can seem insurmountable. This is why we are a dedicated support team that’s prepared to help you with compassionate and patient direction every step of the way. From the moment you step in the door for your initial consultation to the final ruling on your claim, we are by your side to make sure that you are informed on the latest developments, that you are aware of all pertinent deadlines and, above all, that your voice is heard.

At Pendergast Law, we are here to serve your needs and the needs of your family first and foremost. If you are considering taking legal action or are in need of counsel, give one of our intake specialists a call today at 888-539-9211.

“Pendergast Law is Amazing! The entire team went above and beyond for me. I have referred several people to your firm because you are simply the best.”
– Cindy L., Kirkland, Washington

Rated Among The Top Trial Lawyers In America

We understand that a serious injury can completely disrupt people’s lives and leave them in dire physical, financial and emotional straits. The last thing an injury victim needs to be burdened with is complicated and frustrating negotiations with an insurance company. That’s where we come in at Pendergast Law. We will deal with the insurance companies and their lawyers to secure your future so that you can concentrate on putting your life back together.

Read more about us and our backgrounds here:

• Joseph “J.P.” Pendergast, principal and managing attorney, is a former King County deputy prosecuting attorney and has extensive trial and appellate court experience. He has represented thousands of accident victims, obtaining tens of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts in more than 20 years of practicing personal injury law.
• Shane T. Moriarty defends clients against a variety of construction defects, professional liability, property damage, toxic tort and personal injury claims. This experience has made him familiar with defense strategies involved in many types of litigation.
• Richard S. Aguire focuses on litigating serious personal injury cases, including car and truck accidents, dog bite injuries, product liability and  wrongful death. He represents individuals who have suffered devastating injuries and helps them navigate what can be a confusing legal process.

Professional Understanding

No matter what particular aspect of the claims process you may be facing, we will be there to directly engage with the various agencies and agents with whom you must contend. We are an experienced team that includes:

• Former insurance adjusters and claims analysts: When engaging an insurance agency about your claim, it helps to have a bit of insider wisdom. Our former adjusters and analysts are acutely aware of the sometimes shady tactics and overly complicated jargon employed by insurance agencies to wave you off from a fair settlement. Our people have the savvy and know-how to keep the terms clear and in your favor.
• Injury and incident specialists: From car accidents to defective products, our specialists cover a wide range of professional disciplines. With their assistance, insight and investigation, we can glean evidence from your case that may not have been noticed on the first pass. These folks are invaluable when it comes to examining the fine details of a scene and providing expert advice.
• Support staff: Our internal department of litigation staff is on hand to provide support in every capacity possible. If you have a question or concern, they will be there to help process it.

What We Can Do for You

If we take your case, we will:

• Contact the responsible insurance company or companies and make sure that all future communications come directly to us – the other insurance company will not be able to contact you directly, and you will not need to respond to or send any correspondence
• Coordinate all benefits you may have under your personal injury protection (PIP), Labor & Industries (L&I) workers’ comp, and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) coverage for medical bills, lost wages and in-home care
• Work with your health care providers to obtain your records for a thorough understanding of your injury
• Assist with property damage claims
• Handle all the paperwork, investigation and correspondence

We are personal injury lawyers who know how to get clients fair compensation for the injuries, damages and losses they have suffered. It takes time to recover from the physical and emotional suffering caused by an injury. Obtaining rightful compensation can ease your financial burden so that you can concentrate on healing.

Managing Your Affairs In Your Stead

After a tragic accident occurs, it may be difficult to deal with the personal injury or wrongful death claims process due to stress and physical and emotional pain. Furthermore, the insurance company may take advantage of your vulnerable state in order to sabotage your claims case, resulting in an inadequate settlement or even denial. With our assistance, however, you can concentrate on your recovery and leave the claims dispute up to us. As Seattle car accident lawyers with many years in practice, we have gained a deep familiarity with the ruthless tactics that insurance companies commonly employ to avoid full and fair payments, and we can protect you from them.

What Can You Do To Preserve Your Washington Personal Injury Claim?

All too often, accident injury victims proceed with their injury claims without adequate knowledge of the claims process. They either take missteps or lack support for their claims. This usually results in lowered settlement amounts or even denial altogether. As a claimant, you need to be aware of the actions you should either take or avoid to help ensure that you get the compensation required for your recovery.

Do:

• Keep a detailed account of the accident
• Preserve any evidence related to the incident
• Obtain copies of all medical reports and bills
• Report the accident to your insurance company
• Notify all possibly liable parties of your intention to file a claim
• If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident, your injuries and any other material relevant to your case

Don’t:

• Give recorded statements to any insurance agents working against you
• Sign any documents without first consulting your attorney
• Settle your case unless your lawyer approves
• Discuss your case with anyone besides your attorney
• Be coerced into taking any action without your lawyer’s approval

How Do You Determine Liability?

The general rule of thumb for determining liability is to identify the party that contributed most to the accident due to carelessness. However, this can get tricky when a liable party isn’t readily apparent and obvious. Common accident injury scenarios in which the liable party may not be immediately apparent include the following:

• If a defective product caused an injury incident, then the product’s manufacturer may be held liable.
• If a property was poorly maintained or any hazards present on the premises were not taken care of in a timely fashion and a person was injured as a result, then the owner of the property may be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
• If a person suffered injuries in an auto accident due to dangerous roadways or inadequate signage, then the government entity responsible for the area’s traffic signs and roads may be held liable for damages.

Not all accident claims are the same. Some are more complex than others, and in these cases, liability is not cut and dry. We have the knowledge to resolve these complex cases involving areas including hit-and-run accidents, passenger injuries and more. In many cases, we can help victims explore options that hold all parties responsible.

What To Expect At Your Initial Consultation

All our potential clients get a free initial consultation. This is so that we can assess your case’s potential, advise you on possible outcomes and let you get to know our firm. Personal injury claims can be complicated affairs, so it’s important for both lawyer and client to have a good rapport. At no time during your claim will you be asked to pay any retainer fees, upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. We only get paid if we win your case for you.

We know that you will likely have many questions during this first meeting. Here is an idea of what you can expect during your initial consultation with us:

• We will ask for your signature to authorize us to view and access necessary medical records from your doctor and other health care providers.
• We will inquire about the specifics of your insurance policy and ask if you have spoken to insurance adjusters.
• We may ask you to review and possibly sign a contract for legal representation. If so, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and review the contract prior to signing.
• We will provide you with a few guidelines on what to expect moving forward, including asking you to refrain from discussing the case with others.

The length and depth of this first meeting will depend on the specifics of your accident. In straightforward cases, such as car accidents, the first meeting doesn’t normally take very long, especially if you come prepared. In more complex cases, such as wrongful death, the initial interview usually takes longer.

An Award-Winning Law Firm Earning National Recognition

At Pendergast Law, we have been recognized for our professionalism and experience in the legal field. Below are some of the organizations that have recognized our firm for our high standards and quality of work.

Rated By Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process is multiphased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.

» View J.P. Pendergast’s Super Lawyers profile page
» View Shane Moriarty’s Super Lawyers profile page
» View Richard Aguire’s Super Lawyers profile page

Avvo Rating: 10.0 ‘Superb’

J.P. Pendergast holds a “Superb” rating on Avvo. He is widely recognized by the legal community for his exceptional professional conduct and experience. The Avvo directory uses an unbiased mathematical model to help assess a lawyer’s qualifications.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s Avvo profile page

Elite Lawyer

The Elite Lawyer network, a directory and rating service that celebrates excellence in law, has chosen to recognize J.P. Pendergast on its 2022 Elite Lawyer list.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s Elite Lawyer network profile page

Member Of The National Association Of Distinguished Counsel

Mr. Pendergast is a member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Only the top 1% of attorneys in the U.S. are offered membership. Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team, selected by a blue-ribbon panel of attorneys from independently neutral organizations and approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law.
» Visit the National Association of Distinguished Counsel website

Litigator Award Winner

Pendergast Law is a 2014 and 2015 Litigator Award Winner in wrongful death law. The Litigator Award is an esteemed and exclusive honor reserved for exceptional law firms that have achieved million-, multimillion- and/or billion-dollar verdicts and settlements in at least one specialty area in the country.

Ranked In Best Law Firms Of 2018, 2019, 2020 And 2021 By U.S. News – Best Lawyers

Every year, U.S. News & World Report, in partnership with Best Lawyers, recognizes the best law firms in the country. Pendergast Law has received this award for personal injury litigation in the Seattle area. Our firm was recognized for its professional excellence, top-rated performance, peer reviews and client satisfaction.

Avvo Clients’ Choice Award

Multiple times over the years, Mr. Pendergast has received the prestigious Clients’ Choice Award by Avvo, the premier lawyer listing website, for his perfect five-star reviews from satisfied clients. He has helped thousands of clients recover millions of dollars so far in his career spanning more than two decades.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s Avvo profile page

Top 100 Trial Lawyers

Attorney Pendergast has been named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 list. Membership is obtained through special invitation. This invitation is extended only to those attorneys who exemplify superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and profile as civil plaintiff or criminal defense trial lawyers.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s National Trial Lawyers’ profile page

The Best Of The Best Attorneys

The Best of the Best Attorneys has bestowed Mr. Pendergast with the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Award for 2022. This award, reserved for those who display excellence in their field, is given to only the top .05% of attorneys practicing in the United States.
» Visit the Best of the Best Attorneys website

Chosen By Expertise As A Best Personal Injury Attorney In Seattle

Expertise.com reviewed over 145 attorneys in the Seattle area and has repeatedly selected Pendergast Law as being one of the top 20 personal injury firms. This recognition is based on 25 variables, including reputation, experience and availability. Expertise also cited former clients, who said that Pendergast Law attorneys were “friendly, direct, detailed and helpful!”
» Visit the Expertise.com page

Million Dollar Advocates Forum And Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Mr. Pendergast is a member of both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Established in 1993, the Million Dollar Advocates Forum (which includes the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum) is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.
» Visit the Million Dollar Advocates website

America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators

Attorney Pendergast has been selected for inclusion on America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators list. Only 100 trial attorneys are chosen from each state or region. To be included, a lawyer must have successfully litigated a matter with at least $2 million at stake. In addition, candidates are considered based on professional experience, case results, peer reviews and community impact.
» Visit J.P. Pendergast’s America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators page

Voted To The 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys List By The American Institute Of Personal Injury Attorneys

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys (AIOPIA) has named Mr. Pendergast to its 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys list in Washington for client satisfaction. Selection for this exclusive honor is based on a nomination by a fellow attorney, impeccable client satisfaction ratings and reviews, and a display of the highest degree of professional achievement in personal injury law. AIOPIA recognizes lawyers that have reached unparalleled success without sacrificing client satisfaction in the process.
» View AIOPIA’s Top 10 page

America’s Most Honored Lawyers

The American Register has presented Mr. Pendergast with the coveted America’s Most Honored Lawyers award. This honor is only bestowed upon 5% of all lawyers in the country. It is an acknowledgment of an attorney’s dedication to practicing law, serving their clients and upholding high standards of excellence inside and outside the courtroom.

Member Of Lawyers Of Distinction

Mr. Pendergast is a proud member of Lawyers of Distinction, an organization that screens attorneys based on a high degree of peer recognition, professional competence, honors and awards, community or pro bono service, and case results. Membership is limited to the top 10% of attorneys in each state.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s profile on Lawyers of Distinction

Lead Counsel Rating In Personal Injury Law – Plaintiff

Attorney Pendergast has achieved a Lead Counsel rating in personal injury law because of his “profound legal experience, solid reputation and demonstrated ethics.” Attorneys awarded this rating must have ample legal experience, have a spotless record free of any disciplinary actions and be endorsed by at least three legal professionals.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s Lead Counsel profile

The American Society Of Legal Advocates

The American Society of Legal Advocates selected Mr. Pendergast. This invitation-only, nationwide organization includes elite lawyers in practice today who combine stellar legal credentials with a proven commitment to community engagement and the highest professional standards. Fewer than 2% of U.S. lawyers are members.

Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys Of America

Membership to Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America is extremely selective, carefully screened and limited to the most qualified and accomplished attorneys in the United States. With these high standards, less than 1% of the attorneys in America receive invitations to be members of Rue Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America.
» Visit RUE’s Member Directory page.

National Academy Of Personal Injury Attorneys – Top 10

The National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) has honored Pendergast Law on its Top 10 Law Firm list from 2014 to 2022. The NAOPIA Board of Governors officially selects the top 10 personal injury attorneys in each state out of thousands that are nominated, leaving no doubt as to whom the preeminent personal injury lawyers are.
» View J.P. Pendergast’s NAOPIA profile page

America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Pendergast has received the America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is by invitation only and is reserved to identify the nation’s most exceptional lawyers whose accomplishments and impact on the legal profession merit a lifetime achievement award.
» Visit J.P. Pendergast’s America’s Top 100 Attorneys page

Attorney And Practice Magazine – Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney

Attorney and Practice Magazine (APM) has named Mr. Pendergast to its Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney list for the state of Washington. The Top 10 Personal Injury Attorney award recognizes the outstanding achievements of lawyers who advocate for injured clients across the United States and uphold the high standards of their respective state bars. APM utilizes a strict review process to select winners, which is why only 1% of all attorneys nationally are recognized by this prestigious award.
» Learn more about Attorney and Practice Magazine

National CNN Media Campaign

As a Litigator Award winner, attorney Pendergast was honored in a National CNN media campaign in which promos were aired across four of CNN’s most-watched shows, including “Anderson Cooper 360,” “Erin Burnett Up Front,” “Wolf Blitzer (Special)” and “CNN Prime News.”
» View the CNN Litigator Award press page

Better Business Bureau ‘A+’ Rated

Pendergast Law is a Better Business Bureau “A+” rated law firm. The bureau grades businesses based on 16 elements, including length of time in business, competency licensing and background information.
» Visit the Pendergast Law BBB page

Schedule Your Consultation With A Seattle Personal Injury Legal Team

Finding a Washington injury lawyer, let alone one who fully appreciates your time and situation, can be tricky process. At Pendergast Law, we, along with our invaluable support staff, are prepared to help you navigate your claim in the most efficient, understanding and advantageous way possible. To set up an appointment and free case evaluation, contact us at 888-539-9211. Se habla español.