Monty Dodge, who was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision in Sumner, Washington on November 10, 2020, has received an $850,000 settlement after years of litigation. The outcome followed initial offers from insurance companies totaling less than $25,000 for his permanent neck injury.
The collision occurred when Dodge, driving down a steep hill in rainy conditions, successfully stopped to avoid hitting traffic ahead. Moments later, his vehicle was rear-ended with tremendous force by a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser, which pushed his car into the vehicle in front of him. While Dodge had undergone cervical disc replacement surgery years earlier following a separate accident and had fully recovered, the 2020 collision caused a new injury to a different part of his neck, resulting in a diagnosis of permanent facet joint injury.
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 his symptoms were related to the prior accident. Their initial offer was $13,078. Herschensohn Law, which specializes in car accident claims and litigation with offices throughout Washington State, filed a lawsuit on Dodge's behalf and demanded the full policy limits. The firm also pursued a claim against Dodge's own insurance company under his underinsured motorist coverage for damages exceeding the $100,000 available from the at-fault driver.
After years of delay tactics and two years of litigation, the FJ Cruiser's insurer ultimately tendered the full $100,000 policy limits. However, Dodge's own insurer then offered an unreasonably low settlement of $11,000. Recognizing the need for additional resources, Herschensohn Law partnered with trial attorney Joe Pipinich, who has earned a reputation for securing substantial verdicts for injury victims. After continued litigation, Dodge's insurer agreed to a settlement of $750,000, bringing the total recovery to $850,000.
This outcome is particularly significant given Dodge's modest medical expenses of $38,000. Insurance companies frequently undervalue claims based on medical bills alone, ignoring the lasting impact of permanent injuries. In Dodge's case, treatment options were palliative, consisting primarily of radiofrequency ablations to manage symptoms. Despite limited treatment, the legal team demonstrated the profound and permanent nature of his injuries. The settlement illustrates how persistent legal advocacy can overcome insurance company tactics that minimize compensation for permanent injuries, ensuring victims receive fair compensation that reflects the true long-term impact of their injuries rather than just immediate medical costs.
