Seattle Crash Victims Deserve Lawyers Who Don’t Back Down
“My husband and I had no idea where to start when we were involved in a car crash that was not our fault. Cole and Loren were professional and very responsive. They always had our best interest at hand and we were thrilled with the outcome!”
— Jennie, 5-Star Review
Cole Douglas is an attorney who thrives on competition and brings the same energy to his trial practice. But he also recognizes that clients come to him at the lowest point of their lives. His approach balances courtroom intensity with genuine empathy. During depositions, Cole helps clients tell their stories with power.
“Think of your experiences as paint colors. The more colors you provide, the more vivid the picture we can create for the jury.” — Cole Douglas
Before becoming a trial lawyer, Loren Cochran worked as a journalist. His background in television news sharpened his ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively. These are skills he now uses in front of judges and juries for the benefit of clients in tough situations. Loren is also a frequent lecturer to other attorneys, always reminding his peers that behind every case is a person facing one of the worst moments of their life.
Tiffany Wilke has been an active trial lawyer her entire career. A former Division I soccer player, she brings unmatched competitiveness and discipline to every case. Her dedication to clients mirrors her commitment on the field: focused, relentless, and goal-driven. When you choose to work with Cochran Douglas, you can be certain that you have an advocate who is determined to achieve justice for you and your family.
Reach out today to discuss your rights under Washington law.
If you’ve been hurt in a Seattle car accident, the clock is already ticking. Washington law gives you just three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Miss that deadline, and you could lose your right to pursue compensation altogether, no matter how strong your case is.
Insurance companies know this, and they often stall or delay in hopes you’ll run out of time. That’s why it’s critical to act now. The sooner our attorneys can investigate your accident, preserve evidence, and interview witnesses, the stronger your case will be.
At Cochran Douglas, we are trial lawyers who prepare every case as if it will go to court. Don’t let an insurance company’s tactics or Washington’s statute of limitations cost you your future.
"I can't recommend Cochran Douglas enough. They assisted me in a car accident settlement and I'm so grateful to have found them. They were incredibly on top of my case and they helped me reach a larger settlement than anticipated." — Savannah, 5-Star Review
Beyond the freeways, certain streets in Seattle are especially hazardous:
This is the site of many fatal high-speed crashes, especially when drivers detour off I-5. Narrow lanes and heavy truck traffic make this corridor treacherous.
Residents have repeatedly called for safety improvements after frequent rear-end and T-bone collisions. Limited crosswalks and poor visibility have made this stretch dangerous for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
In 2023, two people were killed in crashes on Aurora, and at least 160 more were injured, with 15 suffering serious, long-term injuries. Despite some crosswalk and sidewalk upgrades, important safety initiatives have stalled. Aurora is still a high-speed, multi-lane corridor with limited safety infrastructure.
Rainier Avenue South has become increasingly dangerous, with residents reporting weekly crashes into homes, cars, and property. Longtime neighbors say drivers routinely ignore the 25 mph limit, often using the center lane as a passing lane. Families have endured multiple collisions, including cars flipping into homes and crashing through fences, garages, and even living rooms.
Anyone who has lived in Seattle knows that rain is part of the landscape and a serious driving hazard. Wet pavement, aging vehicles, and sudden stops in traffic create a perfect storm for rear-end collisions.
We’ve seen countless cases where drivers skidded into stopped cars because of:
These are not “minor” fender-benders. Rear-end crashes often cause whiplash, herniated discs, and long-term injuries. Our attorneys know how to show the full impact of these accidents, so insurance companies take them seriously.
Whether your crash happened on I-5, Aurora Avenue, or a quiet neighborhood street, what matters most is building a case that clearly shows who was at fault. At Cochran Douglas, we don’t leave that to chance. We gather every piece of evidence available to strengthen your claim.
Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and investigators to uncover the full story behind your accident. From traffic camera footage and black box data to witness statements and medical records, we know how to put the puzzle together in a way insurance companies and juries can’t ignore.
Don’t let uncertainty about fault stop you from pursuing the compensation you deserve. Even if you think you might share some responsibility, Washington’s laws still allow you to recover damages.
Call us today for a free consultation and let us start proving your case.
"I highly recommend Cochran Douglas Attorneys at Law to anyone seeking legal representation. Their expertise, communication, and dedication to achieving favorable outcomes make them a standout choice in the legal field." — Alexander, 5-Star Review
Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. If you were 20% responsible, you could still collect 80% of damages.
Never assume fault, and never tell an insurance adjuster you think you caused the accident. Talk to us first. Our attorneys investigate thoroughly to uncover the full truth, often proving the other driver was primarily to blame.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers often try to:
Because Cochran Douglas prepares cases for trial, insurers know weak defenses won’t hold up in court.
The difference between a fair settlement and a denied claim often comes down to how well the truth is proven and how clearly it’s presented. At Cochran Douglas, our attorneys excel at both.
We don’t just gather evidence; we build cases that resonate with juries. From accident reconstruction and expert medical testimony to digital records and eyewitness accounts, we piece together every fact until the truth is undeniable. Then we use storytelling, clear communication, and trial experience to make sure that truth is understood in the courtroom.
Insurance companies know our reputation: when we take a case to trial, we win by showing the jury the full human impact of an accident. That’s why they often settle before ever stepping into court.
If you want attorneys who can uncover the truth and make it matter, call us today for a free consultation.
"Cole and team, are absolutely amazing! Cole took on a case that was unique and gave it his all to help me feel supported, important and justified. He allowed me to confide in him in times I felt defeated emotionally and helped build my confidence. Thank you all so much. You’ve truly made a positive impact on my life." — Rebecca, 5-Star Review
When crashes cause fatalities, surviving families face devastating financial and emotional consequences. Washington law allows families to file wrongful death claims, but the process is complex. Our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar wrongful death settlements and approach these cases with both compassion and aggressive representation.
In Washington State, you have three years from the date of the person's death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Reach out today so we can begin the process of gathering evidence, building your case, and helping you and your loved ones recover.
We know car accidents raise a lot of concerns, from timelines to insurance issues. The answers below are meant to give you a frame of reference so you know what to expect. But every case is different, and nothing can replace advice from an experienced attorney who knows your situation. For guidance tailored to your case, we encourage you to contact our office for a free consultation.
A: The statute of limitations in Washington is three years from the date of the accident. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence, secure witness statements, and strengthen your claim from the start.
A: No. Insurance adjusters may sound friendly, but they are trained to minimize payouts and protect the company’s bottom line. Even casual comments can be twisted to suggest you weren’t badly hurt or were partly at fault. It’s safer to let your attorney handle all communication from day one.
A: You still have options. Many policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which can provide critical benefits when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Unfortunately, insurers sometimes wrongfully deny these claims. Our attorneys know how to push back and make sure you get the coverage you’ve already paid for.
A: Every case is unique. The value depends on factors like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and the long-term impact of your injuries. Some damages (such as pain, suffering, or reduced quality of life) are harder to measure but just as important. Our firm works to ensure every loss is fully documented and pursued.
A: Washington follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you share some of the blame. For example, if you were found 30% responsible, you could still collect 70% of your compensation. The key is not to assume fault and never admit it to an insurance adjuster. Let us investigate and determine where the responsibility truly lies.
A: Some cases settle in a matter of months, while others require more time if they involve serious injuries, disputed liability, or a trial. While no attorney can guarantee a timeline, our team works efficiently to push your case forward while also refusing to settle for less than you deserve.
Seattle is a booming tech hub and one of the most expensive cities in the country. For local residents, the setbacks from a car accident can be overwhelming as medical bills and a reduced capacity to work take their toll. At Cochran Douglas, we understand these challenges, and we fight to secure the compensation Seattle families need to move forward.
Medical expenses and therapy bills
Lost wages and future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Property damage and vehicle replacement
Loss of companionship or enjoyment of life
Our personal injury attorneys have collected numerous honors and belong to noted professional organizations, ensuring they stay current with the ever-changing legal landscape. Among our honors and professional affiliations:
Request a free consultation with our practice by contacting us online or by calling (253) 472-7777. We can meet at a location and time convenient for you, including nights and weekends.
