Insurance-Side Experience
J.D. has worked inside the insurance industry and knows the tactics insurers use to reduce or deny valid claims.
About J.D. Smith
Experience From Both Sides of the Claim.
J.D. Smith brings more than two decades of experience helping injured people recover after serious accidents. Before representing injury victims, he worked as an insurance claims adjuster, underwriter, and defense attorney — giving him a rare, practical understanding of how insurance companies evaluate, delay, and defend claims.
Why Clients Choose J.D. Smith
Built to Take on Insurance Companies — And Win for You.
After a rideshare accident or serious injury, you need more than a quick answer. You need a lawyer who can explain the process clearly, protect the value of your claim, and push back when insurers try to minimize what happened.
Personal Attention
The firm is selective about the cases it takes, so each client receives focused attention and a strategy built around their situation.
Trial-Ready Preparation
Every case is prepared as if it may need to go to trial, giving insurers a clear reason to take the claim seriously.
Results-Driven Advocacy
J.D. has recovered millions for injured people across Washington and works to help clients move forward with confidence.
The People Behind the Work
Our Team
Tonja Smith, M.A.
Office Manager · Intake Specialist · Pre-Litigation Paralegal
Tonja Smith, M.A. serves as the firm’s Office Manager, Intake Specialist, and Pre-Litigation Paralegal, bringing extensive experience in legal support, case intake, litigation administration, and client communication.
Her background includes years of work in the legal and mortgage banking fields, with experience involving litigation, foreclosure, bankruptcy, mortgage servicing, legal research, legal documents, and court-related matters. She has also held senior paralegal roles where she supervised and trained legal staff, managed confidential information, assisted with project implementation, and helped coordinate employee and client communications.
Tonja holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management/Human Resources, a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a Paralegal Certification, and additional human resources training. Her combination of legal, administrative, and HR experience helps support the firm’s intake process and day-to-day operations with professionalism, organization, and care.
Jocelyn Gil
Litigation Paralegal
Jocelyn Gil is a paralegal with more than a decade of experience in tort litigation. She assists with every stage of a case, from gathering records and organizing evidence to supporting attorneys as they prepare claims for resolution or trial. Her experience, attention to detail, and steady approach help keep cases moving while ensuring clients feel informed throughout the legal process.
Jocelyn is known for providing attentive, compassionate guidance to clients during what can be a difficult and unfamiliar time. She takes pride in being someone clients can rely on for patience, clarity, and consistent support. Outside the office, Jocelyn enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and connecting with nature on her morning walks.
Insurance companies have teams protecting their bottom line. Injured people deserve someone just as prepared on their side.
J.D. Smith · Founder, Law Office of J.D. Smith
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Injury Cases Does J.D. Smith Handle?
J.D. Smith represents injured people in Washington, including <a class="internal-link" href="/practice-areas">rideshare accident victims</a>, bicyclists, pedestrians, dog bite victims, and others hurt because someone else failed to act safely.
Why Does Insurance Experience Matter?
Because insurers do not evaluate claims the same way injured people do. J.D.’s background as a claims adjuster, underwriter, and defense attorney helps him understand how insurers look for weaknesses — and how to build stronger claims from the start.
What Should I Bring to a Free Case Review?
Bring anything you have: photos, police reports, medical records, insurance letters, witness information, rideshare app screenshots, or emails from the insurance company. If you do not have everything yet, that is okay.
What Should I Prepare Before My First Meeting?
During your initial consultation, we’ll learn about your situation, explain how we can help, and outline what to expect. If we’re not the right match, we’ll point you toward alternative resources that can help.
How Do Attorney Fees Work?
Injury cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. The details can be explained clearly during your free consultation.
