Melissa D Carter

PRO

Melissa D Carter

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 26 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Insurance

333 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Melissa

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 75%

14 years

75%
Insurance 25%

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 10
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 20 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Massachusetts for 26 years

State: Massachusetts

Acquired: 1999

Administrative Suspension

No misconduct found

Location

Adler Giersch, PS

333 Taylor Avenue North, Seattle, WA, 98109

adlergiersch.com

Adler Giersch, PS

14710 SE 36th Street, Bellevue, WA, 98006

adlergiersch.com

Adler Giersch PS

4207 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA, 98203

adlergiersch.com

Adler Giersch PS

1111 West Meeker Street, Kent, WA, 98032

adlergiersch.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find Melissa online.

Melissa D Carter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

114 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2024 | Car Accidents

Rear Ended

Thinking I had nothing to claim a friend referred me to Adler Giersch, specifically to Melissa Carter. After her intake coordinator spoke with me, she told me Melissa would be calling me to discuss further. Melissa talked to me at length about my case and made recommendations - telling me she would... assist me step by step in dealing with the party at fault's insurance company. It was a process but the result was amazing! I could not believe it! I highly recommend Alder Giersch and Melissa Carter. They were professional and caring and I appreciated them greatly...any accident is profound in dealing with all the mess associated with it and their process was invaluable! Thank you! GR/Bellevue

Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Best Personal Injury Lawyer Ever

It was such a blessing to be working with Melissa during one of the roughest seasons of our life. To top that off it was also during the Covid Pandemic. She demonstrated exceptional qualities that gained our trust in a very short amount of time. Melissa and her team persevered and communicated effec...tively in expressing & arguing for our claim successfully. She was always on top of her calls, emails and texts, even after hours. Melissa is very knowledgeable in what she does and we really appreciated that she took the time to listen and really got to know us. I believe its a very unique quality as not only is she qualified to do the job but she has a deep understanding and passion of what she is practicing. I will always remember that she very much extended herself to make sure we were able to celebrate Christmas even when our hot water tank and roof was all leaking at the same time. She made sure that we were well taken care of. I highly recommend Melissa as she is honest, genuine and knowledgeable in the law. Melissa, we appreciate you.

Posted by Caitlin | April 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Car Accidents

Thank you!

From the moment I first contacted Melissa regarding my car accident case, it was clear that she was not only a highly skilled lawyer but also incredibly compassionate and dedicated. Melissa's attention to detail and straightforward approach were evident throughout the entire process. She took the tim...e to educate me on all aspects of my case, ensuring that I understood each step and felt comfortable with the process and appproach, as well as aware of all my options. What stood out most was Melissa's genuine concern for my well-being and the outcome of my case. Her kindness and generosity through years we worked together made me feel she truly cared about me as a person, not just as a client. This personal touch made a challenging time much easier to navigate. I am profoundly grateful for Melissa's expertise and empathy. She not only represented me legally but also supported me emotionally through a very difficult period. If you are looking for a lawyer who will treat your case with the utmost importance and care, I highly recommend Melissa.

Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

Excellent experience

Melissa provided exceptional legal support during our motor vehicle accident injury case, demonstrating professionalism and expertise from the outset. She guided us through dealing with insurance companies and the different rules. Melissa's attention to detail in handling our hospital bills, includin...g those in collections, was remarkable and alleviated any financial worries related to the accident. Her commitment to our well-being gave us confidence throughout the legal process. We highly recommend Melissa to anyone in need of legal assistance. Her professionalism, expertise, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for her clients make her a top choice for legal representation. We are grateful for Melissa's outstanding work and support during a challenging time, and we cannot thank her enough for her exceptional service. Sabrina, Melissa's paralegal, deserves praise for her outstanding support. She was always prompt in responding to our queries and provided us with regular updates on the progress of our case. Her efficiency and professionalism contributed significantly to the seamless experience we had with Melissa's legal team.

Posted by Catherine | February 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Personal Injury

Highly Recommend

Unfortunately, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident January of 2020. I had attempted to resolve the claim with the other carrier, however my ongoing injuries and prognosis made it clear I would need help resolving my claim. We had reached the statute and needed to file suit. Melissa did a gr...eat job of explaining the process, preparing me for my deposition and later the mediation with the other carrier and setting clear expectations regarding settlement. I felt that she truly listened to my concerns and was advocating on my behalf, not just trying to get a case off her desk or get me to accept an offer I didn't feel was fair. She paid attention to the information I provided and knew my case when discussing it with me or the mediator. She exceeded my expectations when it came to settlement and resolution of my liens with my PIP carrier and health insurance. I would recommend Melissa to my family, friends, and/or anyone seeking legal representation. Should I have misfortune of being in another motor vehicle accident, I will be calling Melissa to advise.

See All Client Reviews

Melissa D Carter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Stacia R Hofmann headshot
Stacia Hofmann

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Melissa Carter, a former colleague, is razor sharp at all stages of litigation. She is at home in a courtroom, presenting her cases in compelling, persuasive, and logical terms. Add Melissa’s skills as a trial attorney to her passion for helping her clients, and you get a dedicated, top-notch personal injury attorney. I endorse Melissa Carter."

Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

Personal injury lawyer | Oct 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Carter is a very experienced attorney that often contributes to complex areas of the law."

Jacob W Gent headshot
Jacob Gent

Unknown lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Co-worker

"Melissa is a tenacious advocate. She is committed to obtaining excellent results and truly cares for her clients and their needs. Melissa is knowledgeable, creative, accessible and compassionate."

Michael Graham headshot
Michael Graham

Unknown lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Melissa as a friend and fellow attorney for many years. She is dedicated to her work and her clients. Indeed, she taught me many things over the years as I started litigating. Her creativity, insight, and experience guarantee good results. I highly endorse Melissa. She's exactly the type of lawyer I would want if I ever needed one."

Gregory T Hixson headshot
Gregory Hixson

Personal injury lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have known Melissa for many years as a colleague and mentor. Melissa is an intelligent, quick witted and clever trial attorney that is passionate about advocating for her clients. I honestly believe Melissa is one of, if not the best, trial attorneys in the Seattle area. I strongly endorse Ms. Carter."

Angela R. Bagby headshot
Angela Bagby

Litigation lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I worked with Melissa for several years and observed her consistently obtain excellent results for her clients. Her knowledge of the legal issues is exceptional, and, more importantly, she is very skilled at advising clients, negotiating with opponents, and advocating for her clients in the courtroom. I recommend Melissa without hesitation."

Jeffrey Joseph Donchez headshot
Jeffrey Donchez

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Melissa Carter is an honorable lawyer and a worthy opponent. I am happy she is now doing plaintiff personal injury work. I would highly recommend her."

Scott Carness headshot
Scott Carness

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Melissa as a fellow-attorney for several years. She and I have worked together on a number of cases, and we have spoken at seminars together. Melissa is without question one of the most able, talented lawyers with whom I've had the pleasure of working, and would recommend her to anyone in need of legal counsel."

View All Endorsements
Elisabeth Ruff headshot
Elisabeth Ruff

Personal injury lawyer

Stacia R Hofmann headshot
Stacia Hofmann

Litigation lawyer

Jacob W Gent headshot
Jacob Gent

Personal injury lawyer

Raymond J Dearie JR headshot
Raymond Dearie

Personal injury lawyer

Gregory T Hixson headshot
Gregory Hixson

Construction and development lawyer

Angela R. Bagby headshot
Angela Bagby

Litigation lawyer

Jeffrey Joseph Donchez headshot
Jeffrey Donchez

Car accident lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Laywer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Laywer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

100 Best Companies to Work For, Seattle Business Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer Honoree, Washington Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer Honoree, Washington Super Lawyers

2013

Peer Review Rated AV, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Millon Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

1999

Public Interest Law Grant Fellow: JRI Health Law Institute, Suffolk University Public Interest Law Grant Fellow

1998

Public Interest Law Grant Fellow: JRI Health Law Institute, Suffolk University Public Interest Law Grant Fellow

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Managing Partner, Adler Giersch, PS

2009 - 2011

Senior Trial Attorney, Nationwide Insurance Trial Dvision (Seattle)

2004 - 2009

Attorney, Preg O'Donnell & Gillett, PLLC

2001 - 2004

Attorney, Zizik Powers O'Connell Spaulding & Lamontagne

Associations

2020 - Present

American Board of Trial Advocates

Member

2018 - Present

American Association for Justice, Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group

Member

2012 - Present

Washington State Association for Justice

Eagle Member

2012 - Present

Brain Injury Association of Washington

Member

2005 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2005 - 2011

Washington Defense Trial Lawyers

Member

2001 - 2004

Massachusetts Women's Bar Association

1999 - 2005

Massachusetts Bar Association

1999 - 2005

Boston Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

PTSD and Employment Disability

$350,000.00

Passenger in Drunk Driving Roll Over Collision

$1,700,000.00

Brain Injury from Trip and Fall Near Construction Site

$850,000.00

Car Surfing Fatality

$1,500,000.00 Settlement with Driver

Student vs. Seattle Private School

Confidential Settlement

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Following Rear End Collision

$1,100,000.00

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Certificate

2012

Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

Certificate

1999

Suffolk University Law School

Juris Doctor

1996

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Washington State Association for Justice Brain Injury Conference

Co-Chair Washington State Association for Justice Brain Injury Conference

2017

Washington State Association of Justice Brain Injury Conference

Multiple Traumatic Brain Injuries

2013

Whiplash, Spinal Trauma and the Personal Injury Case How Insurers Control All Aspects of the Personal Injury Case

2013

Navigating the Personal Injury Claim for Health Care Providers Personal Injury Claim Management for Health Care Providers

2013

Effectively Managing Your Personal Injury Cases from Start to Finish Managing Personal Injury Cases for Health Care Professionals

2012

Whiplash, Spinal Trauma, and the Personal Injury Case

Live Demonstration on Effectively Preparing and Presenting Chiropractic Testimony at Deposition

2012

Washington State Chiropractic Association Fall Conference

Documentation and Medical Records

2012

Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

Common Mistakes Plaintiff's Attorneys Make in the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Case

2012

Effectively Managing Your Personal Injury Cases, Insurers and Attorneys

How Insurers Attack Health Care Records and Deny Patient Claims

2011

ADR

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Arbitrations

2008

Pacific Claims Executive Association Annual Conference

Legal Implications and Electronic Data Recorders

2007

Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Put Your Best Foot Forward in Trial

2007

Fourth Annual Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Avoid Trial With Settlement Negotiations and Methods

2006

Third Annual Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Cover All the Bases in Pre-Trial Preparation

2006

Gaining the Best Settlement in Auto Injury Cases

Avoid Trial With Settlement Negotiations and Methods

Publications

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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