Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
Michael John Tario
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Michael
Biography
I have been practicing law for over 40 years. My legal team and I have represented over 6,000 injured clients and recovered an estimated $600 million for those harmed through no fault of their own. I have negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements, but where settlement was not possible, I have taken hundreds of cases to trial; fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of my clients. My practice is focused on personal injury cases involving negligence: auto accidents, pedestrian accidents, other accident cases, wrongful death.
It would be impossible for me to list every case that I have successfully negotiated or taken to trial and won since 1979, but the cases listed in my profile provide some examples. Most injury cases are settled out of court because eventually I am able to get the insurance company to agree to pay my injured client fair compensation. Note that most of my biggest personal injury cases can't be listed on this website because commonly, with a very large settlement, the insurance company requires that the settlement remain "confidential." My clients get the money they deserve, but neither the law firm nor the client are allowed to discuss the terms or amount of the settlement with anyone.
Since the beginning of my career, I have always fought hard to protect my clients' rights. If you have an attorney who has not regularly fought the insurance companies in court, or an attorney who is afraid to go to trial and settles for whatever the insurance company offers, then you will definitely not be able to achieve the best possible result on your personal injury case. If the insurance company knows that your attorney is inexperienced, has no trial experience, or has not earned a reputation of knowing how to win a case in court; you will be greatly disadvantaged.
All attorneys are not the same! One thing that has always bothered me is that the general public has no way of knowing just how competent their attorney really is before hiring them. People often just don't know if their attorney has ever taken a case to trial and if the attorney can get the job done properly. It is a mistake to assume that if a person has gone to law school and has passed the bar exam that they will be able to competently represent you. Some attorneys are very competent and some are average, and some are less than average. You should be very careful when hiring an attorney. The skill, experience, and ability of your attorney matters very much.
You can learn more about me by looking at my personal profile on my firm's website or by reading reviews left by my clients. Remember: Any attorney can spend a ton of money on advertising or say how good they are. I can show you what I have actually done in and out of court over the last four plus decades. No attorney can "win" every case; some cases will always end up better than others. No attorney will ever make 100% of their clients happy 100% of the time either, but I am proud of my record of success and achievements over the last 40+ years practicing law. Thanks for listening to some of my thoughts.
With over 40 years of proven results successfully representing thousands of clients, negotiating thousands of out-of-court settlements and bringing hundreds of cases to trial; I'm the personal injury attorney you want on your side. Call us today: 360-524-6586.
Myself and my legal team have represented over 6,000 injured persons over the course of 40 years, recovering over $600 million in damages. I have the know-how and the staff to help you get the settlement you deserve.
We've been helping people injured in car accidents fight for the settlement they deserve for over 40 years. We support and keep our clients informed through every step of the process so they can focus on recovery.
Losing a loved one in a wrongful death situation is incredibly difficult. We have been supporting family members through wrongful death claims for over 40 years. Don't leave yourself wondering how you will care for your family financially.
Brain injuries can be devastating, leading to terrible symptoms and a loss of financial security. Tario is #1 in Bellingham for experience and proven client satisfaction - contact us today to discuss your claim.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Car Accident
30%
46 years | 2,500 cases
Personal Injury
20%
46 years | 3,000 cases
Wrongful Death
15%
46 years | 150 cases
Spinal Cord Injury
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
33%-40%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 45 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Tario & Associates, P.S.
(360) 733-7092
Fax
119 N. Commercial St., Bellingham Towers, #1000, Bellingham, WA, 98225
tariolaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael John Tario's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 33 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Michelle | October 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best
Two and a half years ago I found myself sitting in a hotel room in Seattle in the middle of the night, researching personal injury lawyers, while my husband was in Harborview getting care after his motorcycle accident. I had never needed a lawyer before so I was at a complete loss. I just knew I nee...
Posted by Katie H. | September 19, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Above and beyond!
I found Tario & Associates here on Avvo, and it was one of the best decisions I have made. We just finished a car accident case that took 4 years, but would have taken 10 years if it wasn't for Mr. Tario, Sandy, and their entire hardworking team. They kept me well informed of updates on the case, and...
Posted by Linda Butler | March 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review
Mr. Tario has been a wonderful attorney for us. I was in an awful accident and he came to my rescue. Mr. Tario took care of all my needs and settled my case to my great satisfaction! I highly recommend Mr. Tario as an honest, hard-working attorney. Right now, here I am again at his office due to ...
Posted by Courtney | December 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Awesome
My Lawyer went above and beyond and I couldn't have asked for a better one! I appreciate all he did and his team!
Posted by Melanie | December 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Personal Injury Expert
Mr. Tario was spot on with his advice and guidance regarding a tragic accident that happened to my family. He was always available to answer questions. He handled my case with professionalism and candor. Anyone choosing Mr. Tario would be best served.
Michael John Tario's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michael is a gifted trial attorney, and consistently achieves excellent results for his clients. He does not back down, and will not settle a case for less than its full value. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys know that he is a formidable adversary, and his results reflect that reputation and speak for themselves. I wholeheartedly endorse Michael Tario."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Tario converts compassion into effective representation. Each person is important to him and he has the proven knowledge and skill to strategically handle their case. I strongly support Mr. Tario."
"I endorse this lawyer. Tario is a lawyer's lawyer! He is head and shoulders above the majority of lawyers. In my 23 years of legal practice I have worked with many lawyers. Tario is the best lawyer I have ever worked with. He always puts his client's interest first. And he is always forthright and honest with his clients; therefore, they are empowered to make competent decisions in their own best interests. He is the kind of lawyer Abe Lincoln would endorse. He is an honest lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A talented trial attorney, Michael’s clients benefit enormously from his more than three decades of successful advocacy. Over the years, Michael has built a reputation as one of Whatcom County’s best and most successful trial attorneys. Michael’s clients can expect him to fight hard for them and consistently deliver top results."
"Michael Tario sets the standard for litigators in Whatcom County. Not only is he one of the most experienced attorneys in the area, but also one of the most respected. Having had the opportunity to watch his commitment and advocacy for his clients, it is not hard to see why his clients have nothing but positive things to say after working with him."
"Simply one of the best lawyers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I have known and worked with Mr. Tario for over 20 years on various types of cases mostly criminal defense and personal injury. In my opinion, Mr. Tario has achieved results far superior to most any other attorney practicing in Whatcom County. His long list of success and achievements speak for themselves. I highly recommend Michael Tario to represent you on a criminal case or to represent you on any personal injury matter."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael Tario fights for his clients and protects their rights. Whether he is defending a client in a criminal matter or helping a client who has been injured he approaches each case with common sense and strong legal advocacy."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael Tario has been practicing criminal and personal injury law in Whatcom County for 30 years. He does an excellent job of representing his clients and takes on difficult cases. He is an experienced and skillful trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. After graduation from law school, I went to work for the Whatcom Co. Prosecutor's office where I handled a variety of criminal cases. I had the honor of trying cases against and Mr. Tario and also had the opportunity to observe him in trial. I can state unequivocally the Mr.Tario is an exemplary attorney and always obtains excellent results to his clients. Mr.Tario also has a large personal injury practice which he approaches with the same dedication as his criminal practice. Mr.Tario was not only an inspirational mentor, I consider him a very close friend."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is one of the most excellent personal injury attorneys I know, and the #1 attorney I refer clients to when they need a top notch personal injury attorney. He is an excellent trial attorney, and is responsible for many of the top trial verdicts in town. He is also the person I go to with questions relating to my own practice. I trust his experience and judgment absolutely."
"I'm honored to endorse Michael Tario. He has practiced law in Whatcom County for decades, and is known to be a highly effective jury trial litigator. Indeed, I sought Mr. Tario as co-counsel for a client facing Vehicular Homicide charges. Mr. Tario was my first choice because of his vast experience litigating these same charges in Whatcom County. Together, we provided excellent service to our client and secured a favorable resolution. Mr. Tario also handled the insurance matters surrounding this case. I highly recommend Mr. Tario for representation on high-level criminal defense charges. You won't regret it!"
Benjamin Pepper
Personal injury lawyer
Rita Amer
Personal injury lawyer
Leah DiOrio
Family lawyer
Richard Platte
Personal injury lawyer
Mark Muenster
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Wolle
Family lawyer
Laurie Magan
Family lawyer
Christina King
Family lawyer
Joel Matteson
Personal injury lawyer
Thomas Fryer
Criminal defense lawyer
Alexander Ransom
Criminal defense lawyer
Paula McCandlis
Family lawyer
Nancy Berg
Family lawyer
Michael Mazon
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
BV Distinguished Attorney for 25+ Years, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Superb Rating - Since 2017, AVVO
2024
Top 100 Trial Lawyers - Since 2017, National Trial Lawyers Association
2024
Client Champion Award - Since 1997, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Acheivement, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2016
Distinguished Lawyer Designation, Expert Network
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Highest-Ranking Law Offices, Bellingham Business Journal
2013
Very High Legal Ability Distinguished for Fifteen Years, Lexis Nexis
2013
Top Lawyers in Washington, The Legal Network
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
2007
Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You, Bellingham Business Journal
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1980 - Present
Owner, Tario & Associates P.S.
1900 - Present
Member, Tario & Associates, P.S.
1982 - 1983
Judge ProTem - Part time, Whatcom County District Court
1977 - 1979
Legislative & Statute Analyst, Washington State Counsel on Crime and Deliquency
Associations
2013 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationTop 100 Trial Lawyers
2010 - Present
The Million Dollar Advocates ForumMember
1986 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysFounding Member
1981 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
1980 - Present
Washington State Association for JusticeMember
1980 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
1980 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
1980 - Present
American Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1980 - Present
Federal Bar Association Western District WashingtonMember
1994 - 1996
Law Advocates - Whatcom CountyBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
John Zweber vs. State Farm Insurance Co. No. 10-2-00335-8
Jury Verdict $1,300,000.00
Tidiman vs. Allstate Insurance Company No. 08-2-0153-3
Jury Verdict $300,375.00
Rogers vs The Fairhaven Pub & Martini Bar
Defense Verdict
Michael Montes vs State Farm Insurance Co
Damage Award of $1,071,064.10
Education
1979
University of Puget Sound School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1976
University of Wisconsin, Superior
MA - Masters - Honors
1975
University of Minnesota, Duluth
BA - Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude
Speaking Engagements
2004
O'Reilly Factor - No Spin Zone - Bill O'Reilly - Fox News
Privacy and Eavesdropping
2004
National Public Radio
The Fourth Amendment and Privacy Interests
1985
Criminal Defense Seminar
Jury Selection
Publications
1984
People Magazine - Interview
Alaska Fishing Boat Murders
Languages
English
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
I got a DUI, my bac is .09. Is there any chance that my charges will be reduced or perhaps be dropped? This is my first offense.
31 Dec 2013
Q&A
What can i be charged with if i left my car in a ditch?
30 Sep 2010
Q&A
What happens when you are on probation and get a summons
24 Sep 2010