A personal injury claim is usually a legal notice or demand for recovery for injury sustained by a third party. Injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident are usually documented by filing a claim with the insurance company representing the person or third party at fault. An attorney will file a lawsuit against the person or third party when their insurance company wrongfully delays or denies a legitimate claim. 

These PI claims can also be filed against self-insured third parties and local, state and federal agencies. Claims filed against state agencies must first file a tort claim before they can file a lawsuit. Lawsuits are filed in the county of the Superior Court in which the injury occurred. Personal injury claims involving workplace injuries are filed with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.