How much does it cost to hire John for a car accidents case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does John offer a free consultation?

John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

How long do car accidents cases in Washington typically take?

Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can John take my case if I'm outside Yakima?

John is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is John accepting new car accidents clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

John Stephen Kapuza, Car Accidents Attorney in Yakima, Washington

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Education, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews

Personal Injury AttorneyatKapuza Lighty, PLLC

Yakima, WA

Practicing car accidents in Yakima since 1996.

30+: Years practicing
4.5 ★: 12 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Car Accidents Education General Insurance Litigation Personal Injury +3 more →

Are you John Stephen Kapuza?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

John Stephen Kapuza is a personal injury attorney based in Yakima, WA. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Education, and General. John has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kapuza Lighty, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.

Based in: Yakima, WA
Experience: over 30 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Education · General

Handles Car Accidents, Education, and General matters from Yakima, WA.
Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by John Stephen Kapuza

John concentrates on car accidents, education, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in Yakima, Washington

John takes car accidents matters in Yakima, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Education cases in Yakima, Washington

John takes education matters in Yakima, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

General cases in Yakima, Washington

John takes general matters in Yakima, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Yakima, Washington

John takes insurance matters in Yakima, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Yakima, Washington

John takes litigation matters in Yakima, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

About John Stephen Kapuza — Over 30 years of Washington car accidents experience

For nearly three decades, John Kapuza has devoted his career to helping injured Washingtonians. As co-founder of Yakima’s Kapuza Lighty, PLLC, he draws on licenses in both Washington and Oregon and a strong academic foundation—dual majors from SUNY-Buffalo and Cum Laude honors from Thomas M. Cooley Law School—to guide clients through complex injury claims. His track record speaks volumes: multimillion-dollar recoveries for car, forklift, motorcycle, and semi-truck injuries. A member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100, John’s peers have honored him with Washington Law & Politics’ “Super Lawyer” title since 2019, Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating, and a spot in the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Outside the courtroom, you’ll find him on Washington’s rivers, in his workshop, or planning adventures with his wife Lisa, executive director of Wellness House. Together they champion community initiatives—from the Red Cross and YWCA to the Capitol Theatre and United Way—reflecting John’s belief that justice and compassion go hand in hand.

Working with John on a car accidents matter

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, education, and general matters in Yakima and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

John Stephen Kapuza's legal education and bar admissions

Thomas M. Cooley Law School
J.D. · 1995
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. · 1992

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

Oregon
2023 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2011 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
Washington
1996 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Thomas M. Cooley Law School and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of John Stephen Kapuza

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

John Stephen Kapuza's office in Yakima

John's primary office is at 3806 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA, 98902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kapuza Lighty, PLLC

3806 Tieton Drive

Yakima, WA 98902

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Client feedback

Client reviews of John Stephen Kapuza — 4.5/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in Yakima.

4.5

12 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Stephen Kapuza claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Stephen Kapuza — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in Yakima, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John Stephen Kapuza

How much does it cost to hire John for a car accidents case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in Washington typically take?
Simple car accidents matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Yakima?
John is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new car accidents clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Car Accidents attorneys serving Yakima, Seattle and Spokane in Washington

John handles car accidents matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in Yakima handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.