From Punk to Personal Injury Law: Building an Iron Mind & Navigating Risk with Joshua Brumley

Amber Stitt
Jun 17
3 min read

Navigating Life’s Unexpected Journeys: Lessons from Josh Brumley on Pathways with Amber Stitt

In a world where every pathway is different, it’s the unexpected turns that often shape who we become. On a recent episode of “Pathways with Amber Stitt,” listeners were treated to an enlightening and personal conversation with Josh Brumley, a Seattle-based personal injury attorney with a unique journey to law and an even more unique approach to supporting clients through difficult times.

From Punk Bands to the Legal Field

Josh’s pathway into the legal world wasn’t typical. Growing up with an entrepreneurial spirit, Josh was the kid selling candy to his friends and always expected to end up in business. But life had other plans. A pivotal moment came during his undergrad years, when Josh decided to seek out his estranged father — who happened to be a lawyer. That connection, though brief and complicated, became the catalyst for Josh pursuing law school.

“I didn’t expect to be a lawyer,” Josh reflects. “But at that pivotal time in my life, my father’s encouragement helped me push through and chase down something bigger.” Despite eventually completing law school and launching his own practice without continued parental support, Josh found his calling in helping victims of car accidents.

Lessons from the Red Ford Tempo

Amber led Josh down memory lane with the story of his first car — a red Ford Tempo. Josh reminisced about being the local chauffeur for his friend group, often overloading the tiny car with people eager for weekend bonfires. One night, a routine joyride turned into his first real encounter with law enforcement. Mistakenly accused by a police officer of various infractions he didn’t commit, Josh’s experience with the court system was frustrating and eye-opening.

The fallout from that incident, as Josh describes, was an introduction to how the legal system can sometimes misfire — and how vital it is to have someone knowledgeable on your side. It ignited his resolve to help people feel seen and heard during stressful events, be it a misunderstanding with law enforcement, or a car accident gone wrong.

Advice for Handling Car Accidents

Drawing on his experience, Josh offers clear, practical advice for anyone involved in a car accident:

Always Call the Police: Even minor accidents should be documented. Not only is this often legally required, but it also protects you if the other party tries to change their story later.
Take Photos—Of Everything: Don’t just snap your car’s damage. Photograph the other vehicle, license plates, the scene, and any relevant surroundings. These images can be invaluable, especially if there’s a dispute over fault.
Be Mindful of Social Media: Josh warns that anything you post online can be found—and used—by insurance companies. Even posts by your friends or family can be weaponized during a claim. “Don’t post all your life on social media if you’re engaged in a car accident case,” he cautions.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Delays in seeking treatment can give insurance companies grounds to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. Immediate medical records help support your claim and ensure your recovery is prioritized.

Building a Strong Support Team

Josh and Amber also emphasize the importance of assembling your own “team of experts,” whether it’s legal counsel, financial advisors, or tax professionals. Josh’s podcast, Iron Mind, grew out of his desire to make expert knowledge accessible to all—especially for those who find themselves suddenly responsible for navigating insurance and legal matters after an accident.

A Mission Rooted in Empathy and Education

Joshua Brumley’s authenticity shines through whether he’s advising accident victims or mentoring fellow attorneys. His message is clear: whatever your journey, arm yourself with knowledge and the right support system. Sometimes, the most meaningful growth comes from unexpected courses—like a punk musician turned lawyer using hard-earned lessons to help others reclaim control over their own lives.

To hear more insightful stories and gain practical tips, tune into “Pathways with Amber Stitt” and also check out Josh Brumley’s Iron Mind podcast. Your pathway might not be straight, but with the right guidance, you can make every turn count.