Automobile Accident Resulting in Neck & Back Herniations

Description:

A drunk driver of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler caused a rear end collision to our client's vehicle, stopped in traffic. The crash occurred in daylight, clear and dry conditions and the drunk driver fled the scene after the impact. An independent witness identified the tag of the drunk driver's vehicle, also taking pictures of both the drunk driver's vehicle and the drunk driver himself. A 911 call alerted the authorities to the crash, the drunk driver fled the crash scene and shortly afterwards, the drunk driver was found and arrested, charged with Careless Driving, Leaving the scene without giving information, Driving Under The Influence and Causing Property Damage/Personal Injury. Our client, a 48-year-old female, had chief complaints of injury including neck and low back pain, underwent MRI studies and was diagnosed with a C4–5 disc herniation, a C6–7 disc herniation with nerve root impingement, an L4-5 disc herniation, and also an L5–S1 disc herniation. Our client did not have any Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage. The drunk driver and an automobile insurance agreement having Bodily Injury liability coverage of $100,000.00, without any other excess liability coverage or collectible assets known. After surgery, our client's medical bills totaled more than $150,000.00. The case resolved for the above policy limits of $100,000.00. After settlement, this office went the extra mile of reducing our client's outstanding medical bills, towards making sure all medical bills were paid off and to provide her the best net settlement proceeds possible. This is one of the rare cases when the drunk driver actually had insurance coverage, actually having higher insurance coverage or limits than typically seen.

The above case illustrates the importance of witnesses, photographs and the reminder to have Underinsured Motorist coverage, the highest limits affordable, to protect ourselves and our family.