Settlement for Driver in Out-of-State Car Accident – June 2017
Martin + Colin, P.C. announced today a settlement for a driver who suffered personal injuries during a car crash in the State of Missouri. The out-of-state car accident victim, a Washington Heights (Manhattan) resident, was the driver of a rented automobile. The injured New Yorker called us to discuss his claim, and whether he should hire an attorney from New York for an out-of-state car accident claim. After our discussion, our client chose our firm to represent him in his car accident case. We immediately set out to protect our injured client’s rights and obtain for him the financial compensation he deserved. Today, we are pleased to report that, within one year of the accident, we were able to secure the other vehicle’s entire insurance policy as a settlement for our client.
CAR ACCIDENT FACTS
One early morning in 2016, our client drove through Ferguson, Missouri to return his rented car to the local office of a national car rental corporation, and then catch a ride to the airport to come back home to New York City. Our client waited in the left hand lane, with his blinker on, waiting to turn left into the car rental return location. Suddenly and unexpectedly, another vehicle slammed into our client’s vehicle, completely destroying the rental vehicle and causing serious physical injuries to our client.
PHYSICAL INJURY AND MEDICAL TREATMENT FACTS
Our injured client went directly from the accident scene to St. Louis (Mo.) Medical Center by ambulance. His chief complaints at the hospital were pain in his head and back, and cuts to his face. An x-ray was performed at hospital, which showed no significant abnormalities. Our client was kept in the hospital overnight. Our injured client was discharged with instruction to follow up with an orthopedist if his pain did not improve or if he experienced an increase in symptoms.
ORTHOPEDIC FACTS
As our injured client experienced persistent pain, he consulted with an orthopedist and a pain management specialist. He also received physical therapy. His complaints included: 1) aching, decreased range of motion, pain, spasms, and weakness of the lower back; and 2) severe headaches.
The orthopedic surgeon diagnosed lumbar strain, recommended modification of activities, heat treatment for the back, and an MRI of the lower spine region.
MRI IMAGING FACTS
Our injured client had an MRI and went for a follow up visit with the orthopedist to discuss the results. The MRI revealed a herniated disc.
PHYSICAL RECOVERY FACTS
Our injured client followed up with the orthopedist and continued physical therapy. Although his face and head injuries received during the car crash went away, the client continued to complain of pain to his back.
DAMAGES SUMMARY
Our client was transported to the hospital by ambulance from the scene of the accident. In addition, he continued to treat for severe pain in his back. Our client never fully recovered from the accident. However, the only asset the other driver owned was a minimal liability insurance policy.
SETTLEMENT
Based on the above, it was our position that our injured out-of-state car accident client was entitled to substantial money damages for his pain and suffering, which continue to the present day. The other driver only had a minimum insurance policy. Our injured client desired a fast settlement of the claim. He instructed the injury lawyers at Martin + Colin, P.C. to obtain the best result possible very quickly. In this situation, the best possible result was the entire policy. Within three months of the accident, we were able to settle the case to the satisfaction of the client.
