Upon impact, AI's body was forcefully jolted and tossed around the inside of the vehicle. Her head was violently whipped forward and then snapped backwards in a whiplash like motion. In addition, her body was slammed against the restraint of her seat belt.
Washington law provides that the drivers on the road have the duty to exercise ordinary care and avoid causing a collision. See RCW 46.61.445 and Washington Pattern Jury Instruction (WPI) 70.01
As a direct result of TH's negligence, AI sustained injuries to her neck, back, and associated body structures in the car accident. A summary of their injuries and treatment is outlined below:
Injuries:
- Cervical strain/sprain and spinal subluxations with tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion. Whiplash injury resulting in acceleration of spinal disc disease and ligamentous instability.
- Back strain/sprain and spinal subluxations with tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion (thoracic and lumbar regions). Resultant acceleration of spinal disc disease and ligamentous instability.
- Shoulder contusion with pain, tenderness and limited range of motion
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances/fatigue
At the time of the collision, AI was 13 years old. She attended public middle school and played tennis during her sophomore year. She also enjoyed going to movies and hanging out with friends. AI is now 18 years old and plans to begin school at Bellevue College this fall. AI had no liability for causing this collision and was a passenger. She suffered injuries that have been clearly documented in the medical records.
She was very healthy before the collision and since then has not as active as she was before. Some of the activities AI was unable to participate in following the collision were soccer, dance, cheerleading, swimming, and tennis. AI still experiences low back pain which interferes with sleep.
In order to help her negotiate a fair settlement, AI hired Seattle personal injury lawyer Chris Davis.
Mr. Davis is the founder and principal attorney at Seattle-based Davis Law Group, and has experienced considerable success acquiring reasonable settlements from Allstate Insurance on behalf of people who have been injured in car accidents in the past.