In November 2006 at approximately 5:45 p.m., ES was traveling southbound on Eastlake Avenue approaching the north end of the University Bridge in Seattle, Washington when she was unexpectedly struck head-on by JS , who was coming toward ES and went into a 180 degree slide, crossing over into the lane ES was driving in, crashing into the front of ES’s car. The Seattle Police Department responded to the scene. (See Exhibit 1)
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 JS’s negligence, ES sustained injuries to her head, neck, chest, arms, back, and associated body structures.
ES sustained the following injuries as a result of the accident:
- Cervical strain/sprain and spinal subluxations with tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion. Whiplash injury resulting in radicular symptoms, acceleration of spinal disc disease and ligamentous instability. Chest pain.
- 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.
- Sleep disturbances/fatigue
- Adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, Cognitive disorder, Post traumatic Stress Disorder, Pain disorder and Major depressive disorder.
ES is a 55 year old married woman who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. ES has worked as a teacher and taught a course on the History of Islamic Art at Evergreen Community College, Central Community College and for a Senior Center. She has also worked as a translator and interpreter.
ES did nothing to contribute to the cause of the crash and could do nothing to avoid the collision. ES has experienced, and continues to experience, a significant loss of enjoyment of life. She was healthy before the collision and since then is not as active as she was before. Working and interacting with her family and friends became extremely painful and impossible at times. Other recreational activities and regular routines were placed on hold while she struggled through her recovery. When returning to these activities, ES has acted with caution in an effort not to aggravate any of her injuries/symptoms.
ES sustained many injuries as a result of this accident, which severely disrupted her life. In order to ensure she was fairly compensated, ES hired Seattle personal injury attorney Chris Davis.
An accomplished car accident lawyer, Mr. Davis is the founder and principal attorney of Davis Law Group and has had great success negotiating with USAA Insurance for fair and just compensation on behalf of his clients.