Accident Report: Everett 4-way Stop Accident

In September 2005 DC was traveling in Everett returning from taking her brother to work when she was unexpectedly hit by LH. LH pulled away from a stop sign/intersection and crashed into the side of DC’s vehicle as they passed by, which in the middle of the intersection at point of impact. As soon as DC realized LH was entering the intersection illegally, she attempted to break and swerve to avoid the collision, but was unsuccessful in her evasive maneuvers. LH’s left front fender struck DC’s right front fender. Everett Police responded to the accident and completed a report.

A tremendous amount of damage was done to the front right bumper and quarter panel of DC’s 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier with repairs exceeding $3,700. Subsequently the insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss.

During the impact of the car accident DC’s body was forcefully jolted and her head was violently whipped from side to side and then snapped backwards in a whip-like motion (whiplash), bluntly striking against the headrest. As a direct result of your LH’s negligence, DC sustained injuries to her neck, shoulder, back, and associated body structures. She suffered serious injuries including:
• 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 regions). Resultant acceleration of spinal disc disease and ligamentous instability.
• Shoulder (left and right) strain with pain, tenderness, muscle spasm, and limited range of motion.
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances/fatigue

DC did nothing to contribute to the cause of the crash and could do nothing to avoid the collision. LH was negligent when she failed to yield to traffic as she entered the intersection. 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.

DC is a 20 year old woman who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. DC is a very actively involved in the equestrian field working with her horse daily with riding, training, grooming, feeding, etc. Other hobbies include basketball, tennis and spending time outdoors. Due to her injuries she could not enjoy her normal activity level.

DC tried negotiating with her insurance company, Liberty Northwest, on her own but found working with the insurance adjustors very frustrating. And managing an insurance claim while trying to recover from her injuries was very difficult. So, DC hired car accident attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group to manage her settlement negotiations.