Accident Report: I-405 Hit-And-Run Phantom Driver Accident

In August 2007 DT was traveling northbound on I-405 and had stopped for heavy traffic in front of him. While stopped, DT was unexpectedly struck from behind by MJ’s vehicle, which, according to witnesses, had been violently pushed into DT’s vehicle by a white Chevrolet van that fled the scene. Officer J.P. McAvliffe of the Washington State Patrol responded to the scene and upon investigation found that indeed a hit and run was the cause of the collision. Extensive damage was done to the rear of DT’s vehicle. The impact was so severe that DT’s steering column bent due to the force on DT’s upper body as he held the steering wheel.

DT was thrashed violently and jolted around the inside of the vehicle hitting against the interior components such as the headrest, dashboard, steering wheel, etc.. His head was snapped from side to side and then backwards. His upper body took the brunt of the impact causing severe injury to his right shoulder.

As a direct result of unknown driver’s negligence, DT sustained injuries to his neck, back, and shoulder. A summary of his injuries and treatment are outlined below.

Car Accident Victim's Injuries:

• Lumbosacral strain/sprain; lumbar subluxation
• Neck strain/sprain; cervical subluxation
• Thoracic sprain/strain; thoracic subluxation
• Shoulder SLAP lesion; shoulder infraspinatus; shoulder tendinosis
• Migraine eadaches

DT is a 50 year old man who enjoys spending time with his family and friends. Hobbies include long bow, sling-shot, snow-shoeing, gardening, and various other outdoor activities. Because of his injuries caused by a unidentified driver who caused the car accident, DT could not continue some or all of his normal activities.

Washington law provides that the drivers on the road have the duty to exercise ordinary care and avoid causing a collision. The phantom driver was negligent when he failed to be attentive while driving a vehicle, watch for traffic ahead, drive at a safe speed, and otherwise obey the rules of the road.

DT made an uninsured motorist claim against his own insurance company which was Grange Insurance. As is often the case, insurance companies are reluctant to pay out claims in which the at-fault driver cannot be clearly identified. DT hired Seattle car accident lawyer Chris Davis at the Davis Law Group to help him manage the claim and negotiate at fair and reasonable settlement with Grange Insurance.