In May 2005 at approximately 4:30 p.m., JS was traveling eastbound on Interstate 90. As she stopped for traffic, she was unexpectedly struck from behind by CL. The impact pushed JS's vehicle into the car ahead of her. Following the impact, the drivers examined the damage, exchanged insurance information and continued onto their respective destinations. The police were not summoned to the scene.
Substantial damage was done to the rear JS’s vehicle, clearly evidencing the force involved in this collision. With over $6,000 in estimated damage repair expenses, her vehicle was declared a “total loss” by her the insurance company.
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. CL was negligent when she failed to be attentive while driving her vehicle, watch for traffic and otherwise obey the rules of the road. As a direct result of negligence, JS sustained injuries to her neck, back, hip, and associated body structures.
A summary of JS's injuries are outlined below.
A summary of JS's injuries are outlined below.
- Cervical strain/sprain and subluxations with in tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion. Whiplash injury with resultant ligamentous instability and acceleration of spinal disc disease. MRI confirmed herniated cervical discs at C5-6 levels.
- Back strain/sprain and subluxations with tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion (thoracic and lumbar regions) resulting in ligamentous instability and acceleration of spinal disc disease Pain radiating down from low back into buttocks and legs
- Hip strain/sprain with pain, tenderness, radiating pain down leg, diminished, and decreased range of motion
- Chest wall contusion with pain, tenderness and discomfort with breathing and movement (most likely from impact – seat belt restraint)
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances/fatigue
JS is a 37 year old woman and mother to one younger daughter. She who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Hobbies include walking, working out (cardio and weightlifting) reading, music, movies, and outdoor activities.
JS experienced, and continues to experience, a significant loss of enjoyment of life. She was fairly healthy before the collision and since then has not as active as she was before. She must perform daily exercises at home just to manage/maintain her symptoms and avoid flare ups.
To help her negotiate a substantial claim with GEICO Insurance, JS hired car accident lawyer Chris Davis of Seattle-based Davis Law Group.
Mr. Davis is an award-winning personal injury lawyer who has experienced great success acquiring fair and reasonable settlements for his clients in the past.