In February 2007 R.B. was traveling southbound on State Route 167 near Sumner, Washington. As he was stopped in traffic, he was unexpectedly struck from behind by Safeco customer A.B. The impact pushed his vehicle into the car ahead of him and began a chain reaction, involving a total of 4 vehicles. It is estimated that A.B. was traveling at highway speeds when she collided into the back of R.B.’s vehicle. Washington State Patrol responded to the scene and upon investigation cited A.B. for “speed too fast”.
Substantial damage was done to R.B.’s vehicle, clearly documenting the force involved in the collision. Upon each impact, R.B.’s body was violently jolted and tossed around the inside of the vehicle hitting against the interior components. His head was thrown backwards and then snapped forward in a whiplash like motion, bluntly striking against the seat/headrest of the vehicle. Additionally, R.B.’s body was slammed against the chest restraint of his seat belt. He sustained injuries to his neck and back.
A summary of his injuries and treatment are outlined below.
• Cervical strain/sprain with in tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion. Whiplash injury with resultant ligamentous instability and acceleration of spinal disc disease.• Back strain with tenderness, pain, muscle spasms/soreness/tightness (thoracic and lumbar regions) resulting in ligamentous instability and acceleration of spinal disc disease.
• Knee contusion with pain and discomfort (from striking against interior of vehicle during impact)
Diagnosis – 924.1
• Elbow contusion with pain and discomfort (from striking against interior of vehicle during impact)
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances/fatigue
R.A. hired Seattle motor vehicle accident attorney Chris Davis the Davis Law Group to manage the insurance claim, settlement negotiations with Safeco and subsequent lawsuit.
*Initials rather than names are used to protect the identity of the parties.