In October 2004 KC was traveling on 16th Avenue in Seattle, Washington. As she attempted her turn onto Emerson, she was hit by DF, whom had run the stop sign traveling westbound on Emerson. DF struck KC’s vehicle in a t-bone type impact. Seattle Police responded to the accident scene and upon investigation and noted DF’s negligence in their report.  

Upon impact, KC’s body was forcefully jolted and tossed around the inside of the vehicle. Her head was violently snapped from side to side and then thrown backwards in a whip-like like motion, bluntly striking against the headrest. In addition, KC’s body was slammed against the restraint of her seat belt. KC recalled observing DF approaching and attempted to brace for impact by ducking down and turning away from her window. Unfortunately these attempts placed her body in a precarious position at the time of impact and resulted in immediate injury.

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. KC did nothing to contribute to the cause of the crash and could do nothing to avoid the collision. As a direct result of DF’s negligence, KC sustained injuries to her neck, back, and associated body structures. A summary of her injuries and treatment are outlined below.

Injuries:
--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 and lumbar regions). Resultant acceleration of spinal disc disease and ligamentous instability. Disc protrusion present at T8-9.
--Headaches
--Sleep disturbances/fatigue
--Chest pain
--Pain in thoracic spine
--Lumbago

DF was negligent when he failed to obey posted stop signs and drive safely according to weather conditions. KC sought payment for damages that have been incurred as a result of the injuries she sustained in the collision. She hired car accident attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group to help her persue a claim against DF's insurance company, Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company.

*Initials are used to protect the identities of the parties involved.