I-5 Talking On A Cell Phone While Driving and DUI Accident

Accident Report: I-5 Talking On A Cell Phone While Driving and DUI Accident

R.A. is a 32 year old married woman who enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Hobbies include walking her dogs, skiing, hiking, gardening, reading, music, movies, and outdoor activities. She and her husband are expecting their first child. On December 23, 2007 R.A. was riding with her husband, J.S., traveling northbound on Interstate 5. As they were stopped in traffic, they were unexpectedly struck from behind by S.Y. They had previously passed S.Y. on the highway and noted her swerving in and out of traffic talking on her cell phone. Independent witnesses reported the same behavior to the responded officer. Washington State Patrol responded to the scene and upon investigation cited S.Y. for DUI. Substantial damage was done to the vehicle R.A. was riding in, clearly documenting the force and impact between the two vehicles.

Upon impact, R.A.’s body was violently jolted and tossed around the inside of the vehicle. Her head was thrown forward and then snapped backwards in a whiplash like motion, bluntly striking against the seat/headrest of the vehicle. Additionally, R.A’s body was slammed against the restrain of her seat belt.

As a direct result of S.Y.’s negligence, R.A. sustained injuries to her neck, back, shoulder, and associated body structures. A summary of her injuries and treatment 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, acceleration of spinal disc disease, and radicular symptoms
• Back strain/sprain and subluxations with tenderness, pain, muscle spasms, soreness, tightness, and decreased range of motion (thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum regions) with resultant ligamentous instability and acceleration of spinal disc disease.
• Shoulder pain with tenderness, muscle spasms, and radicular symptoms into arms
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbances/fatigue

R.A. hired Seattle car accident attorney Chris Davis the Davis Law Group to manage the insurance claim and subsequent lawsuit.

*Initials rather than names are used to protect the identity of the parties.