Contemplating Legal Action: My Unexpected Collision with a Young Driver
A week ago, I found myself unexpectedly halted at an intersection. Catching a quick flash in my rearview mirror, I braced myself for the inevitable—a collision. The vehicle slammed into mine at what seemed like 35 mph, thrusting both me and my 10-year-old daughter into the intersection. As I tried to gather myself, we were hit again. The shock left my daughter visibly shaken and tearful.
After managing to pull over, I witnessed something alarming. The driver and his passenger swapped places hurriedly, a clear attempt to disguise what had just occurred. Despite the chaos, I made sure they knew I had seen everything. Moments later, I reached out to 911 and awaited law enforcement. It soon surfaced that the driver was only 15 years old, unlicensed and without even a learner’s permit. His mother had yielded to his insistence on driving, leading to this unfortunate event.
Later in the day, overwhelmed by pain, I sought medical attention. Although the x-rays offered reassurance in showing no fractures, the discomfort remained intense.
Six days on, the pain lingers, unabated. A visit to an orthopedic specialist revealed that the main impact was absorbed by my SI joint. As a result, five surrounding muscle groups are overcompensating, leading to spasms and excruciating tightness. Simple acts like standing for more than 20 seconds now trigger significant back pain. Next week, I’ll begin physical therapy in hopes of finding some relief.
Being self-employed, I’ve managed only a scant six hours of work since the incident—far cry from my usual 50-hour work week. My predominant worries are the long-term repercussions this accident might impose on my health and livelihood. Though I’m relying on muscle relaxants and prescription anti-inflammatories, relief still seems elusive. As a business owner, I fear the impact on my ability to fulfill physical tasks, leaving me confined mostly to desk work.
This situation has left me weighing my options, including whether hiring a lawyer might be necessary to address the challenges ahead. My inability to perform even the simplest tasks without pain casts a shadow on my business’s future, making this decision all the more critical.
I’m sorry to hear about the distressing situation you and your daughter have experienced. It’s understandable that you’re concerned about the long-term effects on your health and business. Given the circumstances, consulting with a lawyer seems to be a prudent step to consider for several reasons.
Firstly, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and any other damages related to the accident. Since you were rear-ended by an unlicensed 15-year-old driver, there are several liability issues that a lawyer can help untangle. These include potential claims against the driver, the vehicle owner (likely the boy’s mother), and possibly their insurance company.
Your pain and suffering, both physical and emotional, are significant factors here. The fact that you’re unable to perform your usual work duties directly impacts your livelihood. A lawyer can help document these losses accurately and verify that you’re compensated fairly for both past and future economic impacts.
Secondly, your daughter’s emotional turmoil and potential physical stress from the incident are also critical considerations. While children are often resilient, it might be advisable to consult with a therapist to ensure she does not develop any long-term emotional or psychological issues related to the accident. A lawyer can guide you on how to include these aspects in your claim.
It’s crucial to maintain detailed records of every aspect related to the accident. Keep copies of all medical reports, prescription records, therapy appointments, and any correspondences with your business clients explaining your current limitations. This documentation will be invaluable for your lawyer to build a strong case on your behalf.
Given the complexities involved, a consultation with a personal injury attorney can provide insight specific to your case. Many offer free initial consultations, which can help you understand your options without initial financial commitment.
While dealing with this situation is undoubtedly challenging, taking proactive legal and medical steps can aid in mitigating the impact on your life and business. I genuinely hope you find relief soon and wish you and your daughter a full and speedy recovery.