Rear-End Accident Update
A lot has happened since my accident in November. I was stopped on the freeway for about 5-10 seconds due to heavy traffic when I was suddenly rear-ended by a box truck moving at high speed. It seemed the driver was distracted, possibly on their phone, since they didn’t brake in time. Thankfully, I had my seatbelt on, and my dog was in the car with me—while I came out of the impact feeling fine, my dog had a little accident on my seat.
The driver of the truck contacted CHP, and we filed a report detailing what happened. The following day, I reported the accident to my insurance. They were vague and mentioned if the other driver was at fault, I should file a claim with their insurance. However, my liability insurance didn’t cover my situation.
Unfortunately, the next day, I started experiencing stiffness in my neck and back, prompting me to seek medical attention. A week later, I received an email stating that the other driver’s insurance didn’t exist, leaving me utterly confused. When I sought assistance from my own insurance, they offered little help. Out of frustration, I decided to hire a lawyer.
Fast forward a month, and my lawyer managed to get the other insurance company to comply, resulting in a settlement. They also referred me to a chiropractor who has been extremely helpful. After an MRI, I discovered I had five herniated discs. I’ve had multiple visits with a spine specialist and received a total of four cortisone injections in my neck. Additionally, a brain MRI revealed some damage, leading to a minor concussion that affects my mood, memory, and attention.
Now, I find myself anxious while driving—whenever a car approaches from behind, I jump in my seat. I might have left out some details, but I’m mainly seeking advice on what kind of settlement I should expect. I’m in California, and I would appreciate any insights. If you have questions, feel free to ask! Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about the accident and everything you’ve been going through. It sounds incredibly challenging, especially dealing with both the physical and emotional aftermath. As for your question about the potential settlement amount, it can vary widely based on several factors, including:
Medical Expenses: You’ve already mentioned significant medical treatments, including MRIs, cortisone injections, and visits to specialists. All of these costs are usually taken into account when determining settlement amounts.
Pain and Suffering: This includes the physical and emotional toll the accident has had on your life. The herniated discs and concussion may affect your quality of life, which can be factored into the settlement.
Lost Wages: If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, those lost earnings may also be included.
Future Medical Expenses: If you anticipate ongoing treatment or care, that can impact the settlement as well.
Liability and Insurance Limits: The amount the other driver’s insurance can pay, as well as any comparative negligence, could also play a role.
Your State Laws: California has specific laws regarding personal injury settlements, which can affect the outcome as well.
Given your situation, it’s wise to continue working closely with your lawyer, as they can provide the most accurate evaluation based on the specifics of your case and jurisdiction. They’ll be able to give you a better estimate once they have all the details and have reviewed your medical records and expenses comprehensively.
Hang in there, and take care of yourself!