Car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes are working on a case for a Chicago woman and her two teenage daughters who were injured by a negligent motorist. The collision occurred back on September 11, 2011 around noon.
The plaintiff and her daughters were driving westbound on Ridge in Chicago, approaching its intersection with Clark Street in a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. Traffic came to a stop and she brought her vehicle to a stop in traffic just before the intersection. The defendant was also driving westbound on Ridge, approaching Clark. He then failed to slow and/or stop his 1996 Chevy Geo and rear-ended the Hyundai. The force of the Chicago car accident threw her back and forth in her seat.
The Chicago Police Department responded to the scene of the collision and determined the defendant was at fault and issued him a citation for driving too fast for conditions. Car accident lawyers at our office are alleging the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to stop and/or reduce his speed to avoid a collision, and failed to exercise due care for the safety of those in the area, including the Plaintiffs.
Following the collision, our clients had an immediate onset of pain. Shortly after the collision, the mother sought treatment at St. Francis Hospital’s Emergency Department. Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, a history was taken, she was examined, and diagnostic tests were performed. She complained of neck pain, back pain, and pain near her left scapula. On exam, she had paravertebral tenderness in her neck and lower back. She was diagnosed with muscular pain, neck spasms, and back spasms, prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants, and instructed to seek follow up care.
Due to ongoing and increasing pain, she sought follow up treatment with a medical doctor on September 13, 2011. At that time, the plaintiff complained of headaches and lightheadedness in addition to her constant neck and low back pain. Her pain was made worse with sitting or standing for a long period of time, which she was required to do for work. The physician took a history and examined her. On exam, she had pain along the paracervical muscles with limited range of motion as well as pain and muscles spasms of the paraspinal muscles in her lower back. The orthopedic diagnosed the plaintiff with a sprain and strain of the cervical and lumbar spines. He ordered x-rays of her neck and back, instructed her to begin a course of physical therapy, and instructed her to follow up after her x-rays.
Pursuant to docotor’s instructions, our client engaged a course of physical therapy beginning on September 16, 2011. She engaged in seventeen (17) therapy sessions through November 14, 2011, at which time she was discharged.
Our client underwent x-rays of her cervical and lumbar spine on October 11, 2011. Her physician reviewed the x-rays on October 18, 2011, which were negative. While she had some relief from physical therapy, she continued to complain of neck and back pain. The doctor instructed her to continue physical therapy and to follow up in four weeks.
She followed up next on November 15, 2011. At that time, her doctor discharged her from treatment. As of today’s date, she is still experiencing neck and back pain on a regular basis.
Due to the accident, the driver incurred just under $11,000 in medical bills.
Her teenage daughters were also treated emergency room for neck and back pain. They continue to have pain for several weeks, however sought no further medical care. Each child incurred over $1000 in bills at the emergency room.
The case will be negotiated shortly with the defendant’s insurance carrier. There is no issue as to liability, and the only issue will be damages. If a fair settlement offer is made the case should settle. If not, we will head to court and fight for our clients.
If you’ve been injured in an Illinois car accident, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Abels and Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Call us 24/7 at 312-475-9596 and speak to an accident attorney today.
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