On May 15, 2008 on Interstate 290 in Cook County, a client of Abels & Annes, P.C. was injured when a semi truck struck the rear of her vehicle. Our client was traveling westbound on Interstate 290 in the left center lane just north of Illinois 72. The semi was traveling on the same road directly behind my client.
The plaintiff client slowed for traffic in front of her, and as she was about to come to a complete stop the truck, struck her from behind at a high rate of speed. The impact was strong enough to knock my client into the car that was in front of her. Her car was totaled. The truck driver received tickets from the investigating Illinois State Trooper for failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident and for following too close.
Our client suffered several injuries. She sustained cervical and lumbar strain/sprain, a concussion, chest pain, and severe headaches. Initial medical treatment was sought later the same day at Christ Medical Center. There she had complaints of neck and shoulder pain, chest pain, and left sided headaches.
She continued to have pain over the next two weeks and on May 29, 2008 she sought follow up treatment with a board certified neurologist. The doctor diagnosed her with cervical and lumbar strain/sprain and a concussion as a result of the accident.
The doctor referred her for a course of therapy at his office. The treatment consisted of joint mobilizaton, therapeutic exercise, electric stimulation, hot & cold treatments, and myofacial release. She treated for over two months and underwent 16 treatments.
Our client incurred just over $8,000 in medical bills. The truck accident case settled for $21,000. No lawsuit was needed to resolve the claim.