Facts:

My client was headed South on the Pinellas Bayway in St. Petersburg. Another car pulled out in front of her causing a serious accident. The crash spun the vehicles. Both vehicles were deemed a total loss. The force almost tore the front of the at-fault vehicle off.

The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the crash. My client was taken to St. Anthony’s hospital in an ambulance. The other car was given a ticket for failure to yield. While the Trooper inspected my client’s car, he claimed the seat belt was stiff and locked into the buckle. Without speaking to my client, he issued her a ticket for failing to wear a seatbelt.

She hired me to handle the car accident claim.

The Seatbelt Ticket:

My client was adamant that she was wearing a seatbelt. I realized that this ticket could hurt her injury claim because the insurance company would place blame for her injuries on her. I pled not guilty and went to the final hearing. The Trooper showed up and dismissed the ticket. He acknowledged that he could not prove whether she was actually wearing the seatbelt. That cleared the way for the civil injury claim.

Car Accident Injuries:

My client was only 20 years old and thin. She had no prior accidents. She had extreme pain to her neck and low back. She reported to a chiropractor for treatment. She was given MRIs which revealed herniations in both her neck and back. When conservative care did not work, she was referred to a pain management doctor. She was given two rounds of medial branch nerve blocks to her back. But, she did not get relief. She then was recommended for a Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA). She had the procedure and it seemed to help.

The Settlement:

I submitted a demand to USAA, which was the insurance company for the at fault driver. After we negotiated, the case was settled for $90,000. My client was very happy with the settlement and is trying to move on with her life.