Our client was driving westbound on Northeast 85th Terrace in Kansas City, Missouri, approaching the intersection at North Oak Trafficway. She entered the intersection on a green light. At the same time, another driver entered the intersection and forcefully broadsided the front left side of her vehicle.
The impact caused a chain-reaction collision involving a third vehicle. During the crash, our client was jolted inside her vehicle and struck her head against the window. Although the other driver claimed to believe the light was yellow, the surrounding circumstances made clear that our client had the right of way.
Injuries and Medical Treatment
Immediately after the collision, our client sought emergency medical care for head and neck pain and a burning sensation across her face and neck. Diagnostic imaging revealed cervical spine abnormalities and disc-related findings.
Over the next two years, she underwent extensive treatment for injuries to her neck, back, shoulder, and hip. Her symptoms included chronic neck and low back pain, headaches, dizziness, radiating pain into her extremities, numbness, and muscle spasms.
Her medical care included emergency evaluation and imaging, more than fifty chiropractic visits, physical therapy, advanced MRI imaging, and pain management consultation. Despite consistent conservative treatment, she continued to experience persistent symptoms and functional limitations.
Impact on Her Daily Life
Before the crash, our client was active and independent. Afterward, everyday activities became more difficult and painful.
Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and even routine household tasks aggravated her symptoms. She struggled with sleep due to ongoing cervical and lumbar discomfort. Certain movements triggered dizziness and radiating pain. Like many injury victims, she also faced the stress of managing medical bills and insurance issues while trying to focus on recovery.
Double Policy Limits Obtained
After the at-fault driver’s insurance company tendered its $25,000 policy limits, we pursued a claim under our client’s own underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Despite documented injuries and ongoing medical treatment, the UIM insurance company initially offered just $2,867 to resolve the claim.
After conducting a thorough review of her medical records and presenting comprehensive documentation of her injuries, treatment history, and future care needs, we continued negotiations with the UIM carrier and ultimately secured an additional $50,000 in compensation.
In total, our efforts resulted in a $75,000 recovery for our client.
This resolution provided meaningful compensation for her medical expenses, anticipated future care, and the lasting physical impact of the collision. While no settlement can undo the harm caused, the final result reflects a significant increase over the insurer’s original offer and ensured our client was not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
