Understanding the Impact of Car Accidents: A Case Study on Injury and Recovery

Understanding the Impact of Car Accidents: A Case Study on Injury and Recovery

Car accidents can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. When a negligent driver causes a collision, the injured party is often left to deal with not only medical treatment but also the long-term effects of his injuries. In this blog, we examine the case of a car accident victim and the impact of his injuries following a serious collision.

The Car Accident: A Preventable Collision

On July 17, 2023, the client was traveling on Canyon Del Rey Blvd and South Boundary Road in Del Rey Oaks, California, when his vehicle was struck by another driver. The other driver, who was stopped at a stop sign, failed to yield and executed a left-hand turn, colliding with the client’s vehicle. The impact was forceful, striking the front passenger corner of the client’s car and causing significant bodily injuries.

The Severity of the Collision: A High-Impact Crash

The client was traveling at an estimated 35-40 miles per hour when the impact occurred. The at-fault driver negligently pulled out into the client’s lane of traffic, violating the client’s right of way. With little to no time to react, the client was unable to stop or brake before the collision.

The result was a violent crash that caused extensive damage to both vehicles involved. The force of the impact further exacerbated the client’s injuries, as the sudden and forceful nature of the crash led to significant bodily trauma. The collision serves as a stark reminder of how a single moment of negligence can lead to devastating consequences.

Below are actual photos from the client file of the vehicle damage. These photos illustrate the severity of the accident and the reckless actions of the at-fault driver.

The Immediate Aftermath and Injuries

The unexpected side-impact collision violently thrust the client’s body inside the cabin of the vehicle. Unlike a rear-end collision where a headrest can mitigate movement, there was nothing to protect him from the abrupt sideways force. As a result, he sustained several injuries that required urgent medical attention. Click the link to learn more about side-impact car accidents and how they differ from rear-end collisions.

Following the accident, the client was taken to the emergency room, where he was evaluated by medical professionals. Due to severe pain, he was administered Morphine via IV and placed in a cervical collar. He was diagnosed with the following injuries:

• Neck strain (S16.1XXA)
• Chest wall contusion (S20.219A)
• Abdominal contusion (S30.1XXA)

Given the extent of his pain, a series of diagnostic tests, including CT scans of the cervical spine and abdomen/pelvis, as well as X-rays of the ribs, were conducted.

Ongoing Medical Treatment and Physical Therapy

Several days later, the client followed up with his primary care physician, who noted continued complaints of lower back and thoracic spine pain. He was diagnosed with dorsalgia, which is pain in the back and spine, and referred to physical therapy.

By August 30, 2023, the client began treatment with a licensed physical therapist. He reported experiencing sharp lower back pain and discomfort in his right scapula. His therapy program included:

• Therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular reeducation
• Joint mobilization and myofascial release
• Massage and manual stretching
• Electrical stimulation and cryotherapy
• Mechanical traction and ultrasound

Over the course of recovery, the client diligently attended 23 physical therapy sessions. Although he demonstrated improvement, he continued to experience limitations in strength, stability, and endurance, preventing a full return to his pre-accident condition.

Long-Term Prognosis and Life Disruptions

Despite extensive treatment, the client continues to experience daily pain at a level of 2-3 on a pain scale, and his sleep has been significantly affected. The lingering discomfort has made it difficult for him to perform routine activities without distress.

Prior to the accident, the client worked two physically demanding jobs. One of his positions, at a meat market, required lifting up to 50 pounds regularly. Following the crash, he found himself unable to perform these tasks without significant pain. Additionally, as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), his job requires mobility and strength to interact with children. The physical strain forced him to reduce his work hours, further compounding the financial stress of his injuries.

Seeking Fair Compensation for Injuries

Car accident victims deserve fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The financial burden of ongoing treatment and the inability to return to normal life should not fall solely on the injured party. Instead, insurance companies must be held accountable for providing fair and timely settlements.

The client’s claim against the at-fault driver sought compensation for all past and future medical expenses, lost income, and the long-term impact of his injuries. In car accident claims, documentation of injuries, medical treatments, and prognosis is crucial in proving the extent of damages. By presenting detailed medical records, diagnostic reports, and therapy assessments, victims can ensure that their suffering is acknowledged and adequately compensated.

Insurance Company’s Unreasonable Offer and Lawsuit Filing

After submitting a thorough demand package to the insurance company, Liberty Mutual responded with a lowball offer that did not even cover the client’s total medical expenses. This inadequate offer failed to account for the pain and suffering endured, much less the long-term financial and emotional impact of the injuries.

While some law firms avoid this effort because it does not make financial sense for their business model, we believe in fighting for every dollar our clients deserve.

As a result, our legal team filed a lawsuit in Monterey County Superior Court to hold the at-fault driver accountable. However, it is not truly the at-fault driver who necessitated the lawsuit—it is the insurance company that refused to act reasonably and offer fair compensation. This is a common tactic among insurers who attempt to minimize payouts at the expense of injured victims.

At Piccuta Law Group, LLP, we take our commitment to our clients seriously. Filing a lawsuit often requires extensive additional work, sometimes to obtain just an extra $10,000 to $15,000 in compensation. While some law firms avoid this effort because it does not make financial sense for their business model, we believe in fighting for every dollar our clients deserve. Unlike high-volume personal injury firms that process cases quickly for a fee, we provide real representation and aggressive advocacy to ensure our clients are not shortchanged.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Insurance companies often undervalue claims, relying on algorithms and adjusters who do not fully appreciate the personal suffering behind each case. This is why having an experienced car accident attorney is essential in securing a just outcome. Legal professionals can negotiate with insurance companies, highlight the full extent of injuries, and, if necessary, take the case to court to obtain the compensation the victim truly deserves.

Hire An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

At Piccuta Law Group, LLP, we fight for car accident victims to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries. Our dedication to our clients goes beyond just settling claims—we make sure they are treated fairly and that insurance companies do not take advantage of them. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We only earn a fee if we recover for you. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the settlement you deserve.

About the author: The content on this page was written by California personal injury attorney and civil rights lawyer Charles “Tony” Piccuta. Piccuta graduated with honors from Indiana University-Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana (Previously ranked Top 35 US News & World Report).  Piccuta took and passed the State bars of Arizona, California, Illinois and Nevada (all on the first try). He actively practices throughout California and Arizona. He is a winning trial attorney that regularly handles serious personal injury cases and civil rights lawsuits. He has obtained six and seven figure verdicts in both state and federal court. He has been recognized by Super Lawyers for six years straight. He is AV Rated by Martindale Hubble. He is a member of the Consumer Attorneys of California, American Association for Justice, National Police Accountability Project, Arizona Association of Justice, and many local county and City bar associations.

Disclaimer: The information on this web site is attorney advertising and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Reading and relying upon the content on this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, you should contact our law firm for a free consultation and to discuss your specific case and issues.