Our firm recently secured a landmark verdict of over $3.1 million for a young entrepreneur in a complex auto collision case. The case stemmed from a three-vehicle rear-end collision on Interstate 25, where our client’s vehicle was the first to be struck.

Case Overview

The defendant, a 78-year-old driver, acknowledged being distracted prior to the collision. Despite this admission, liability remained contested throughout the proceedings, adding an additional layer of complexity to the case.

Client Background

Our client, a 22-year-old self-employed barber and aspiring game developer, exemplified entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. While building his barbering business, he simultaneously pursued a computer programming degree at Metropolitan State University. Prior to the incident, he maintained an active lifestyle, including daily gym sessions.

Injuries and Medical Course

The collision resulted in significant cervical injuries, including three herniated discs confirmed by MRI. The client’s treatment journey included:

  • Initial chiropractic care
  • Multiple rounds of epidural steroid injections
  • Comprehensive physical therapy
  • Implementation of a dedicated home exercise program

Additionally, the client developed severe driving anxiety following the collision, requiring psychological counseling. While coping strategies were developed through therapy, residual anxiety continues to impact daily activities.

Pre-Trial Negotiations

Despite the severity of injuries and clear ongoing impacts, initial settlement offers fell significantly short of fair compensation. The insurance carrier’s initial offer of under $28,000 against a $100,000 policy limit demonstrated the necessity of proceeding to trial. A pre-trial settlement offer of $500,000 was rejected by the defense, who countered with a statutory offer of $95,000.

Verdict Details

The jury delivered a comprehensive verdict that exceeded our requested amounts across all categories:

  • Economic Damages: $232,000
  • Non-Economic Damages: $859,500
  • Physical Impairment: $1,146,000
  • Total Verdict: $2,237,500
  • Final Judgment (including interest): $3,163,798.79

This verdict represents a significant victory not only for our client but for all individuals seeking fair compensation for life-altering injuries. It underscores the importance of thorough case preparation and the willingness to take cases to trial when settlement offers fail to adequately address our clients’ damages.

Note: Details have been modified to protect client confidentiality.

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