Chicago truck accident lawyer reaches $825,000 settlement

Illinois truck crash attorney Gary Annes of Abels & Annes recently resolved a tractor-trailer vs. automobile accident claim on behalf of a Chicago resident for $825,000.

The claim arose out of a collision that took place in August, 2009 in the afternoon hours. Both the plaintiff and the defendant truck driver were headed northbound on Interstate 94. The tractor-trailer was in the center lane and our client was in the right lane. The semi truck change lanes, failing to observe the plaintiff, and struck the rear driver’s side of her car with the front passenger side bumper of the truck.

The impact sent our clients car spinning across three lanes of traffic into the left retaining wall. The front end of her car struck the wall, causing the vehicle to bounce back while still spinning. As the vehicle spun, the passenger side sideswiped another vehicle, causing a third impact. Finally, the vehicle struck the right retaining wall with the rear driver side of her vehicle for a fourth impact before coming to a rest.

The plaintiff had an immediate onset of back pain, neck pain chest pain, facial pain and right ankle pain following the collision. She was taken by ambulance to St. Margaret Hospital’s emergency room. Upon arrival at the ER, a history was taken, she was examined and diagnostic tests were performed. Glass shards had to be removed from her face and eyelids. She was initially diagnosed with cervical strain, ankle sprain and multiple contusions and abrasions. She was prescribed pain medication and instructed to follow-up with a medical doctor.

Due to ongoing and increasing pain, our client sought follow-up care two days later at Ingalls Memorial Hospital’s emergency room. She complained of increasing neck, back, abdominal and rib pain from the collision. She was again given pain medication and told to follow-up with a physician.

A week later she had an appointment with a board-certified neurologist. At that time she was still having neck pain, back pain radiating into her left buttock, chest pain, right knee pain and right ankle pain. Additional diagnostic tests were ordered and physical therapy was prescribed.

In the coming months, a lumbar MRI was ordered which identified protrusions at L1-L2 and L3-L4 and a bulge at L4-L5. The physician prescribed additional pain medication.

Despite the pain meds, she continued to suffer from low back pain. The doctor soon prescribed a course of epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections. The client underwent injections and while she did obtain some temporary limited relief, the majority of her pain persisted. She then had bilateral medial branch nerve blocks. Again, her pain persisted. In response, the neurologist recommended fusion surgery and referred her to a board-certified neurosurgeon.

The plaintiff underwent lumbar fusion surgery in August, 2010. She then went for follow-up treatment and physical therapy over the coming months.

The claim settled without having to file a lawsuit, saving the client time and litigation costs.

If you have been injured in a Chicago truck crash, contact the Illinois personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for free, no obligation consultation. Contact us online or call 312-924-7575.

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