A routine morning commute turned traumatic, but compassionate guidance and focused advocacy helped a Lorton healthcare professional regain stability and move forward.

What Happened

On a rainy Friday morning, just before 7 a.m., our client, a Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) in her 60s from Lorton, Virginia, began her usual drive to work. She was traveling northbound on Fairfax County Parkway near Ladues End Lane, moving safely with traffic, seatbelt secured, and adjusting to wet road conditions.

At 6:51 a.m., everything changed in seconds. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, a southbound driver suddenly lost control of his vehicle. His car spun out, slid across the grassy median, and crossed directly into oncoming northbound lanes. She braked immediately, but the vehicle entered her lane too quickly to avoid impact.

The collision was head-on and severe. Airbags deployed. The force crushed the front end of her car, leaving her injured and shaken in the middle of the rain-covered roadway.

How It Felt

Although she is medically trained and accustomed to high-pressure environments, nothing prepares someone to become the victim of a violent head-on collision. Pain radiated through her chest and arm as she tried to process what had happened.

Emergency responders transported her by ambulance to Fair Oaks Hospital, where she was evaluated for significant trauma. Physicians diagnosed:

  • Fractured ribs
  • Open fractures of the right radius and ulna
  • Bruising and soft-tissue injuries

Because the fractures were open, she needed urgent orthopedic surgery the same evening. For someone whose hands and arms are essential to her profession, the long-term implications were frightening.

Days later, she learned the at-fault driver was cited for:

  • RD-Generally (Misdemeanor)
  • Operating or Permitting Operation of an Uninsured Vehicle
  • Operating or Permitting Operation of an Unlicensed Motor Vehicle
  • Improper Use of State Tags

With the defendant operating an uninsured vehicle, her own Liberty Mutual UM policy would have to step in, alongside the listed insurer on the defendant’s side, USAA.

She felt overwhelmed by medical needs, paperwork, financial concerns, and uncertainty about her future.

Our Approach

When she contacted Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm, she needed a team that would take control of the insurance situation and support her through the recovery process. We responded with our structured, compassionate, and evidence-based approach.

1. Listening First

We took time to understand how the injuries were affecting her not only physically, but professionally and emotionally. As a Chief CRNA, she carried unique responsibilities, and her injuries threatened her ability to perform the work she loved.

2. A Detailed Liability Review

We conducted a full analysis of the Fairfax County Police Department report, the roadway conditions, and the defendant’s citations. The evidence made clear that the defendant’s loss of control and illegal vehicle operation caused the crash.

3. Handling Complex Insurance Issues

We managed all communication with:

  • USAA (defendant’s listed insurer)
  • Liberty Mutual (our client’s UM carrier)

Given that the defendant was uninsured, her UM policy became the primary path to recovery.
These cases require strict procedural compliance, and we ensured every step protected her rights.

4. Documenting the Full Injury Picture

We gathered ambulance records, trauma evaluations, operative reports, imaging studies, orthopedic follow-ups, physical therapy, and functional assessments. We also emphasized how the injuries directly affected her ability to perform high-level healthcare responsibilities.

5. Achieving the Best Outcome Available Under the Law

After presenting a clear, well-organized case, we secured a $100,000 settlement — the full limits of her Underinsured Motorist (UM) policy. This meant she received every dollar available to her under her coverage.

The Outcome

While no settlement can undo the trauma of a head-on impact, this resolution helped her address medical expenses, reduced the financial strain of missed work, and allowed her to focus on healing.

Throughout the process, she shared that she felt supported, informed, and respected, a relief during one of the most challenging chapters of her life.

Her experience is a powerful reminder of why injured people in Northern Virginia turn to knowledgeable, compassionate legal support during uncertain times.

Why People Turn to Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm

Crashes like this leave more than injuries; they leave confusion, stress, and a need for someone who can take over the fight. Many people in Northern Virginia choose Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm because of our blend of legal experience, insurance knowledge, and genuine human care.

Our founder, Jim Parrish, spent years defending insurance companies before devoting his practice to helping injured people. He understands how insurers value cases, how they push back, and what evidence makes them move. That insight shapes every strategy our firm uses.

Just as important, we lead with listening. We take the time to understand each client’s story, medical needs, and fears. From the first call to the final resolution, our approach centers on clear communication, preparation, and steady guidance.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a collision and want a team that knows how to stand up to insurance companies, and treats you with respect, contact Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation.

Disclaimer:
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.