The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm secured a $136,000 settlement for a driver whose vehicle was struck from behind while she waited in a line of traffic at a red light in Manassas, Virginia.
The force pushed her vehicle forward, scattered belongings throughout the passenger compartment, and caused approximately $6,500 in property damage. Treatment documented after the crash included emergency evaluation, extensive cervical care, major surgery, and $80,186.42 in medical expenses.
What Happened
At approximately 12:33 p.m. on September 2, 2023, our client was driving near Sudley Road and Rosemary Road in Manassas, Prince William County. The weather was clear, the roadway was dry, and she was wearing her seat belt. She stopped in a long line of vehicles at a red light while waiting to make a left turn.
A pickup truck approached from behind and struck her vehicle with substantial force. A passenger reported seeing the truck coming too quickly and realizing that its driver would not stop in time. The impact forced our client’s car toward the traffic ahead. She pressed both feet against the brake in an effort to regain control and prevent further movement.
Drinks and a tablet were thrown inside the vehicle, and the sun visor was knocked from its clips. Although the car remained drivable, repairs totaled approximately $6,500. The other driver was cited for following too closely.
A Serious Course of Treatment
The following day, after cautiously returning to Baltimore, our client sought emergency care. The initial workup included CT imaging of the head and cervical spine and X-rays of the shoulder, knee, and cervical spine.
Her documented treatment extended well beyond the emergency visit. It included physical therapy, additional cervical imaging, an EMG and nerve conduction study, and extensive cervical care. The records also documented a C2-T2 spinal fusion and C6-7 laminectomy, anesthesia services, post-surgical nursing and physical therapy at home, and a cervical stimulator.
The medical expenses included in the claim totaled $80,186.42. To keep the claim accurate and focused, treatment identified in the file as unrelated hip care was separated from the medical services presented for the collision.
Building the Claim Beyond Vehicle Damage
The defendant’s pickup reportedly showed little or no visible damage. That outward appearance, however, did not reflect the substantial movement inside our client’s vehicle, the cost of repairing her car, or the medical treatment documented afterward.
Our team reviewed the passenger’s account, the traffic citation, the property damage, and the medical documentation. We collected the relevant records and bills, organized the treatment history from the emergency evaluation through the later cervical care, and presented the evidence as a complete picture of the claim.
Negotiating the Settlement
The firm handled communications with State Farm and defense counsel. State Farm’s first documented offer was $115,521. Continued negotiations produced offers of $121,536 and $130,000 before the case resolved for $136,000.
The settlement process also required attention to Medicare’s reimbursement interest. The file reflects that the Medicare lien was reduced from $40,630.75 to $26,943.47, helping preserve a larger portion of the recovery after reimbursement obligations were addressed.
The Result
Through careful case preparation and continued negotiation, The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm secured a $136,000 settlement for our client.
The result recognized that a vehicle’s exterior damage does not tell the whole story. The evidence showed the force experienced inside our client’s car, the serious course of treatment documented afterward, and the financial impact of her medical care.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision in Manassas or elsewhere in Northern Virginia, contact The Parrish Car Accident & Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation.
Case results depend on the unique facts and circumstances of each case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
