Queens Auto Collision Negligence Settles for $875,000

On July 14, 2009, a 19-year-old front-seat passenger sustained injuries when the vehicle in which he was riding collided with another car in Garden City, New York. The plaintiff's vehicle, driven by one defendant, was proceeding southbound on Quentin Roosevelt Boulevard through an intersection. A second defendant, driving another vehicle, was executing a left turn onto Commercial Avenue from the northbound side of Quentin Roosevelt Boulevard when the collision occurred. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging that both drivers were negligent in their operation of the vehicles. The plaintiff claimed the driver of the turning vehicle failed to yield the right of way, and the plaintiff's driver failed to exercise due caution. The owner of the turning vehicle was also named as a defendant, based on vicarious liability. Defense counsel for the drivers contended that the plaintiff's injuries resulted from his failure to use an available seat belt; the plaintiff refuted this, claiming the belt was broken. The plaintiff sustained an open skull injury and a displaced fracture of the left leg's femur, requiring skull repair with staples and internal fixation. He also claimed brain damage, a herniated L5-S1 intervertebral disc, and a bulging L4-5 disc, leading to nerve impingement. Subsequent treatments included epidural injections, discectomy, spinal nerve ablation, and electrical bone stimulation. The plaintiff claimed persistent pain, limitations preventing rigorous work, and an 18-month period of being homebound. He sought $3.4 million for economic losses and damages for past and future pain and suffering. The case concluded with a pretrial settlement totaling $800,000. The insurer for the turning vehicle's driver and owner paid $700,000, and the insurer for the plaintiff's driver contributed $100,000. The settlement was finalized through mediation.

In December 2012, a plaintiff driver stopped their vehicle at a red traffic signal on Mamaroneck Avenue, near Old Mamaroneck Road in White Plains. A trailing vehicle, driven by one of the defendants, struck the plaintiff's vehicle from the rear. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the driver was negligent in operating the vehicle and that the vehicle's owner was vicariously liable. The plaintiff claimed a herniated L5-S1 intervertebral disc, requiring physical therapy and fusion surgery in April 2013, followed by additional conservative treatments. The plaintiff sought compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering, asserting ongoing pain and limitations preventing manual labor and hindering household chores. The defense contended that the plaintiff did not suffer a serious injury as defined by the no-fault law. Defense experts submitted reports opining that the accident's force was insufficient to injure the lumbar spine and that the disc herniation was a degenerative condition, noting the plaintiff's prior spinal treatment. A motion for summary judgment on liability was granted in favor of the plaintiff, and the case proceeded to damages. The parties later negotiated a pretrial settlement totaling $1.1 million. The defendants' insurer paid $250,000 from its primary policy and an additional $850,000 from an excess policy.

On September 21, 2007, a glazier was driving on the Throgs Neck Bridge between Queens and the Bronx, New York. His van stopped when he encountered a vehicle executing a U-turn, after which his vehicle was rear-ended by a trailing car, driven by one of the defendants. This incident was part of a five-vehicle chain-reaction accident. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against several motorists and vehicle owners involved, alleging negligence in vehicle operation and vicarious liability against the owners. A claim against one defendant was later discontinued. The plaintiff contended the accident began when one defendant's truck struck a preceding vehicle, initiating a series of collisions that involved other vehicles, including the plaintiff's van, which sustained multiple impacts. Several defendants disputed liability, arguing they were safely stopped and then propelled into other vehicles after being struck from behind. The plaintiff sought damages for a T11 compression fracture, herniated and bulging spinal discs, and nerve impingement, among other injuries. He underwent chiropractic manipulation, epidural injections, and two spinal surgeries, claiming permanent pain, functional limitations, and an inability to resume work. The remaining defendants argued the plaintiff's injuries predated the accident and that he exhibited no objective neurological disability. The parties reached a pretrial settlement totaling $1.66 million following mediation. The insurer for two defendants contributed $1.64 million, while the insurer for another defendant and a self-insured entity each paid $10,000 to conclude the case.

A plaintiff filed a lawsuit after sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident, alleging a defendant's failure to stop at a stop sign caused the collision. The plaintiff claimed the accident aggravated an asymptomatic degenerative spine condition. During the proceedings, the plaintiff presented expert testimony from a pain management specialist, an economist, and a life care planner. These experts addressed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, their long-term medical needs, and the financial impact of the damages. The defendant countered with testimony from a diagnostic radiologist specializing in neuroradiology, likely disputing the causation or severity of the claimed spinal injury. The case concluded with an award to the plaintiff of $875,000.

A legal case stemmed from a motor vehicle accident. Few details were available regarding the specifics of the incident, the claims filed, or the outcome of the proceedings. The defense in the case reportedly engaged an expert specializing in actuarial services and forensic economics. This expert's areas of consultation included the valuation of personal injury, wrongful death, lost wages, and earnings capacity.