Uninsured Drunk Driver – $87,500
On New Year’s Day, an uninsured drunk driver performed a negligent lane change, sideswiping our client’s vehicle, and causing both cars to flip over. Our clients were then sent down an embankment, and both vehicles were clearly a total loss. Although we only handle civil matters, we were spoke to the District Attorney handling the criminal prosecution, to explain that unfortunately our client was in too much pain to get out of bed and attend court. From that point forward, we grew very close to both my clients, and their son who was assisting them through their difficult journey. After many months of treatment, we were finally ready to present our claim to their insurance company.
The wife sustained the most severe injuries, even landing her in an early retirement. Despite her extensive injuries, her insurance company offered only $40,000, and her husband was offered $30,000. After sticking to the policy limits, and even submitting a very personal letter written by each client about how this crash has affected the wife’s entire life, and their criminal impact statements, the carrier offered only a few thousand more, each. We sent the wife back to speak with a therapist, after the trauma she went through, and we began the arbitration process. After written discovery, the carrier agreed to pay her the full $100,000 policy limits, without even taking a deposition. Fortunately, her husband sustained minimal injuries, and we still settled for more than double their initial offer, at $87,500.00. Needless to say, our clients were extremely appreciative.
