When Serious Injuries Demand Immediate Action
A routine drive turned into a life-altering event when a preventable collision caused severe injuries and long-term consequences. In high-impact crash cases, early investigation and a clear understanding of available insurance coverage can make a significant difference in the outcome.
This case demonstrates how identifying all applicable policies and presenting strong medical evidence can lead to a full recovery of available compensation without the need for prolonged litigation.
How the Crash Occurred
The incident occurred on a two-lane highway outside of Cheyenne while the client and her husband were out for a drive. As they proceeded through the roadway, a teenage driver failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the intersection.
The crash unfolded under clear and dangerous circumstances:
- The at-fault driver failed to yield at a stop sign and entered the roadway directly in front of the clients.
- A T-bone collision followed at the intersection, creating significant force on impact.
- Both the client and her husband were injured, with the client sustaining the more serious harm.
Because liability was straightforward, the case ultimately focused on fully documenting the extent of the injuries and resulting damages.
The Health & Financial Consequences
Due to the accident, the client sustained serious orthopedic injuries that required extensive medical treatment and will have lasting effects.
The full scope of the accident’s impact entailed:
- Severe injuries. Broken femur, multiple crushing fractures in the foot, along with abrasions and contusions.
- Permanent impairment. Ongoing functional limitations affecting the client’s foot and knee.
- Medical costs. Over $500,000 billed, with more than $100,000 paid by health insurance.
- Future care needs. Estimated future medical expenses of approximately $75,000.
Additionally, a subrogation claim from the health insurer was negotiated down to approximately $67,000, helping preserve more of the client’s recovery.
How Insurance Coverage Was Identified and Recovery Maximized
A critical component of this case was uncovering all available insurance coverage tied to the at-fault driver.
Important considerations included:
- Primary policy limits. The driver’s family carried an underlying auto policy with $250,000 in coverage.
- Umbrella policy coverage. An additional $1,000,000 umbrella policy significantly increased available compensation.
- Pre-litigation resolution. The case was resolved before filing a lawsuit by presenting strong evidence and clearly establishing damages.
By identifying both policies early and building a comprehensive claim, the full $1,300,000 in available coverage was secured.
What the Settlement Exemplifies
The case resolved for a $1,300,000 pre-litigation settlement, representing the full combined policy limits available.
Several key factors contributed to the outcome:
- Liability was clear, as the failure to stop left little question about fault.
- The severity of the injuries, including permanent impairment, significantly increased the claim's value.
- Strong documentation of medical treatment and future care needs supported the demand for full compensation.
- A careful insurance review uncovered umbrella coverage, ensuring all available policy limits were pursued.
This result underscores the importance of a thorough early evaluation and strategic negotiation in making a meaningful difference in recovery.
Protecting Your Rights After a Serious Car Accident
Serious injury cases require more than documenting what happened; they demand a careful review of insurance coverage, medical needs, and long-term impact. Acting early can help preserve evidence and position a case for the best possible outcome.
At Bailey | Stock | Harmon | Cottam | Lopez LLP, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience to complex personal injury cases across Wyoming. We work to identify every available avenue of recovery and advocate for results that reflect the true impact of car accident injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call (307) 222-4932 or schedule a consultation online to discuss your case and legal options.