Noelle* was driving home on September 21, 2013, when a driver unexpectedly turned left in front of her. Noelle slammed on the brakes as hard as she could but was unable to avoid the other vehicle. Unfortunately, the force of the impact was so significant that it caused more than $6,000 in damage to the at-fault driver’s vehicle and more than $4,000 in damage to Noelle’s. What would have been a regular drive home for Noelle resulted in permanent injuries, thousands of dollars in damages, and more than $100,000 in medical bills, due to the negligence of the at-fault driver, Mr. Newsome. When Newsome’s insurance company refused to pay for Noelle’s treatment, she turned to Coker Law for help.
Mounting Medical Costs Exceed $154,000
Immediately after the impact, Noelle knew something was wrong with her spine. After years of medical treatment resulting from the crash, her bills exceeded $154,000. Fortunately for Noelle, she had good health insurance and the ability to pay for her medical care over the years. Even though she was able to receive all the medical care her doctors recommended, the crash caused permanent injuries that would forever plague her. She underwent multiple diagnostic studies, including multiple MRIs and electrodiagnostic tests. These tests confirmed what Noelle knew; she had significant, permanent aggravations to her neck and low back, as well as new injuries to her middle back.
Due to the negligence of Newsome, Noelle was left with multiple herniated discs in her neck, middle back and lower back. She also now suffers from cord compression in her neck. Noelle has strictly followed her doctors’ advice and done everything she can to heal, including going through multiple pain management injections and radiofrequency ablations. Although these procedures have provided Noelle temporary relief, they will never resolve her pain completely. A neurosurgeon has even recommended she undergoes cervical surgery because of her injuries.
Negligent Driver’s Insurance Refuses to Pay
In the beginning, Noelle did not want to file a lawsuit against Newsome. However, Newsome’s insurance company refused to amicably resolve the case. All Noelle wanted was to receive her rightful compensation from Newsome’s insurance company, but they refused to do so. Coker Law Partner Matthew Posgay knew that for her to receive the justice she deserved, a lawsuit was the only option.
Despite the significant injuries Noelle sustained from the crash, Newsome’s insurance company hired their own doctor to examine her to try to minimize the injuries she sustained in the crash. Although their doctor provided an opinion that belittled the victim’s injuries – which is typical of doctors hired by insurance companies – he still was forced to admit that Noelle was injured in the crash, she needed extensive medical care because of her injuries caused by the crash, and she had objective physical problems in her spine.
The Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Noelle’s case was litigated for several years, and as trial was quickly approaching, Newsome’s insurance company realized they needed to treat Noelle fairly and resolve the case amicably. Fortunately, the insurance company settled Noelle’s case for $1 million. “Noelle is a kind woman who wanted to be treated fairly by the at-fault driver’s insurance company,” said Partner Matthew Posgay. “We are thankful she placed her trust in Coker Law to fight for her.”
Case Title: Noelle* v. Newsome
Attorneys/Staff Involved In The Case: Partner Matthew Posgay, Legal Assistant Denora Buben, Paralegal Kim Heine
Date of Settlement: June 2019
Amount of Settlement or Jury Verdict: $1,000,000.00
*Name has been changed to protect client’s privacy.
IF YOU’RE INVOLVED IN A CRASH, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
If you are injured by a negligent driver, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. You may qualify to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries. To speak with Coker Law Partner Matthew Posgay, for more information call (904) 356-6071 or click here to schedule a free consultation.
