Driver breaks sternum after T-bone crash flips over car — $500,000 settlement

Injuries alleged: Fractured sternum, neck strain

Date resolved: Oct. 23, 2024

Special damages: Medical expenses of $89,808.60

Attorneys for plaintiff: Geoffrey R. McDonald, Gianni A. Puglielli and Joshua C. Voelkel, Richmond, Geoff McDonald and Associates

Description of case: In 2022, the plaintiff was driving an automobile and approaching an intersection with a green light. As she traveled through the intersection, she was T-boned on her driver’s side by the defendant. The impact caused her vehicle to flip multiple times, ultimately landing upside down in the grass next to the intersection. The plaintiff was trapped upside down in the vehicle while it was smoking and was being sprayed by firefighters who arrived at the scene. After 10 minutes, emergency personnel removed her from the wreckage through the back door of her vehicle.

The plaintiff was immediately transported via EMS to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a sternum fracture. She was released later that evening. Because of the nature of the injury, further treatment was not available due to the nature of her fractured sternum. Instead, the plaintiff endured eight weeks of pain and suffering while her fracture naturally healed on its own. The plaintiff also experienced neck pain following the crash that was conservatively treated via physical therapy.

The matter settled for $500,000.

Plaintiff’s counsel’s law firm, Geoff McDonald and Associates, provided case information.

[025-T-057]