Woman: wreck caused broken ribs, brain injury — $650,000 settlement

Type of action: Motor vehicle negligence

Injuries alleged: Rib fractures, pelvic fractures, mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder

Name of mediator: Judge J. Michael Gamble (Ret.)

Date resolved: Aug. 9, 2025

Special damages: Approximately $97,000 in past medical expenses; approximately $25,000 in contested lost wages; approximately $186,000 in contested future medical expenses

Attorneys for plaintiff: Matthew W. Broughton and Jared A. Tuck, Roanoke, Gentry Locke

Description of case: In November 2023, the plaintiff was T-boned by a tow truck driver who ran a red light. The tow truck driver immediately denied responsibility and stated to the dispatcher and police officers that he had a green light. The plaintiff could not remember the crash due to the nature of her injuries.

The defense eventually admitted liability after being provided with affidavits from eyewitnesses stating that the tow truck driver had a red light and surveillance footage that did not show the crash but was consistent with eyewitness accounts.

After the crash, the plaintiff was taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with multiple rib and pelvic fractures. Fortunately, the plaintiff did not need surgery. After the plaintiff was released from rehab and received follow-up care, she was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury by her treating sports medicine doctor. Fortunately, the plaintiff’s traumatic brain injury symptoms have almost fully resolved. The plaintiff was also diagnosed with PTSD by her treating counselor.

The plaintiff assembled a team of experts that consisted of a forensic orthopedic surgeon, the treating sports medicine doctor, the treating counselor and a life care planner. The orthopedic surgeon projected the plaintiff’s future medical treatment, including a future hip replacement surgery, which constituted the bulk of expenses in the life care plan.

The defense hired a forensic orthopedic surgeon, a forensic neurologist and a life care planner.

The orthopedic surgeon opined that most of the plaintiff’s expert’s projected future medical treatment was unnecessary. The forensic neurologist opined that the plaintiff did not sustain a traumatic brain injury because of the crash.

Jared A. Tuck, counsel for the plaintiff, provided case information.

[025-T-154]