Motor Vehicle Negligence | Biker struck by car lands headfirst; spine injuries result

$115,000 settlement

Injuries alleged: Compression fractures of the T3, T4 and T5 vertebrae

Date resolved: Dec. 8, 2025

Special damages: $27,700

Demand: $135,000

Amount: $115,000

Attorney for plaintiff: Thomas Curcio, Alexandria, Curcio Law

Insurance carrier: State Farm Automobile Insurance Company and Progressive Northern Insurance Company

Description of case: On Oct. 22, 2024, a 35-year-old man was commuting home from work via bicycle on M Street in Washington when a driver turned directly into his path, striking him in the intersection. The impact launched the plaintiff into the air and caused him to land headfirst on the pavement.

Emergency responders initially cleared him on the scene. The following day he self-reported to INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital, where CT scans confirmed compression fractures of the T3, T4 and T5 vertebrae.

The plaintiff required extensive treatment including pain management, follow-ups with both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic spine specialist and more than 20 physical therapy sessions spanning more than seven months. He incurred $27,445.69 in medical expenses and missed work during a time-sensitive diplomatic assignment.

The plaintiff settled the claim for the available policy limits of $25,000 in liability coverage and an additional $90,000 ($100,000 limit) from his underinsured motorist policy for a total of $115,000.