Motor Vehicle Negligence – Multiple injuries sustained in red-light car wreck, fall

$350,000 settlement

Injuries alleged: Displaced comminuted spiral fracture of distal left femur requiring open reduction internal fixation with extensive hardware; subsegmental pulmonary embolism requiring anticoagulation; acute blood loss anemia requiring blood transfusion; sprain of cervical and thoracic spine ligaments; permanent lower extremity impairment

Date resolved: Feb. 25, 2026

Special damages: $193,595.89

Demand: Policy limits

Amount: $350,000

Attorney for plaintiff: Payton R. Johnson, Abingdon, Mark Hurt Law Firm

Case description: The plaintiff, a 60-year-old male, sustained severe injuries after being rear-ended while stopped at a red light. The plaintiff initially sought emergency treatment for neck and back pain, diagnosed with cervical and thoracic spine ligament sprains.

Two days later, while suffering from collision-induced spinal injuries and compromised mobility, the plaintiff fell at home when his left knee gave out. The fall resulted in a displaced comminuted spiral fracture of the distal left femur adjacent to his existing total knee replacement.

The plaintiff underwent open reduction internal fixation with placement of extensive hardware. His hospital course was complicated by subsegmental pulmonary embolism requiring anticoagulation and acute blood loss anemia necessitating blood transfusion. He remained hospitalized for seven days, then transferred to inpatient rehabilitation for 13 additional days.

Prior to the collision, the plaintiff lived independently despite pre-existing bilateral hip and knee replacements. The case was resolved through pre-litigation negotiations.