Motor Vehicle Negligence – Plaintiff injured by drunk driver

$90,000 settlement

Injuries alleged: Shoulder strain, chest wall contusion, neck and back pain, post-traumatic stress

Date resolved: April 20, 2026

Special damages: $10,663 in medical bills

Amount: $90,000

Attorney for plaintiff: Thomas Curcio, Alexandria, Curcio Law

Case description: On Dec. 20, 2023, at approximately 10 p.m., the plaintiff was driving in Loudoun County when the defendant, driving in an oncoming direction, crossed the double yellow lines and entered her lane. Despite the plaintiff swerving to the right, the defendant’s car struck the side rear quarter panel of the plaintiff’s vehicle, knocking off the rear wheel.

The defendant had a blood alcohol content of 0.22%, was disoriented at the scene and was unaware of her surroundings and that she had struck another vehicle.

After the accident, the plaintiff underwent months of treatment for ongoing neck, shoulder and back pain, along with anxiety related to driving.

Counsel was retained shortly before the statute of limitations ran out and after the defendant’s insurer had offered the plaintiff less than $5,000 to settle. A suit was filed that included a claim for punitive damages. The case ultimately resolved for the defendant’s full liability limits of $30,000, along with an additional $60,000 in underinsured motorist coverage, for a total recovery of $90,000.