Our client, a 26-year-old woman, was stopped at a red light on Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights when her life was changed in an instant. A fully-loaded commercial semi-truck failed to stop and slammed into the rear of her vehicle. Under Michigan law, there is a legal presumption that a driver in a rear-end collision is at fault, making liability in this case clear.
The sheer force of the impact from the commercial truck caused devastating injuries. Our client suffered a severe herniated disc at the C5-C6 level of her cervical spine. The injury was so profound that it required a complex cervical fusion surgery to stabilize her neck, a procedure that left her with two permanent 2.5-inch scars as a daily reminder of the trauma.
Our legal team focused on demonstrating the immense, lifelong impact of this injury on a young woman. We detailed not just the physical pain, but the emotional distress and the future limitations she would face. The trucking company’s insurer, recognizing the severity of the case and our diligent preparation, agreed to a significant settlement. We secured $975,000 exclusively for her pain and suffering damages, compensating her for the profound past, present, and future impact on her life.
In a separate Michigan No-Fault PIP claim, we also ensured her own insurance company paid for all allowable benefits, including lost wages, medical bills, and crucial household and attendant care services.