Case at a glance
- Recovery: $800,000 Settlement
- Injury: Multiple injuries; shoulder, knee and cervical-spine surgeries described in the lawsuit
- Practice: Transportation Accident
- Attorney: Brian Beckcom
A passenger caught in a rear-end collision
Christina was traveling south on Highway 288 on December 11, 2018, when the vehicle she occupied was hit from behind. Her lawsuit alleged that the other driver failed to control his vehicle and speed as traffic conditions changed.
The collision led to a lengthy course of medical care. In her lawsuit, Christina described injuries to several parts of her body, including her neck, back, shoulders and knees. She sought compensation for her treatment, pain, physical limitations and the effect of her injuries on her ability to earn a living.
Treatment that extended to multiple surgeries
The petition described physical therapy, diagnostic testing and pain-management treatment, as well as surgery on Christina’s left shoulder, left knee and cervical spine. It also raised the possibility of future lumbar-spine surgery.
Her claim addressed both the care she had already received and the consequences she alleged would continue after the lawsuit. The insurance company disputed the extent and cause of her injuries, including whether other injuries contributed to her condition.
Pursuing the underinsured motorist coverage
Christina’s lawsuit pursued two related claims: a negligence claim arising from the collision and a claim for underinsured motorist benefits. The latter sought compensation under insurance coverage available to her when the other driver’s liability coverage was insufficient.
The litigation required addressing the crash, Christina’s injuries and the benefits available under the policy. The insurer asserted defenses involving third-party responsibility, a sudden emergency and an unavoidable accident. It also sought credits for other insurance payments.
Brian and the VB Attorneys team represented Christina in the Harris County litigation. Their work continued the pursuit of benefits under the policy rather than ending the case with the other driver’s insurance.
Keeping the case moving toward trial
As the trial setting approached, the insurer asked for more time. The VB Attorneys team opposed that request in a response signed by Brian.
The response pointed out that Christina had designated her experts months earlier and argued that the insurer had not requested dates to question them. It also challenged the timing of the insurer’s requests for additional records. The team asked the court to keep the case moving instead of postponing trial.
That response addressed a concrete issue for Christina: how long she would have to wait to present her claim. The case ultimately resolved through settlement.
An $800,000 settlement
The underinsured motorist insurer agreed to pay $800,000 to settle Christina’s claim. She signed the settlement agreement in March 2022.
The recovery resolved an insurance dispute arising from a rear-end collision and injuries that had required substantial treatment. VB Attorneys pursued the coverage available to Christina while preparing to present her case in court.
Questions about the case
Related legal help
Learn about personal injury claims or read about another rear-end crash involving neck surgery.
To discuss a serious injury, call 877-724-7800 for a free consultation.
Every case is different. Prior results depend on the facts of the individual case and do not guarantee a similar outcome.