Settlement Reached in Case of Rideshare Passenger Severely Injured in Rear-End Collision
The case of a rideshare passenger who suffered a traumatic brain injury when the vehicle she was in was struck by a commuter bus settled for $4.75 million. The plaintiff was a rear-seat passenger in a rideshare vehicle, which was waiting at a traffic light, when a transit bus slammed into its rear end in Washington, D.C. The college student in the backseat of the vehicle suffered a serious brain injury, which included a fractured skull, subarachnoid hemorrhages, seizures, and was unconscious.
Seriousness of the Plaintiff’s Injuries
The plaintiff’s injuries were so severe that she was placed into a medically induced coma and intubated for a week. Following this procedure, she was transferred for inpatient rehabilitation to another hospital. As a result of the traumatic injury to her brain, the plaintiff suffered from dizziness, headaches, memory loss, the inability to speak or understand speech and other serious problems.
Cost of Serious Injuries
Serious injuries can result in extensive hospitalization, high medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. In some cases, a traumatic brain injury is so severe that it continues into the future and permanently changes the individual’s life. An injury lawyer can help you obtain compensation to cover all of your current and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, rehabilitation and in-home medical care.
Fractured Skull
A head injury can cause a fractured skull, which is a break in the cranial bone. Depending on the force of impact, the fracture can be minor and heal with time or severe and cause bleeding, seizures or brain damage. Symptoms include tenderness in the area of the skull overlying the fracture, nose bleeds or blood emanating from the ears or facial bruising. The way the fracture is treated depends on the type and severity of the injury. If the fracture is serious, surgical intervention may be needed.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
A subarachnoid hemorrhage results in bleeding into the areas surrounding the brain. It can result from a head injury or an aneurysm that ruptures. Thirty-three percent of patients will survive the subarachnoid hemorrhage with a good recovery, and 33 percent will develop persistent disabilities. In addition, the remaining 33 percent will die.
The area where the bleeding occurs is referred to as the subarachnoid space and contains cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain. When blood enters this space, it places pressure on the brain and destroys or damages brain cells. The artery that is leaking no longer carries oxygenated blood to the brain, which causes a stroke. Aside from a TBI, a ruptured aneurysm is the most common cause of a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Investigating the Accident
Investigation into an accident is complex and provides evidence that is needed for a successful case resolution. At our law firm, we send our investigators to the scene of the accident. Once there, they:
- Examine the accident site for clues as to why the crash occurred
- Use accident reconstruction techniques to determine vehicle placement
- Check the at-fault driver’s history to see if they have had similar accidents, particularly if they are a professional driver
- Examine the at-fault driver’s vehicle to see if there have been recalls associated with it
- Check the at-fault driver’s vehicle for brake failure or lack of maintenance
- Review the police report for mistakes
- Observe roadway conditions to see if non-functioning traffic lights or hidden signage was complicit in the accident
- Obtain surveillance videos from traffic lights and businesses
Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer
My name is Ed Smith, and I’m a Sacramento personal injury lawyer. If you or a member of your family suffer a traumatic brain injury, you have the right to be compensated for the financial damage it caused. Call my firm at (916) 921-6400 in the Sacramento area or (800) 404-5400 to schedule a free case review. If you or your family are unable to come to us, we can meet virtually. You can also contact us online if that is easier for you.
My law firm is dedicated to protecting its clients’ rights. We leave no stone unturned in determining the at-fault party’s liability and obtaining the compensation our client deserves. No one should have to pay physically and financially for the negligence of another in all types of car accidents, bus crashes, and other traumas.
I am proud to be included in the following organizations:
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Photo attribution: Image by Vladyslav Topyekha from Pixabay
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