The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that 18% of all fatal crashes (2010) include some 3,092 killed and some 416,000 people wounded.
40% of all American teens say they were in a car where the cell phone was causing danger.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.
11% of driver aged 18 to 20 who were involved in an auto accident and survived admitted that they were sending or receiving texts when they crashed.
Dr. Jacob Bastomski referred Vicky Reese to a local orthopedist, which made all the difference in the world for the 45 year old plaintiff. She entered the intersection on a green light. Defendant also claimed to have the green light, but an independent witness stated he saw defendant run the light. After much litigation, defendant reluctantly admitted fault.
The ambulance took her to SB Cottage Hospital where she was observed overnight for abdominal trauma. Dr. Bastomski treated Reese for several months charging $6,700.00 But she continued to suffer bladder frequency issues.
Her total medical bills were $31,000.00 Allstate did not believe she needed to urinate every 15 minutes, which interrupted her sleep and daily living. Her orthopedist testified it was more “likely than not” her bladder urgency was caused by the accident. Defendant doctors disagreed.
Reese demanded policy limits of $250,000.00 Allstate offered $24,500.00 The jury awarded $538,000.00.
Santa Barbara Sup Court : Judge Thomas Anderle, 9.30.14; case 1417193 Reese vs. Mingramm
PRACTICE TIP
Every great song, novel or PI case requires a “hook“. A theme that will make the jury take notice. The fact that Dr. Jacob referred his patient to an understanding MD to follow up on the “urinary frequency” pushed this case to be worth more than 21.5 times the offer.
Find the “hook” for every great case.