Our client was assembling furniture in the driveway of his shared garage at his condo complex when a neighbor, after a brief conversation, ran him over with his Toyota RAV4, resulting in a serious pedestrian injury.
Accident Overview
The incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face and the importance of safe driving practices to prevent pedestrian injury.
Our client was assembling furniture in the driveway of his shared garage at his condo complex when a neighbor, after a brief conversation, ran him over with his Toyota RAV4.
Details of the Incident
The neighbor backed his Toyota RAV4 out of his garage space, drove forward, and ran over our client’s legs with the left front tire. He then reversed, running over our client a second time. The two impacts resulted in severe chest injuries, including fractured ribs that penetrated both lungs, fractured vertebrae, and a punctured back.
Case Facts and Medical Treatment
Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) arrived at the scene and provided life-saving measures before transporting our client to John Muir Hospital Emergency Trauma Center in Walnut Creek. He was placed on a ventilator and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), postponing necessary surgeries until his condition stabilized.
Once stabilized, he underwent multiple cardiothoracic surgeries to remove the lung-penetrating fractured ribs, fixate the ribs puncturing his back, and clear his respiratory system. He remained in the ICU due to his critical condition.
Post-surgery, our client experienced significant pain, short-term memory loss, profound depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Upon discharge, he required extensive physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing assistance due to his physical limitations.
Legal Advocacy and Settlement
Our client and his wife retained GJEL Accident Attorneys to pursue damages, including substantial medical expenses. Attorneys Andy Gillin and Jim Larsen conducted a thorough investigation, consulted with experts, and established the at-fault driver’s clear liability.
They commenced negotiations with the driver’s attorney and insurance carrier, Ameriprise. While securing the policy limits for the plaintiffs, they also successfully negotiated significant reductions in liens from John Muir Hospital and Medicare, resulting in maximum recovery for their clients.
Key Case Details:
- Insurance Companies: Ameriprise, Medicare
- Police Report: Walnut Creek Police Department
- Vehicle: Toyota RAV4
- Accident Location: Rossmoor, Walnut Creek, CA
- Medical Facilities: John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA
- Injuries: Fractured ribs, fractured vertebrae, respiratory failure with hypoxia, PTSD.
This case vividly illustrates the devastating consequences of simple negligence in a seemingly safe environment. Our client’s life was irrevocably altered due to a neighbor’s careless actions, resulting in catastrophic injuries and a prolonged, painful recovery.
GJEL Accident Attorneys’ ability to establish clear liability and secure the maximum available compensation underscores the importance of having experienced legal representation when faced with such traumatic events. The successful negotiation of reduced medical liens further highlights the firm’s dedication to ensuring clients receive the full benefit of their settlements.
Navigating the complexities of severe injury claims, especially those involving extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, requires a legal team with expertise and compassion.
GJEL Accident Attorneys’ commitment to thoroughly investigating the incident, consulting with experts, and aggressively negotiating with insurance companies ensured their clients received the justice they deserved. Their ability to successfully reduce medical liens demonstrates their dedication to maximizing client recovery, allowing the injured party to focus on healing rather than financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate your case, answer your questions, and fight for your rights.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll such incidents can take, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Let us help you navigate the legal process and ensure your future is protected. Talk to an experienced GJEL accident attorney, call us at +1 415-986-4777, or visit our Stockton office.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.