Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
Abels & Annes, has resolved an uninsured motorist claim on behalf of an Orland Park resident. This claim stems from an accident that occurred on January 11, 2010 at the intersection of 26 Street and King Drive in Chicago Illinois. At the time of the accident, our client was driving southbound on King Drive crossing 26th Street with a solid green light. At that same time an uninsured driver was moving westbound across the intersection, ran a red light, and struck the client’s vehicle.
After the collision, the accident was investigated by the Chicago Police Department. At that time the at fault driver admitted to the investigating officer that she ran a red light. An independent witness at the scene also stated that the uninsured driver failed to stop at the traffic light.
Immediately after the accident the plaintiff started having back and neck pain, and left knee pain. Due to his complaints, he was taken by a Chicago Fire Department Ambulance to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center.
At the emergency room, he was examined by physicians and X-rays were taken which were negative for fractures. He was given a prescription for diazepam and ibuprofen.
Due to ongoing knee pain, he returned to the ER the next evening. At that time further x-rays were taken of his left knee. They were also negative for fracture.
The knee pain became more severe over the next 48 hours. On January 14, 2010 he went for additional treatment at a doctor’s office. There he was examined by a physician who gave an assessment of sprains and strains of the knee and leg, low back pain, and knee pain. The doctor noted swelling of his left knee and ordered an MRI. He also referred the claimant for physical therapy and ordered hime off work until released from therapy.
An MRI without contrast of his left knee was taken on January 19, 2010. The scan showed a small joint effusion in the knee.
The plaintiff was next seen by his doctor on January 22. At that time he had prominent pain and cervical spine and lumbar spine. The pain was radiating to the next, upper arms, and legs. He reported that pain is being constant. He also again complained of left knee pain. The physician noted he had increased muscle spasm with pain upon palpitation. Physical therapy was again recommended.
The client treated again on February 4, 2010. In addition to his previous complaints, he was now suffering from headaches. He was ordered to continue physical therapy.
On March 16, 2010 he complained to the physician of low back pain was constant and moderate intensity, and also cause stiffness. Further, his knee pain was worse since his last visit. Associated symptoms included pain with stairs, and locking and popping. He was again ordered to continue with physical therapy.
On May 11, 2010, he was seen again. At that time his back pain was intermittent and mild in severity. He noted some pain relief with physical therapy.
On June 4, 2010 doctor notes revealed he was having constant and moderate low back pain. The physician described the pain is chronic but intermittent with acute exasperation.
The claimant went to 20 physical therapy appointments starting on January 27, 2010 and ending on April 27, 2010. The treatment consisted of electric stimulation, heat and cold treatment, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activities, neuromuscular reeducation and ultrasound therapy.
The plaintiff incurred just over $9,000 in medical bills due to the accident. The case settled for $45,000 and Motorist Mutual Insurance paid on the uninsured motorist claim.
If you have been injured in a Chicago car accident, call the personal injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free, no obligation consultation. Call us at 312-924-7575, or contact us online.
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