Policy limit for post-incident injuries

A bike never stands a chance against a car, and for its rider, the aftermath of a collision can be a long, arduous journey back to standing on one’s own two feet.

Redwood Road is a crucial artery in Castro Valley, CA connecting its downtown to Hayward. On a typical morning, amidst the rush of commuters, Defendant Driver made a split-second decision that would forever change the life of Jane Doe, a scientist, mother, and cyclist on her way to work.

For two decades, Jane had followed the same route to her job, her bicycle an extension of her active spirit. Equipped with a helmet and lights, she was a lawful and familiar presence on that road. But as she approached the intersection, Defendant Driver, heading northbound, made an abrupt left turn, cutting directly into her path. The collision was unavoidable. Jane was thrown from her bike, landing hard on the unforgiving asphalt.

In the immediate aftermath, adrenaline masked the true extent of Jane’s injuries. Her resilience and commitment to her job drove her to initially dismiss her pain. But as the shock wore off, the reality of her situation became undeniable, forcing her to seek medical attention.

What followed was a grueling journey of recovery. Physical therapy sessions became a constant, aimed at restoring her strength and mobility. Just as she began to see a glimmer of hope, a devastating fall at Lake Tahoe, triggered by the instability caused by the initial collision, led to a cascade of new injuries and setbacks.

Jane’s life, once defined by an active career and a love for physical pursuits, was now constrained by pain and limitations. The joy she found in biking, Zumba, yoga, and her community at the local athletic club was replaced by the frustration of physical restrictions and the emotional toll of chronic pain.

What followed was a grueling journey to recovery.

This case isn’t just about the collision; it’s about the ripple effect of negligence. Defendant Driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way set in motion a chain of events that led to severe, life-altering consequences for Jane.

We were prepared to demonstrate in court the full extent of Jane’s economic and non-economic damages, including substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and the immeasurable cost of pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life.

The Result:

Through diligent pre-litigation work, determined advocacy, and a compelling presentation of Jane Doe’s suffering, we successfully secured the full policy limit of $500,000 from Defendant Driver’s insurance company. This outcome, while it cannot undo the harm inflicted upon Jane, provides her with the means to access ongoing care and a measure of security for her future.