Case Summary:
Partner David C. Shay of Vaziri Law Group secured a $1,750,000 settlement on behalf of a woman who sustained serious spinal injuries in a motor vehicle collision caused by a red-light violator in Bakersfield, California. The matter was resolved prior to trial following a strategic investigation and thorough legal advocacy that clearly established liability and long-term damages.
Facts of the Case:
The collision occurred near the intersection of Oak Street in Bakersfield, California. While the plaintiff and passenger were lawfully proceeding through the intersection on a green light, an eastbound vehicle ran the red light at approximately 40 miles per hour, striking the plaintiff’s vehicle with significant force. The driver was found to be in violation of having failed to yield at a red traffic signal. The impact caused extensive property damage and substantial injury.
Treatment:
The plaintiff/driver underwent a course of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment, followed by significant and invasive pain management interventions, including nerve block injections. The plaintiff/passenger did not respond to conservative treatment methods and ultimately required lower back surgery in the form of an L5-S1 microdiscectomy. Despite the procedure, he continued to experience substantial pain in both his neck and lower back. With respect to his lower back, his treating physicians have indicated he will likely require a spinal cord stimulator in the future. The estimated cost of the stimulator, including the trial procedure, exceeds $400,000. Additionally, his doctors have recommended anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels, with projected surgical costs exceeding $300,000.
Legal Strategy:
The Vaziri Law Group legal team preserved and leveraged key evidence, including eyewitness statements, vehicle damage reports, and medical documentation, to establish the defendant’s fault and the full extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. Traffic reconstruction analysis and police records further supported the claim. The matter was resolved through strategic settlement negotiations ahead of trial, securing the maximum compensation available based on the damages presented.
Pursuing Justice:
This $1,750,000 settlement underscores Vaziri Law Group’s unwavering commitment to advocating for individuals injured due to reckless and unlawful driving behavior. The resolution not only supports the client’s ongoing medical care and financial recovery – it also sends a strong message about the importance of traffic safety and legal accountability. At Vaziri Law Group, we remain dedicated to securing justice for injury victims and delivering outcomes that reflect the gravity of the harm they have endured.