Loyd J. Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer secured a mid-six-figure policy limits settlement for a woman who suffered neck and lower back injuries when a commercial truck rear-ended her vehicle in construction traffic on I-310 near the Hale Boggs Bridge in Louisiana.
Case at a Glance
- Case Type: Rear-end collision involving a commercial truck
- Location: Interstate 310 near the Hale Boggs Bridge, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana
- Client: Woman injured during her morning commute to work
- Accident Details: Client stopped for heavy traffic caused by bridge construction when a truck bearing a pool cleaning business logo failed to brake and struck her vehicle from behind
- Injuries: Neck and lower back injuries, including cervical disc protrusions and additional lumbar spine injuries
- Medical Treatment: Emergency room evaluation, X-rays, MRI imaging, physical therapy, conservative treatment, and an epidural steroid injection
- Future Medical Needs: A life-care planner evaluated the client’s anticipated medical treatment and future care costs
- Final Recovery: Mid-six-figure insurance policy limits settlement
- Resolution: Lawsuit filed, followed by a policy limits demand accepted by the insurer before extensive litigation
A Morning Commute Interrupted by Construction
Maria was heading to work on a chilly January morning when her commute took a sudden turn. Driving southbound on I-310, she encountered heavy traffic due to construction on the Hale Boggs Bridge, a regular inconvenience for locals.
The Sudden Rear-End Collision
As Maria cautiously stopped for backed-up traffic, a truck bearing a pool cleaning business logo failed to brake in time and rear-ended her vehicle. The collision jolted Maria, leaving her dazed and experiencing immediate discomfort.
Immediate Aftermath and First Medical Evaluation
Disoriented and tense, Maria initially felt relieved that she had no apparent fractures. However, as adrenaline faded, pain in her neck and shoulder surfaced. She drove herself to the ER, where X-rays were clear, but an MRI revealed disc protrusions in her neck.
Maria’s Ongoing Pain and Treatment Journey
Following the ER visit, Maria’s pain continued, spreading to her lower back. After extensive imaging, her doctors identified additional injuries in her lumbar spine. Over several months, she pursued physical therapy, conservative care, and eventually underwent an epidural steroid injection for temporary relief.
The Role of Loyd Bourgeois and His Team
Understanding Maria’s need for long-term care, attorney Loyd Bourgeois and his team conducted a thorough investigation. They located insurance coverage, consulted medical providers, and retained a life-care planner to assess her future treatment costs.
Reaching a Mid Six-Figure Settlement
After filing a lawsuit, the team submitted a policy limit demand, which the insurer accepted before extensive legal proceedings. This resulted in a substantial mid-six figure settlement, providing Maria with the financial support she needed for ongoing care and recovery.