A simple drive through a familiar intersection turned into a life-altering event for 63-year-old Lewis.*
Another driver ran a red light and collided with Lewis’s vehicle, leaving him with severe injuries to his back and hip as well as a severe concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Below is Lewis’s journey to recovery and how taking the recommended back surgery led to a settlement that grew from an initial $200,000 offer to $1.25 million.
*Name changed to protect privacy.
A collision at high speed
When Lewis entered the intersection under a green light, an inattentive driver barreled through the red light. Investigators later learned the defendant had been moving faster than the 45-mph speed limit, striking Lewis’s car at a speed between 47 and 51 mph. Crucially, the defendant admitted he tried to brake in the seconds before the crash—meaning his speed was likely even higher before braking.
Crosley Law Firm engaged an accident reconstructionist who confirmed the speed of the other vehicle at the moment of the crash. A biomechanical engineer we consulted also confirmed that Lewis’s injuries were consistent with a violent collision at a minimum speed of 47 mph (we will look more closely at Lewis’s injuries later).
Yet the defendant tried to argue that the intersection’s traffic signals were malfunctioning, insisting he saw a green light.
Disproving the “signal error” defense
Lewis recalled having a clear green light and a witness driving directly behind him confirmed the same. The defendant’s claim of a faulty signal placed the focus on whether the intersection had any history of malfunction.
The Crosley Law team reached out to the City of San Antonio’s traffic engineering department and spoke with the transportation systems management engineer. They provided records and official statements confirming:
- There was no evidence of malfunction or out-of-sync traffic lights
- If the signals had been malfunctioning, they would have automatically switched to a flashing red mode
These findings neutralized the defendant’s suggestion of a faulty light, firmly establishing liability.
The extent of Lewis’s injuries
Lewis was an active individual at 63 years old. Unfortunately, the collision had immediate and severe consequences for his physical health, including:
- A mild TBI accompanied by persistent headaches, dizziness, and tinnitus
- Spinal injuries including several herniated and torn discs
- A rib fracture that complicated breathing and mobility during recovery
- A right hip fracture that required additional orthopedic intervention and extended rehabilitation
Lewis battled through chronic pain, reduced mobility, and the mental and emotional strain of dealing with a concussion. His past medical expenses approached $200,000, and a credible life-care planning analysis placed his future lifetime medical costs at $314,000. This included ongoing treatments and therapies for both his spinal injuries and TBI symptoms.
RELATED: 4 signs of brain injury after a car accident (and what to do next)
Proving the surgery mattered
Lewis’s doctors recommended surgery to address pain, compressed nerves, and ongoing mobility issues.
Despite the extensive evidence of his injuries, the insurance company initially offered $200,000. They specifically disputed the costs of the recommended surgery, calling them “speculative.”
Lewis ultimately followed his doctors’ advice and underwent a minimally invasive procedure that involved:
- Removal of herniated disc fragments using a small camera and specialized tools
- Enlarging the nerve openings to relieve pressure on nerve roots
- Ablation (burning) of damaged nerve fibers to reduce joint pain
Because these steps involve small incisions, Lewis recovered more quickly than with traditional open surgery. He soon noticed significant pain relief and gradually returned to his regular exercise routine.
And Crosley Law helped Lewis prove that the surgery was worth it. Once we presented updated documentation of both the necessity and actual costs of the procedures, the insurance company increased its settlement offer to $1.25 million.
A life reclaimed
Now that his spine and hip are in a more stable condition, Lewis has resumed many of the activities he thought he might never do again. While he continues to manage lingering headaches and other mild TBI symptoms, he considers his outcomes a success—particularly compared to where he started right after the crash.
Lewis has expressed gratitude to Crosley Law Firm for guiding him through every phase of his case. Our dedicated legal team ensured that critical evidence—such as the intersection’s engineering data and expert opinions from accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals—was collected and used effectively to demonstrate the defendant’s liability and the full extent of Lewis’s injuries.
How Crosley Law Firm fights for the injured
Crosley Law Firm has extensive experience advocating for victims of serious crashes, especially those involving catastrophic brain and spine injuries. Our team is committed to building strong cases against insurance carriers that minimize or deny legitimate claims. By collaborating with medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and other professionals, we seek to secure compensation that genuinely reflects what each client has lost and will need in the future.
Read more Crosley Law success stories:
- A man in his ‘70s suffered significant injuries and post-concussion syndrome after a pickup truck collided with his vehicle. We held the insurance company accountable for the maximum policy limit of $1 million. Read more.
- The insurance company initially offered only $900 after our client suffered long-lasting injuries from being rear-ended. We found that insulting and fought for a $115,000 verdict instead. Read more.
- A rideshare passenger suffered concussion difficulties for months after his driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed. The insurance company tried to deny responsibility, but we negotiated hard for a $200,000 settlement. Read more.
Lewis’s experience is a powerful reminder that thorough evidence, credible experts, and perseverance can make all the difference against a skeptical insurance company. With the proper legal representation, even a low initial offer can be challenged and negotiated into a settlement that properly supports the victim’s recovery and long-term well-being.
Car Crash? Call Crosley
Don’t let insurance companies make you settle for less than what you need to recover your life after a crash. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Call our office at (210) 796-8191 or fill out our online contact form to reach us.
