Chicago Rear-End Collision — $35,000.00 Settlement in Chicago
Key Takeaways
- Our client was stopped in Chicago traffic when another driver struck the rear of her vehicle.
- State Farm denied the claim and disputed whether the collision caused the reported symptoms.
- The case required litigation, discovery, depositions, and private arbitration proceedings.
- The claim ultimately resolved for a $35,000.00 settlement.
What Happened
On April 4, 2019, our client was stopped in southbound traffic on Austin Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, when another driver failed to stop and struck the rear of her vehicle.
The Injury
Our client sustained a concussion with continuing post-concussive symptoms, a neck sprain, and a lower-back injury. State Farm later relied on portions of her prior medical history to dispute whether all of the reported symptoms were caused by this collision.
The Insurance Company's First Offer
State Farm made no initial monetary offer and denied the claim, disputing liability and whether the collision caused our client’s reported symptoms.
Why That Offer Was Too Low
The denial prevented the claim from being resolved through ordinary negotiations. We disagreed with the insurer’s position because the evidence documented a rear-end collision and treatment for head, neck, and lower-back symptoms following the crash. The prior medical history required careful development of the medical and causation evidence rather than treating the claim as having no value.
What We Did
Our firm reviewed the police report, medical records, bills, and prior-injury information. We submitted a demand, filed a lawsuit in Cook County, completed written discovery, issued subpoenas, defended our client’s deposition, and obtained testimony from a treating physician.
We continued preparing the case for trial and private arbitration, addressed the medical lien and billing issues, and negotiated with the defense. The matter ultimately settled for $35,000.00.
Timeline
- Accident occurred April 4, 2019
- Key treatment began April 4, 2019
- Treatment completed / maximum medical improvement reached October 30, 2019
- Claim opened April 15, 2021
- Lawsuit filed July 11, 2022
- Settlement agreement reached May 10, 2024
Total duration: Approximately 61 months
Why This Case Matters
A prior injury or medical condition does not automatically prevent recovery after a new collision. It may, however, create a causation dispute requiring the parties to separate the prior condition from new or aggravated symptoms.
Here, State Farm denied the claim and relied in part on our client’s medical history. Through litigation, discovery, medical testimony, and private arbitration proceedings, we continued developing the evidence and obtained a $35,000.00 settlement.
The Final Result
$35,000.00
The case settled for $35,000.00 after State Farm initially denied the claim and made no monetary offer. The result followed litigation, written discovery, depositions, medical testimony, and preparation for private arbitration and trial. The settlement resolved the causation dispute without a verdict or arbitration award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Potentially. A prior condition does not automatically bar a claim, but the injured person must establish whether the new incident caused a new injury or aggravated the existing condition. Medical records and provider testimony may be important in distinguishing the conditions.
A treating physician may provide testimony concerning the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and relationship between the incident and the patient’s condition. That testimony can be particularly important when the insurer disputes causation or relies on a prior medical history.
About the Attorney
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