Failure to yield the right-of-way is a frequent contributing factor in Iowa car accidents, often leading to crashes at intersections, roundabouts, and pedestrian crosswalks. These collisions can also happen when drivers recklessly merge onto highways or make careless left turns. No matter how they occur, failure-to-yield accidents can result in severe injuries, property damage, and other consequences.
When a right-of-way collision left a veteran with severe injuries and nearly $1 million in medical expenses, the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop was proud to be of service. Our Omaha car accident lawyer worked tirelessly, overcoming obstacles like limited insurance coverage to secure a full and fair recovery for our client. Here's what you should know about this case and the value of having a personal injury lawyer adept at negotiating medical repayment (subrogation claims).
The Accident
Our client was driving in his classic 1962 Cadillac Series convertible when an SUV driver pulled out of a parking lot to make a left-hand turn across his lane of travel.
Because the driver of the SUV failed to yield the right-of-way, our client T-boned the vehicle at approximately 35 miles per hour. It happened so quickly, he didn't even have a chance to hit the brakes.
The Injuries and Damages
The Cadillac Series 62 convertible was completely totaled. Our client had a broken humerus (the long bone in the upper arm that extends from the shoulder to the elbow), with the break near the shoulder. He also suffered significant gastrointestinal injuries. These included duodenal damage and a bruised bowel that led to bowel resection and exploratory laparotomy surgeries, which resulted in a temporary colostomy bag.
After long-term stays in the hospital and a rehabilitation facility—and extensive physical therapy, made more challenging by the colostomy bag—our client recovered from his injuries. Doctors were even able to reverse the ostomy after about a year.
However, after this vital care, the client had more than $900,000 in medical bills.
The Litigation and Resolution
When our client and his wife first contacted the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, they were concerned—and it was easy to understand why. Though the client insured his classic convertible for $250,000, the other driver had just $50,000 in coverage. Liability was not disputed, but our client's injuries and damages exceeded the available insurance coverage. With the Veterans Administration (VA) requesting repayment of nearly $62,000, Medicare asking for $168,000, and $7,600 in outstanding medical bills, they worried they could end up owing money rather than recovering it.
Matt reassured the client and his wife that he would do his best to help them secure a fair recovery and got to work. A skilled negotiator, Matt got the VA to waive repayment completely and Medicare to reduce its subrogation claim to $111,000—saving the client almost $120,000.
After subrogation reductions and attorney fees, we recovered nearly $90,000 for our client, who was extremely appreciative. We're proud of what we achieved for the client in this case.
Get Experienced Representation for Your Omaha Car Accident Claim
Car crashes can turn your life upside down, leaving you with injuries, medical expenses, property damage, and other unexpected costs. When a person or company's negligence causes a collision that injures you, you shouldn't have to bear the burden for their carelessness.
Were you or someone you love hurt in a failure-to-yield accident in Omaha?
The Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop provides adept legal counsel for your legal journey. We help clients protect their rights and obtain the best possible outcome. Complete the contact form or call 402-281-9668 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll discuss your case and let you know if we can help.
Our Omaha law office serves personal injury clients throughout Nebraska and Iowa.
