M.O. Case Review with Attorney John Mobley
In this week’s case review, Shane Smith spoke with John Mobley of Shane Smith Law about a recently settled motor vehicle accident case involving a high-speed rear-end collision and the importance of following through with recommended medical treatment.
How the Accident Happened
The client, referred to as MO, was stopped at a traffic light when she was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling at more than 50 miles per hour. MO was the middle car in a chain-reaction crash, meaning she was hit from behind and then violently pushed into the vehicle in front of her.
As a result, MO experienced two separate impacts in a matter of seconds. Given the force of the collision and MO’s age, it was immediately clear this was not a minor crash.
Injuries That Were Worse Than They First Appeared
At the emergency room, MO’s injuries initially appeared less severe than they ultimately turned out to be. However, once she was evaluated by specialists and diagnostic imaging was completed, the true extent of her injuries became clear.
MO suffered a disc herniation, an annular tear, and additional soft tissue injuries. Annular tears, in particular, are known to be extremely painful and can significantly affect a person’s daily life.
Early Settlement Offer Fell Short
After reviewing MO’s MRI results, the legal team initially submitted a demand to the insurance company. At that point, MO was hesitant to proceed with certain recommended treatments, including injections, due to understandable concerns about the procedures.
The insurance company responded with an offer that both the attorney and MO felt significantly undervalued her injuries. It was clear the insurer was not fully appreciating the seriousness of her condition.
Following Medical Advice Changed the Outcome
After discussing the situation, MO agreed to move forward with the treatment her specialists had recommended. Over the course of about a month, she received a small number of injections aimed at addressing her spinal injuries.
Once this additional treatment was completed and documented, the case was resubmitted to the insurance company. The impact was immediate. The offer increased by approximately $25,000 and continued to rise as negotiations progressed.
Ultimately, the case resolved with a six-figure settlement, a dramatic improvement over the initial offer.
Why Documentation and Treatment Matter
One of the biggest lessons from this case is the difference between having a documented injury and actually completing the recommended treatment. As John Mobley explained, those are often viewed by insurance companies as two very different cases.
This case also highlighted the importance of early documentation. When the insurance adjuster later questioned the severity of the impact, the legal team was able to provide photographs of both the vehicle damage and MO’s injuries. That evidence helped overcome attempts to downplay the crash and strengthened her claim for pain and suffering.
A Key Takeaway for Future Clients
MO’s case reinforces several important points: serious injuries are not always obvious at first, recommended treatment matters, and strong evidence collected early can make or break a case. Taking the time to fully document injuries and follow medical advice can dramatically change the outcome.
Final Thoughts
This case is a strong example of how patience, proper medical care, and persistent advocacy can lead to a fair result, even when the insurance company initially undervalues a claim.
If you want to learn more about what to do after a car accident, you can request a free copy of The Victim’s Survival Guide to Car Accidents.
If you are in pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999 to speak with the team at Shane Smith Law.
