S.G. Case Review with Attorney Jason Binette
Hi, I’m Shane Smith from Shane Smith Law. Welcome to this week’s case review. Today, I’m talking with one of our attorneys, Jason Binette, about a recently settled case involving a young woman we’ll refer to as SG, and how early diagnosis and focused strategy led to a strong result despite limited insurance coverage.
How the accident happened
SG was 26 years old at the time of the crash. She was driving along when another driver failed to reduce speed and rear-ended her at approximately 45 miles per hour. There was no sudden stop on her part. The impact came without warning.
Initial injuries and diagnosis
After the crash, SG sought medical treatment and was diagnosed with several significant injuries, including:
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Acute post-traumatic headaches
- A tear in her left rotator cuff
The shoulder injury was especially concerning. An MRI confirmed a small tear, which became a key piece of objective evidence in the case.
Medical treatment and recovery
SG treated with a Pain Management doctor and received targeted injections to her shoulder. Over time, those treatments were successful. The tear healed without surgery, and she reported significant improvement in pain and function. By the time the case was resolved, she was feeling much better and able to use her shoulder normally.
Insurance challenges
The at-fault driver carried only $50,000 in liability coverage. SG’s medical bills totaled approximately $45,000, and there was no underinsured motorist coverage available. That meant the case required careful handling to make sure SG was compensated fairly without the medical bills consuming the entire recovery.
How the case was resolved
After submitting a well-documented demand, including the MRI findings and treatment records, Jason was able to get the insurance company to tender the full $50,000 policy limits within two weeks.
From there, the focus shifted to negotiating with medical providers. By working through reasonable reductions, the bills were resolved in a way that allowed SG to receive meaningful compensation, not just have her medical expenses paid.
Key takeaway from this case
One of the biggest lessons from this case is the importance of early, objective diagnosis, especially for younger clients. Getting an MRI or other imaging early makes it far more difficult for insurance companies to minimize or deny injuries. It also helps guide treatment and speeds up resolution.
Final thoughts
SG’s case shows that even when insurance limits are low, strong medical documentation and proactive negotiation can lead to a fair outcome. She healed well, received proper care, and walked away with compensation instead of unanswered questions.
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 here:
https://www.shanesmithlaw.com/car-accident-victim-survival-guide/
And remember, in pain, call Shane at 980-999-9999 to speak with the team at Shane Smith Law.
