The client was stopped at a red light when the
defendant’s truck plowed into the line of stopped vehicles, causing a chain
collision. Client struck her knees on the underside of the dashboard,
aggravating underlying degenerative conditions in both knees, resulting in
first arthroscopic surgery and then replacement of the knees on both sides.
Client had extensive prior medical history with regard to both knees,
including multiple arthroscopic surgeries. An initial settlement
represented exhaustion of the at-fault driver’s policy limits, as there were
multiple claims made against the policy. A subsequent underinsured
motorist claim made under the client’s own policy paid the balance of the
settlement. (Lake County)