Settlement Amount: $1.9 Million
Injury Type: Compound Leg Fractures and Pelvic Injury
Background
Rachel K., a 27-year-old graduate student in Los Angeles, was crossing the street when a distracted Lyft driver checking his app struck her in the crosswalk. She was thrown 20 feet and suffered multiple fractures.
Medical Devastation
- Orthopedic Trauma: Bilateral leg fractures requiring external fixation and multiple surgeries.
- Recovery Struggles: 14 months on crutches, ongoing physical therapy.
- Financial Hardship: Paused graduate studies, lost fellowship funding, $200K in medical debt.
Defense Tactics
- Lyft claimed Rachel “jaywalked,” despite police report stating otherwise.
- Tried to settle with personal insurance instead of commercial policy.
- Delayed medical discovery to pressure settlement.
Injurease’s Action
- Obtained app usage logs proving driver was distracted by Lyft’s platform.
- Subpoenaed driver training records showing inadequate safety education.
- Partnered with orthopedic surgeons to project future surgical costs.
Legal Triumphs
- Demonstrated Lyft’s negligence in app design encouraging driver distraction.
- Secured court order compelling use of Lyft’s $1M commercial liability policy.
- Won damages for loss of educational and career opportunities.
Settlement Details
$1.9M covering:
- $600K medical bills and future surgeries
- $500K lost fellowship and career opportunities
- $800K pain/suffering and emotional distress
Rachel Today:
“My legs may never be the same, but Injurease gave me the chance to keep moving forward.”