$300,000 Policy-Limits Settlement for Illegal Left-Turn Crash Causing Cervical Fusion in Kansas City, Missouri
This motor vehicle collision occurred in February 2024 on State Line Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Our client was injured when another driver made an illegal left-hand turn, pulling directly into his path.
Liability and Injuries
The Kansas City Police Department cited the at-fault driver for failing to yield, and liability was accepted by the driver’s insurance carrier, USAA.
As a result of the collision, our client sustained serious cervical spine and upper-extremity injuries, including a herniated disc at C5–C6 with spinal cord compression, which caused ongoing pain and numbness. He also suffered a left biceps injury that resulted in permanent weakness and deformity.
Medical Treatment and Causation
Our client underwent extensive medical treatment, including physical therapy, cervical epidural steroid injections, and ultimately a C5–C6 discectomy and fusion surgery performed by a spine surgeon in February 2025. He was also treated by an orthopedic surgeon along with multiple rehabilitation providers.
Both treating physicians opined that the cervical spine and arm injuries were directly caused by the collision, supporting the need for surgical intervention and ongoing care.
Impact on Work and Daily Life
At the time of the crash, our client worked in a physically demanding skilled trade that required full use of both arms and significant physical exertion. His injuries substantially limited his ability to perform that work, resulting in lasting vocational and functional consequences.
Settlement and Outcome
Foster Wallace sent a 90-day policy-limits demand pursuant to Missouri law. The case resolved on August 14, 2025, with payment of the full $300,000 policy limits.
In addition to securing the policy-limits settlement, Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers negotiated substantial reductions of medical liens and bills, reducing the total medical claims by nearly $118,000. This work significantly increased the portion of the recovery ultimately retained by the client.
