$1.2 Million Rear-End Collision Settlement in Queens

Raphaelson & Levine secured a $1.2 million settlement for a Queens motorist who was rear-ended at a stop sign near the Cross Island Parkway and required cervical fusion surgery, lumbar surgery, and ongoing treatment for multiple spinal injuries.

Rear-Ended at a Queens Stop Sign Near the Cross Island Parkway

Our client was completely stopped at a stop sign entering the Cross Island Parkway when the impact came from behind. Police arrived on scene and documented the collision, and an ambulance transported our client to Flushing Hospital for emergency evaluation. The initial diagnosis pointed to serious neck and back injuries — but the full extent of the damage would only reveal itself over the following months.

A fractured lumbar vertebra and a bulging disc were identified, along with cervical spine damage and left knee injuries. Our client underwent epidural injections to the low back over an extended period before doctors determined that surgical intervention was necessary. A lumbar surgery addressed the disc and fracture, and a cervical fusion followed to stabilize the neck.

Defeating the Insurer's Attack on Medical Necessity in Queens

The defense strategy was predictable: accept that the rear-end collision occurred — liability was not seriously disputed — but argue that the surgeries were excessive for a "minor" rear-end impact. Our Queens car accident attorneys countered by presenting the complete medical timeline, showing how conservative treatments were attempted first and proved insufficient, making surgery the medically necessary next step.

Biomechanical analysis demonstrated that the collision forces were consistent with the spinal fracture and disc damage our client sustained. Treating surgeons testified that without the surgical interventions, our client faced permanent pain and disability.

$1.2 Million Settlement for Spinal Injuries in Queens

The $1.2 million settlement compensates our client for multiple surgeries, years of pain management, lost wages, and the permanent lifestyle limitations caused by a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign.

"Insurance companies love to call rear-end collisions 'minor' — until you show them the cervical fusion hardware and the lumbar fracture on imaging. This case required proving that every surgical step was directly caused by the crash, and the evidence made that undeniable."

— Andrew Levine, Founding Partner at Raphaelson & Levine

If you've been rear-ended in Queens or anywhere in New York City and are facing surgery for spinal injuries, our Queens car accident lawyers have extensive experience proving the full value of serious injury claims, and are ready to review your case. Contact us today for a free evaluation.