Overview

A 27-year-old man suffered a traumatic brain injury and facial fractures after driving through a poorly signed T intersection on an unfamiliar country road. Missing warning signs contributed to the collision, leaving him with permanent post-concussion symptoms. His claim was resolved with a $1 million settlement.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement: $1 million
  • Accident type: Single-vehicle motor vehicle collision
  • Primary injury: Traumatic brain injury
  • Additional injuries: Concussion, broken nose, fractured orbital bone
  • Resolution method: Settlement
  • Notable legal issues: Alleged failure to provide roadway signage that met prevailing standards
  • Medical treatment: Initial diagnosis of a concussion, broken nose, and fractured orbital bone
  • Long-term impact: Permanent post-concussion cognitive symptoms, reduced work responsibilities, and lower earnings

The Case

Our client was 27 years old when he was driving late at night on an unfamiliar country road. After travelling along a long straight stretch, he encountered a sharp curve leading to a T intersection. According to the prevailing standards for roadway signage, the curve and intersection should have included multiple warning signs, including curve warning signs, chevrons, a stop-ahead warning sign, and a checkerboard sign. Those signs were not present.

Without the expected warnings, our client was taken by surprise. He was unable to stop in time, drove across the through road, and entered a forested area. He was initially diagnosed with a concussion, a broken nose, and a fractured orbital bone.

Although he returned to work, he continued to experience significant post-concussion cognitive symptoms. The effects of his traumatic brain injury proved to be permanent, forcing him to take on less responsibility at work and ultimately accept lower pay.

The claim was ultimately resolved with a settlement of $1 million.

Why It Matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can result when roadway signage does not meet prevailing standards and motorists are not adequately warned of changing road conditions.

It also demonstrates that the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury may continue long after the initial physical injuries have healed, affecting a person’s ability to perform their job and maintain their earning capacity.