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The Van Dora Law Firm secured a $300,000 settlement after a serious Athens car crash caused a broken wrist. Learn how our Georgia injury lawyers helped.
At The Van Dora Law Firm, we fight every day to make sure injured Georgians get the compensation they deserve. Recently, our team secured a $300,000 settlement for a Clarke County driver who suffered a severe wrist fracture after another motorist made an improper lane change on Gaines School Road in Athens, Georgia.
This case is a powerful example of why working with an experienced Northeast Georgia personal injury lawyer can make all the difference when serious injuries and complex litigation are involved. Attorney Jeremiah Van Dora refused to allow anything less than full value for this case.
The Collision: Unsafe Lane Change on Gaines School Road
The crash occurred on February 29, 2024, when our client was driving eastbound on Gaines School Road in Athens. Another driver, traveling in the same direction, suddenly attempted to turn right from the inside lane onto Barrington Drive—cutting across traffic without warning.
Our client, who had the right of way, struck the passenger side of the other vehicle. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department investigated and determined that the other driver was solely at fault, citing them for improper lane change under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-123(a)
This Georgia traffic law requires drivers to ensure their movements can be made safely and with proper signaling, something the at-fault driver failed to do.
Serious Injuries: Multiple Fractures Requiring Surgery
The impact left our client with a severe wrist injury visible at the scene. Emergency medical services transported her to the hospital, where diagnostic imaging revealed:
Because of the complexity of the break, orthopedic surgeons performed open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery the following day. The procedure involved the placement of surgical hardware to stabilize the wrist.
After surgery, the client required ongoing follow-up care, therapy, and a lengthy recovery period to regain function.
The Legal Battle: Litigation and Mediation in Cherokee County
Although liability was clear from the start, the at-fault driver’s insurance company initially refused to offer fair compensation. Our firm filed suit in Cherokee County State Court, the defendant’s county of residence.
Over the course of more than a year, we conducted depositions, exchanged discovery, and prepared for trial. Ultimately, through strategic negotiation and mediation, we were able to secure a $300,000 settlement for our client.
This settlement reflects not only the medical expenses and lost wages she endured but also her pain, suffering, and long-term impact from a serious orthopedic injury.
Why This Case Matters
Improper lane changes are a common cause of collisions in Athens and throughout Northeast Georgia, but their consequences can be life-altering. This case underscores several key points:
If you're recovering from a car accident, it’s critical to work with a lawyer who knows how to fight for the full value of your case.
Injured in a Georgia Car Accident? Call The Van Dora Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Athens, Gainesville, Jefferson, Hartwell, or anywhere in Northeast Georgia, don’t let the insurance company dictate the value of your claim.
Our firm has a proven track record of fighting for maximum results, just like this recent $300,000 settlement.
👉 Contact The Van Dora Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced Georgia personal injury lawyer.