An Uber driver was hurt in a car crash in Mamaroneck, New York. The insurance company’s initial offer was a mere $20,000, far from adequate for the serious injuries he sustained. But with the relentless advocacy and strategic expertise of Mitchell Proner and his experienced legal team at Proner & Proner, the final settlement skyrocketed to $1,175,000.
This case is a clear example of how insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even when the victim sustains serious injuries and is unable to work. It also highlights the importance of having a skilled and aggressive attorney on your side. The right legal representation can mean the difference between financial hardship and a life-changing recovery. Here’s how it all unfolded.
How the Uber Accident Happened
The collision occurred when our client, an experienced Uber driver, was transporting four passengers through Mamaroneck, New York. Without warning, a vehicle emerged from a driveway and struck his car on the passenger side, resulting in a T-bone impact that would have lasting consequences for our client. The force of the collision immediately caused pain throughout his neck, shoulders, and lower back.
The following day after the accident, our client sought medical attention at Lincoln Hospital, reporting significant back pain along with pain in his left arm and neck. What initially appeared to be minor injuries would later prove to be severe damage requiring extensive medical intervention.
Medical Treatment and Surgeries
In the months following the accident, our client underwent an extensive course of physical therapy and received multiple epidural steroid injections to manage his pain. Due to the severity of his injuries, his physicians prohibited him from returning to work from the date of the collision.
Despite these efforts, he experienced little lasting relief. Ultimately, his physicians determined that surgical intervention was necessary and performed three surgeries:
- Cervical Fusion
- Lumbar Discectomy
- Left Shoulder Arthroscopy
These surgeries not only resulted in substantial medical expenses, but also required prolonged periods of recovery and disability.
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Fighting the Insurance Company
The insurance company initially offered just $20,000, an amount that wouldn’t begin to cover our client’s medical expenses, let alone his lost income.
The carrier justified this low offer by attempting to attribute all of our client’s injuries to prior accidents, citing his previous complaints of neck and back pain. This unfair tactic sought to minimize their liability despite clear evidence linking the injuries to the current collision.
Recognizing the injustice, Mitchell Proner and his legal team at Proner & Proner fought tirelessly on his behalf. Their skilled advocacy resulted in a remarkable $1,175,000 recovery, nearly 60 times the original offer.
This million-dollar outcome stands as a powerful testament to the critical importance of retaining experienced legal representation in serious car accident cases. Without the guidance and determination of a seasoned attorney, our client could have been pressured into accepting an early lowball offer, leaving him financially devastated. Instead, he received the compensation he deserved.
How We Won
The key to success was gathering all the right information. The Proner & Proner team collected medical records and secured expert testimony to establish three critical points:
- Although the client had prior neck and back injuries, he was asymptomatic and had never been recommended for surgery before the Mamaroneck collision;
- The Mamaroneck collision directly caused his current injuries; and
- The injuries sustained in the Mamaroneck accident necessitated surgical intervention.
This compelling evidence made it clear to the insurance company that they had two choices, either offer to pay fair compensation or face the substantial risk of an adverse trial verdict.
The amount of time you’re getting treatment, the quality and quantity of visits to doctors, the type of treatment that you get, whether it’s injections, whether you need a surgery, whether you, in fact, have that surgery, diagnostic testing, X-ray, MRIs that come back positive, all these factors will increase the value of your claim.
—Mitchell Proner
Another WIN for Mitchell Proner
This successful outcome reflects Mitchell Proner’s exceptional track record in handling complex personal injury cases. With over 60 years of combined firm experience, Proner & Proner has secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for accident victims throughout New York.
Mitchell Proner’s credentials speak to his expertise:
- Lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Named one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the American Trial Lawyers Association
- Elected President of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer review rating for ethics and skill
His understanding of insurance law, medical evidence, and negotiation strategies enables him to achieve results that other attorneys might consider impossible.
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Safety Tips for Drivers
While legal representation can help after an accident occurs, prevention remains the best protection. New York drivers can reduce their accident risk by:
- Maintaining safe following distances, especially in residential areas where vehicles may exit driveways unexpectedly
- Avoiding distractions while driving, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced
- Being extra cautious around driveways and intersections where visibility may be limited
- Ensuring vehicles are properly maintained with functioning lights and brakes
For professional drivers like Uber operators, additional vigilance is essential when carrying passengers, as any accident affects multiple lives.
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Steps After an Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident in New York, take these critical steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the accident scene with photos and witness information
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal counsel
Why Legal Experience Matters
This case demonstrates why choosing the right attorney matters. Insurance companies employ sophisticated tactics to minimize payouts. Mitchell Proner’s ability to navigate the complex insurance coverage structure and secure $1,175,000 that truly reflected our client’s damages.
For anyone injured in a car accident in New York, the message is clear: don’t face insurance companies alone. Contact Proner & Proner today to ensure your rights are protected, and your case receives the skilled representation it deserves.
Because when it comes to securing fair compensation after a serious accident, experience and expertise make all the difference. Let’s talk?
We return our clients’ phone calls. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year. I give out my personal cell phone number to all my clients, and I tell them they can feel free to contact me at any time. That’s what makes us different.
—Mitchell Proner