EMS Driver Seriously Injured in Rear-End Collision—Metzger & Kleiner Pursues Justice

Metzger & Kleiner represented a 33-year-old woman whose career as an emergency medical services (EMS) transport driver was disrupted after she suffered serious back and neck injuries in a rear-end collision. While she was responsibly waiting to merge into traffic, another driver, operating a vehicle, struck her from behind without warning.

This crash changed not only her ability to work comfortably but also significantly impacted her quality of life.

How the Crash Happened

Our client was at work, operating a medical transport van in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She had safely turned onto Route 309 from Tilghman Street and was waiting for traffic to clear before merging. Without any warning, a driver employed by Telcom Company rear-ended her van with significant force.

She was transported from the scene to a local hospital, where she began what became a long road to recovery.

Injuries Sustained

The collision caused immediate and significant pain. Doctors diagnosed her with:

• Neck pain
• Lower back pain
• Disc protrusion at the L5-S1 vertebrae

These injuries required extensive medical treatment, including:

• Physical therapy
• Specialized orthopedic care

Return to Work Complications

Initially, her doctor placed her on light duty to avoid further injury. Eventually, her physicians allowed her to attempt a return to full-time work. However, during her first few months back on regular duty, another incident occurred.

While transporting a patient in a wheelchair—an essential part of her daily responsibilities—she was pushing a morbidly obese patient up an incline. At that moment, she felt a sudden and severe stabbing and burning pain in her back. This second injury was directly connected to her previous injuries from the car crash.

Doctors determined that the second incident significantly worsened the damage she sustained in the collision, triggering a new round of medical care and rehabilitation.

Legal Action and Settlement

Metzger & Kleiner took action against the driver and Telcom Company for their negligence. We argued that the initial crash directly contributed to the severity of our client’s subsequent injury and chronic pain.

Our efforts focused on securing fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, ongoing pain, and the emotional toll that such an injury caused.

Negotiations were challenging, but our persistence led to substantial progress:

• Initially, Telcom Company’s insurer offered just $20,000.
• Through careful documentation and negotiation, we raised the offer to $25,000.

Ultimately, negotiations continued with the goal of achieving an outcome that truly reflects our client’s ongoing medical needs and pain.

Economic and Personal Impact

Our client’s workers’ compensation insurer asserted a lien of $17,245.85, demonstrating the significant financial toll this incident caused. Beyond economic losses, her injuries resulted in ongoing physical pain, limitations at work, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.

As someone whose livelihood depended on safely transporting patients, these injuries have profoundly impacted both her career and personal life.

Why Metzger & Kleiner Fights for Injured Workers

Every day, dedicated EMS drivers put themselves in vulnerable situations to care for others. When their safety is compromised due to another driver’s negligence, they deserve justice and fair compensation.

At Metzger & Kleiner, we take pride in standing up for injured workers like our client. We navigate the complexities of insurance negotiations, medical treatments, and legal challenges so our clients can focus on healing.

If You’ve Been Hurt, We’re Here to Help

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s carelessness—particularly in situations involving car crashes or workplace injuries—Metzger & Kleiner is ready to fight for your rights. You don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you reclaim your life.