$147,000 Settlement for a Chesapeake Construction Worker Injured in a Rollover Car Accident

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$147,000 Settlement for a Chesapeake Construction Worker Injured in a Rollover Car Accident

Results
Posted on Nov 04, 2026

Rutter Mills personal injury attorney William Riggenbach secured a $147,000 settlement for a Chesapeake construction worker injured when an out-of-control vehicle struck his work van, causing it to overturn. The crash left him with multiple injuries, significant anxiety, and an inability to return to his regular job duties. After pursuing the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and additional underinsured motorist coverage, Rutter Mills recovered a combined $147,000.

 


Case Results

  • Practice Area: Car Accidents
  • Location: Chesapeake, VA
  • Injuries: Back, neck, shoulder, and hand injuries; headaches; anxiety
  • Resolution: Settlement
  • Amount: $147,000
  • Attorney: William Riggenbach
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A Construction Worker’s Van Overturns in a Chesapeake Car Accident

A Chesapeake construction worker was returning to a job site after picking up supplies from Home Depot when a driver traveling in the opposite direction suffered a tire blowout.The other vehicle struck the median, went airborne, and collided with the construction worker’s van, causing it to overturn.

Trapped inside the wreckage, the man was unable to open the doors. Five bystanders worked together to pry open the rear cargo door, allowing him to crawl through spilled paint, adhesive, and nails to escape.

He was transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment of his injuries.

Neck, Back, and Shoulder Injuries That Prevented Him From Working

At the hospital, the construction worker underwent X-rays and a CT scan. He suffered injuries to his back, neck, shoulders, and hand, along with headaches and significant anxiety following the collision.

His injuries and medical care included:

  • Emergency medical evaluation
  • X-rays and CT imaging
  • Treatment for neck, back, shoulder, and hand injuries
  • Evaluation of headaches and accident-related anxiety
  • Work restrictions affecting his ability to perform physical tasks

His injuries prevented him from returning to his regular construction duties. Medical restrictions prohibited commercial driving, lifting, pulling, and bending, and his employer had no suitable position available.

The accident also affected his family life. As the father of a three-year-old boy, he struggled with being unable to pick up or play with his son. Driving triggered significant anxiety, and activities he previously enjoyed became difficult.

That’s when he called Rutter Mills.

The Challenges: When Workers’ Compensation Meets Personal Injury

The construction worker faced several obstacles after the crash, including a disputed workers' compensation claim, difficulty accessing medical treatment, and insurance coverage that was insufficient to compensate him for his injuries and lost income.

The collision occurred while the man was traveling for work after purchasing supplies for a job site.

However, when he attempted to file a workers’ compensation claim, the insurer disputed whether the accident was work-related. The insurer argued that he had been driving home rather than traveling to a job site as directed by his supervisor.
The dispute created uncertainty about whether workers’ compensation benefits would be available to help cover his medical treatment and lost wages.

Without health insurance, the construction worker faced additional difficulties obtaining medical treatment.

His injuries also prevented him from performing the physical duties required by his job. Because his employer had no suitable position available within his restrictions, he was unable to return to his regular work.

The combination of medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing physical limitations created significant financial pressure for his family.

The at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy provided $30,000 in available coverage. Given the severity of the client’s injuries and their effect on his ability to work, William Riggenbach recognized that the liability policy alone would not adequately compensate him.

Rutter Mills therefore pursued additional recovery through underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.

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Will continued negotiating with the UIM carrier, emphasizing the client’s medical treatment, inability to work, and the significant impact the accident had on his daily life.

As depositions progressed and the trial date approached, the UIM carrier increased its settlement offers. Will continued pursuing additional compensation until the parties reached an agreement.

The case settled for a total of $147,000.

The recovery included $30,000 from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and an additional $117,000 through underinsured motorist coverage.

The settlement provided financial relief to a father whose injuries had disrupted his ability to work, care for his family, and enjoy everyday activities.

How Workers’ Compensation and Car Accident Claims Can Overlap in Virginia

When an employee is injured in a car accident while performing job-related duties, the circumstances can involve both workers’ compensation and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.

Under Virginia workers’ compensation law, injuries generally must arise out of and occur in the course of employment to qualify for benefits. Whether an accident meets those requirements depends on the circumstances, including the purpose of the trip and the employee’s work responsibilities.

In some cases, an injured employee can pursue workers’ compensation benefits while also bringing a personal injury claim against a negligent third-party driver. However, reimbursement rights and other legal requirements can affect how the claims interact.

In this case, the construction worker’s insurer disputed whether he was traveling for work when the collision occurred. Separately, Rutter Mills pursued compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and available UIM coverage, ultimately securing $147,000.

Talk to a Rutter Mills Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents involving work vehicles can create complicated questions about insurance coverage, medical treatment, and lost wages. The personal injury attorneys at Rutter Mills have extensive experience investigating serious collisions, identifying available insurance policies, and pursuing compensation for injured workers.

Call or text (757) 777-7777 for a free consultation. Rutter Mills charges no attorney fees or case costs unless we win.

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