IN A RECENT REAR-END ACCIDENT, THE BACK OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS COLLAPSED ALLOWING ME TO BE THROWN BACKWARD FROM MY SEAT ALTHOUGH I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT. I RECEIVED MANY CUTS, BRUISES AND ABRASIONS TO MY LEFT HAND THAT REQUIRED 64 STITCHES, AND THE REPAIR OF 2 LACERATED TENDONS. I ALSO RECEIVED SEVERAL SCRATCHES ON AND NEAR MY LEFT ELBOW. MY SON RECEIVED A SPRAINED RIGHT WRIST, BRUISED STOMACH, SORE NECK AND BACK. I HAVE HAD TROUBLE SLEEPING AND CONTINUE TO HAVE VIVID MEMORIES OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD NO USE OF MY LEFT HAND AND AM IN CONTINUOUS PAIN, UNLESS I'M HEAVILY MEDICATED. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO BATHE, DRESS, WASH MY HAIR, OR PREPARE MEALS AND PERFORM OTHER HOUSEHOLD DUTIES WITHOUT HELP. I AM CURRENTLY USING MY FATHER'S CAR BECAUSE MY CARAVAN WAS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION.*AK