A blinking crosswalk. A split second. And then asphalt. In Episode 109 of Unseen Impact, “Hit by a Truck,” former restaurant GM Ricky Sutherland shares how a low-speed pickup strike turned into a multi-year recovery—hip and back pain, sleep issues, and subtle brain-injury symptoms that others noticed before he did. We unpack what “unseen” really means, from expert reconstructions and MRIs to the morning-after call from an insurance adjuster eager to settle. If you’ve ever thought “I’m fine” after a crash, this one’s for you. Practical takeaways, honest conversation, and a roadmap for doing the hard things right on your timeline.

A $70 million rise. A painful fall. And the lesson every injured plaintiff needs before a settlement check ever clears. In this episode, Rory and Kerrie sit down with structured-settlement pioneer Manny Valdez to unpack how tax-free, time-released payments can protect clients from the MC Hammer problem: generosity, pressure, and bad advice draining a fortune. From “constructive receipt” to building in college lump sums and inflation bumps, this is money management that safeguards recovery—one planned payment at a time

In this episode of Unseen Impact, host Rory Pendergast and co-host Kerrie Rez sit down with insurance broker Chad Colston to uncover the hidden risks in everyday life. From “full coverage” myths to life-altering liability claims, the conversation pulls back the curtain on how quickly assets can be lost—and how smart coverage can keep families protected

Rory and Kerrie discuss a surprising hypothetical: discovering a loved one’s face on a makeup ad without consent. What begins as pride quickly turns into a conversation about personal violation, “use of likeness” laws, and how individuals can stand up to corporate giants misusing their image.

What happens when one of the most famous attorneys in America, the man behind the Erin Brockovich case; turns out to be running a Ponzi scheme? In this episode of Unseen Impact, Rory and Kerrie dive into the story of Tom Girardi, the $50 million theft that left clients betrayed, and why trust between lawyer and client is everything.

Rory and Kerrie share how they met as Peace Corp volunteers in Guatemala, the projects they worked on, and the lessons in trust, adaptability, and listening that continue to influence their lives, family, and legal practice today.

When a single lottery ticket hits for $3 million, two friends find themselves on opposite sides of secrecy, betrayal, and a courtroom battle. In this Unseen Impact story, Rory Pendergast and Kerrie Rez reveal how hidden winnings, legal twists, and a fight for justice turned a dream into a nightmare.

​​Explore how America’s promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” connects to modern personal injury law. In this blog inspired by Unseen Impact, Rory Pendergast reveals why pain and suffering damages are more than just legal jargon—they’re about restoring the right to live a fulfilled life after injury.

​​Explore how America’s promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” connects to modern personal injury law. In this blog inspired by Unseen Impact, Rory Pendergast reveals why pain and suffering damages are more than just legal jargon—they’re about restoring the right to live a fulfilled life after injury

Injury isn’t always something you can see. In this episode of Unseen Impact, Dr. Clark Clipson unpacks the psychological toll of trauma—and why it matters in both therapy rooms and courtrooms. From shame and isolation to memory loss and identity crises, the episode explores what happens when emotional wounds block the very thing we’re promised as Americans: the pursuit of happiness. Read the full blog to learn why mental health and legal professionals must work together to address these unseen impacts.