Motor Vehicle Accident Results in One Fatality and Severely Injures Two More

Synopsis

The case involved a motor vehicle collision at highway speeds that resulted in plaintiffs’ vehicle rolling over multiple times on the highway. Plaintiffs’ vehicle contained three passengers, two of which were severely injured and the third died from her injuries at the hospital. One of the plaintiffs was a young girl who suffered a scalping injury, traumatic brain injury, and psychological injuries. The other surviving plaintiff sustained a spinal injury that caused her to become wheelchair dependent.

The defendant in the case caused the collision when he made an unsafe lane change while using his cell phone, in violation of California’s hands-free law. The defendant was determined to be in the course and scope of his employment at the time of the collision, which triggered employer liability as well.

Result

The case resolved in a $6,400,000 mediated settlement of a personal injury and wrongful death claim.