Missouri's Largest Car Wreck Settlements and Verdicts
$30.5 Million Settlement (2019): This monumental settlement involved a catastrophic accident where a young woman was left paralyzed. The case against Allstate Fire & Insurance Company highlighted their failure to settle the claim promptly, leading to a jury awarding $30.5 million. The victim's life was irrevocably changed, requiring lifelong medical care and adaptive technologies to regain some semblance of normalcy.
$28 Million Verdict (2018): A devastating collision with a commercial truck on a foggy Missouri highway resulted in this substantial verdict. The victim, a father of three, suffered traumatic brain injuries and multiple fractures. The trucking company was found negligent for not adhering to safety regulations, and the $28 million was intended to cover extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and support for his family.
$25 Million Settlement (2017): In a tragic multi-vehicle pileup on I-70, several lives were lost, and many others were severely injured. The settlement was reached after it was discovered that one of the drivers involved was under the influence of drugs. The $25 million was distributed among the victims and their families, providing some financial relief amidst their grief and loss.
$20 Million Verdict (2016): A high-speed chase involving a reckless driver ended in a horrific crash, leaving a young woman with permanent disabilities. The driver, who had a history of traffic violations, was found entirely at fault. The $20 million verdict was aimed at ensuring the victim could afford the necessary medical care and adaptive equipment for the rest of her life.
$18 Million Settlement (2015): This case involved a fatal accident caused by a defective airbag that failed to deploy. The victim's family sued the car manufacturer, leading to an $18 million settlement. The case underscored the critical importance of vehicle safety standards and the devastating consequences of manufacturing defects.
$15 Million Verdict (2014): A drunk driving incident on a rural Missouri road resulted in a head-on collision, leaving the victim with severe spinal injuries. The driver, who had multiple prior DUI offenses, was held liable. The $15 million verdict was intended to cover the victim's extensive medical bills, rehabilitation, and loss of income due to permanent disability.
$12 Million Settlement (2013): A pedestrian was struck by a speeding vehicle while crossing the street in a designated crosswalk. The driver, distracted by their phone, was found negligent. The $12 million settlement provided the victim with the means to cover long-term medical care, physical therapy, and compensation for lost wages.
$10 Million Verdict (2012): A distracted driver caused a head-on collision, resulting in multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery for the victim. The $10 million verdict was awarded to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the significant impact on the victim's quality of life.
$9 Million Settlement (2011): In a rear-end collision, the victim sustained serious spinal injuries that required multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation. The insurance company agreed to a $9 million payout to cover medical costs, lost wages, and the ongoing care needed for the victim's recovery.
$8 Million Verdict (2010): A motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver left the victim with permanent disabilities. The $8 million verdict was awarded to ensure financial stability and ongoing medical care for the victim, highlighting the severe consequences of reckless driving.