A recent fatal texting and driving case involving an ambulance and a concrete truck settled for $800,000, reports Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
An ambulance driver was transporting the plaintiff’s 82-year-old relative to a nursing home in Buckingham County after undergoing successful heart surgery at the University of Virginia Medical Center, when the driver steered into oncoming traffic and collided with a fully loaded concrete truck. The ambulance driver was killed instantly, while the plaintiff’s relative survived the initial accident but died a few hours later.
The ambulance was travelling at almost 60 miles per hour using cruise control, and the ambulance driver never applied the brakes before the collision. An investigation into his cell phone records indicate that he was text messaging shortly before the time of the accident. Apparently, the messages concerned the matter of helping a friend move that night.
The wife of the 82-year-old, along with two of her daughters from a previous marriage, filed the lawsuit against the driver’s estate, the company that owns and operates the ambulance, the concrete truck driver and those that employee the truck driver. The suit asked for payment of $153,864.62, which included loss of income and services, funeral costs, and medical bills.
The $800,000 settlement therefore seems high, especially considering the deceased’s age and medical conditions.
Parrish Law Firm, PLLC wrongful death attorney works with Virginia residents who have had loved ones killed as a result of another person’s negligence. While nothing can replace the person you have lost, a wrongful death lawsuit may ease the financial burden. Contact us today at 703-906-4229 or fill out a free case consultation form.
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