Teen passenger killed when drunken driver ran off highway – $225,000 Settlement

The 15-year-old decedent was at home with his parents when a friend of his older brother stopped by the house in his new car. The parents allowed the son to leave with the driver to go for a ride in the new car. Approximately one hour later, the decedent was killed when the vehicle went off Route 460 at a high rate of speed and was airborne for more than 100 feet. The defense alleged that the defendant was intoxicated and that the decedent and his father were aware of the intoxication. The defendant pled guilty to DUI and aggravated involuntary manslaughter in the underlying criminal case. The matter was resolved with the UIM carrier receiving a small discount off the available coverage.

Type of action: Wrongful death – auto accident
Name of case: Estate of Dickenson v. Jayne
Court: Bedford County Circuit Court
Case no.: Cl:14000301
Date resolved: Oct. 31, 2014
Special damages: Loss of 15-year-old son
Verdict or settlement: Settlement
Amount: $225,000
Attorneys for plaintiff: Thomas A. Fitzgerald II and Richard F. Aufenger III, Norfolk
Insurance carrier: Progressive Casualty – liability; GEICO – UIM