Man killed after vehicle was T-boned by tractor-trailer — $7M settlement

Type of action: Wrongful death, tractor-trailer accident

Name of judge or mediator: Judge Thomas S. Shadrick (Ret.)

Verdict or settlement: Settlement

Amount: $7,000,000

Attorney for plaintiff: Craig B. Davis, Richmond

Description of case: Plaintiff’s decedent was stopped at a busy intersection in suburban Richmond. After his light turned green, he proceeded into the intersection where he was T-boned by a tractor-trailer. The light controlling the intersection for the tractor-trailer driver had been yellow and then red for almost eight seconds at the time of impact. The driver failed to slow down or engage his brakes until less than one second before the impact. An on-board camera in the tractor-trailer recorded the accident, including the light turning red as the tractor trailer approached the intersection.

Plaintiff’s decedent was transported from the scene before succumbing to his injuries that evening in the ICU. The decedent was survived by his wife and 10-year-old son who were present in the hospital at the time life saving measures were discontinued. The decedent’s wife qualified as his administrator. The decedent was her first boyfriend, and they had been together since high school. The decedent’s son was treated for severe PTSD, experienced episodes of suicidal ideation and developed behavioral tics following his father’s death.

After an initial mediation was unsuccessful, the case resolved approximately two weeks later through the invaluable efforts of Judge Shadrick.

Plaintiff’s law firm provided case information.

[023-T-154]