Auto accidents can have devastating consequences, from serious injuries to property damage and even loss of life. When an accident occurs due to someone’s negligence or misconduct, the victims may be able to seek compensation through a liability settlement. North Carolina has seen its fair share of auto liability settlements in recent years, and here are a few notable examples:
NC Auto Liability Settlement Examples
In 2019, a North Carolina jury awarded $43.75 million in damages to the family of a woman who was killed in a car accident involving a faulty tire. The lawsuit was filed against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and a local tire dealer who sold the tire. The jury found that the defendants were responsible for the accident due to the faulty tire. The woman’s family received $18.6 million in compensatory damages and $25 million in punitive damages. The jury determined that Goodyear acted with malice in its handling of the tire’s recall and that the company put profits over safety.
Similarly, in 2018, a North Carolina jury awarded $25 million in damages to a woman who was injured in a car accident involving a tractor-trailer. The lawsuit was filed against the trucking company and the driver of the tractor-trailer, who was found to be negligent and responsible for the accident. The woman suffered serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, as a result of the accident. The jury determined that the truck driver’s negligence and reckless conduct led to the accident, and the trucking company was also held liable for failing to properly train and supervise its drivers.
Another example of an auto liability settlement in North Carolina involved a woman who was injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. In 2016, the woman was hit head-on by a drunk driver who was traveling the wrong way on a highway. She suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg, and required multiple surgeries and rehabilitation. The driver was arrested and charged with DWI, but he was also found to have insufficient insurance coverage. The victim’s attorney filed a lawsuit against the driver and her own insurance company for underinsured motorist coverage. The case was settled for $600,000, which covered the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Auto liability settlements can also involve non-fatal accidents that still cause significant injuries and financial losses. In 2021, a settlement was reached in a case involving a North Carolina man who was seriously injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury and other injuries that required extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The lawsuit was filed against the distracted driver and his insurance company, and a settlement was reached for $1.9 million. The settlement covered the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Auto Liability Coverage is Crucial
In conclusion, auto liability settlements can provide crucial compensation for victims of car accidents caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct. These settlements can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that can result from an accident. The examples of settlements in North Carolina show that victims can receive significant compensation for their injuries, whether the accident was caused by a faulty tire, a negligent truck driver, a drunk driver, or a distracted driver. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your legal options and seek the compensation you deserve.
Having your own car insurance coverage is crucial to protect individuals and businesses from potential liability claims resulting from auto accidents. In North Carolina, all drivers are required to have liability insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage liability. This insurance can help cover the costs of medical bills, lost wages, and property damage caused by the policyholder in an accident. In addition, individuals and businesses can purchase additional insurance coverage, such as underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, to protect themselves in case they are involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage. Businesses, especially those that operate large vehicles like trucks, should also have commercial auto insurance to protect against liability claims. Without insurance coverage, individuals and businesses can face significant financial losses and even bankruptcy in the event of a serious accident. It’s important to work with an experienced insurance agent to ensure that you have the right type and amount of insurance coverage to protect yourself and your assets in case of an accident.
