Overview

A 39-year-old husband and father lost both legs above the knee and his wife was killed after their vehicle was struck by a city bus at an intersection. Despite an initial police conclusion that the client had run a red light, an investigation raised a different argument about the traffic signal. The case settled just before trial for $2.8 million.

Key Takeaways

  • Settlement: $2,800,000
  • Accident type: Motor vehicle collision involving a city bus
  • Primary injury: Amputation of both legs above the knee
  • Additional impact: Client’s wife was killed in the collision
  • Resolution method: Settlement just prior to trial
  • Notable legal issue: Police concluded that the client had run a red light
  • Investigation: Evidence involving roadway sensors supported an argument that the light for the bus had to have been red
  • Long-term impact: Settlement expected to make a significant difference to the client’s quality of life

The Case

Our client was a 39-year-old husband and father driving through an intersection on a city street when his vehicle was struck by a city bus. The consequences were devastating: his wife was killed, and both of his legs had to be amputated above the knee.

The question of who had the right of way presented a significant issue in the case. Police concluded that the client had run a red light, while the bus driver and an independent witness provided evidence contrary to the client’s position.

Through further investigation, it was discovered that the traffic signal at the intersection was controlled by sensors in the roadway. This information was used to develop an argument that the traffic light facing the bus had to have been red despite the other evidence.

The case against the bus driver was resolved just prior to trial for $2,800,000. The settlement was expected to make a significant difference to the client’s quality of life.

Why It Matters

This case involved catastrophic, permanent injuries as well as the death of the client’s wife. It also presented a significant dispute over the traffic signal and responsibility for the collision, particularly given the initial police conclusion and witness evidence.

The investigation into how the intersection’s traffic signals operated provided information that supported a different account of the collision. The case ultimately resolved for $2.8 million before proceeding to trial.