Confidential

Facts

Decedent, a homemaker, was riding as a rear-seat passenger of a vehicle traveling southbound. Defendant driver was traveling northbound when his car drifted into decedent's lane of traffic.

Plaintiffs are decedent's spouse and four children.

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs contended that defendant negligently operated his vehicle while intoxicated. Due to his state, defendant was unable to keep his eye on the road and allowed his vehicle to swerve onto decedent's lane, causing the collision. Plaintiff contended defendant operated his vehicle recklessly by driving at an excessive speed, and failing to slow down to avoid the collision.

The vehicle that decedent was a passenger in was unable to avoid the collision with defendant's vehicle.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant asserted various affirmative defenses.

Specials in Evidence

Plaintiff sustained severe injuries resulting in death.

Damages

Plaintiffs sought medical expenses, special damages for wrongful death, compensatory damages, and punitive damages.

Result

The case settled for $2,150,000 in policy limits.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Jan. 25, 2013.