Car Crash Lawsuit Settles for $1 Million on Day Trial to Begin in Lake County

A college student from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, who lost control of her car resulting in serious injuries to her passenger, has agreed to settle the personal injury lawsuit filed against her for $1 million. The settlement was reached on the day a jury trial was to begin in Lake County, Illinois. Attorneys Francis Patrick Murphy and Edward Willer of the Corboy & Demetrio law firm represented the injured passenger.

On Friday, November 10, 2006, the driver and her passenger, students at the University of Wisconsin, were traveling in a Jeep Cherokee from Madison to Highland Park, Illinois. It was mid-afternoon and the roads were icy due to freezing rain and falling snow.

About 20 miles east of Madison, on Interstate 94, near County N, witnesses saw the driver lose control of the Jeep. It traveled eastbound into the grassy median toward the westbound traffic lanes. As the Jeep slid up the median, it went airborne, struck a vehicle, flipped over and was struck by another westbound car. The passenger was not belted and was ejected from the Jeep.

She suffered significant injuries including spinal, neck and rib fractures, a lacerated spleen and liver, a closed head injury and road rash injuries to her back.

The driver did not contest the traffic citation issued to her for traveling too fast for conditions and paid a fine.

“Given her initial life threatening injury, our client has made a remarkable recovery.  However, she has permanent scarring on her back and will be plagued for life due to orthopedic injuries in her spine,” said attorney Murphy.

Attorney Willer added, “The treating doctors at the University of Wisconsin Hospital provided excellent medical care and treatment to our client. Their work, along with her spirit, determination and hard work, is a testament to the tremendous success she has had so far.”

Attorney Murphy concluded, “This three car collision was the result of a young driver not slowing down for the weather. Irresponsible speed kills or seriously injures innocent people.”

The defendant was represented by attorney Heather Shea of Smith Amundsen and the case was presided over by Judge David M. Hall.

Overturned Jeep at Scene of Crash 

Jeep at Scene of Crash on Interstate 94  

Jeep at Junkyard 

About Corboy & Demetrio

Corboy & Demetrio is one of the nation’s premier law firms. It represents individuals and their families in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases and is renowned for its achievements in the courtroom and for its contributions to the community. The rights and concerns of its clients are at the core of Corboy & Demetrio’s practice. That commitment, dedication, compassion and relentless drive has resulted in exceptional service and exceptional results for its clients. The firm has acquired more than $3 billion in settlements and verdicts and has attained nearly 600 settlements and verdicts in excess of $1 million.