Presley & Presley reached a $15 million settlement for a teenage boy who was injured in a devastating car crash. This amount ranks among the largest single claimant recoveries in the history of Kansas, where state law applies.
The Accident
In February 2016, a pickup truck driver allegedly ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle transporting Aundre Hobbs, Jr. (15). He sustained a massive head injury that necessitated immediately medical attention. Hobbs spent weeks in a drug-induced coma and months in the hospital before being discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Upon leaving rehab, he required a wheelchair, couldn’t speak, and mentally operated at a 3rd grade level.
The Case
After tallying up existing and projected medical costs, loss of future employment, and various noneconomic damages, Hobbs’ condition necessitated millions of dollars in long-term care. However, the pickup driver only had a $100,000 insurance policy through State Farm. Under Kansas law, once an insurance carrier determines that a claim greatly exceeds potential coverage, it must offer as much as the policy allows. Instead, after State Farm received a lien letter from Presley & Presley, the insurer denied the claim completely.
This is where a comprehensive knowledge of the law comes into play. In Kansas, insurers who deny a claim are liable for the entire judgement. As Presley & Presley prepared to take the case to trial, State Farm attempted to mediate a settlement. They offered $5 million.
“We walked away,” Attorney Presley explained. “The liability was so clear, and the damages were so tremendous. Dre was just a remarkable kid.”
The Victory
Finally, with a trial fast approaching, State Farm settled in January 2018 for $15 million. According to Attorney Presley, “Rather than it being a $100,000 case, which for a young man with his medical needs is not going to move the needle, we were able to utilize our knowledge of insurance companies’ extra-contractual liability to orchestrate a full financial recovery for this family.” Attorney Presley remains in touch with Hobbs, who continues to improve thanks to the trust created with the settlement money.
Injured in an Accident? Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Lawyer
A serious accident can lead to devastating physical and cognitive injuries that necessitate costly medical procedures and ongoing rehabilitative services. As your medical bills pile up, it’s important to consider your legal options. At Presley & Presley, we understand that a beneficial settlement or verdict can improve the trajectory of your post-accident life and help you maintain your standard of living.
Our Kansas City car accident lawyers have the skills and experience to effectively negotiate with calculating insurance companies who may attempt to undermine or dismiss your claim. We can protect you from accepting an inadequate settlement amount that doesn’t provide for the full-extent of your financial needs. If necessary, we can also litigate in court on your behalf to secure the damages your injuries warrant.
We can guide you through each step of this legal process. Call Presley & Presley at 816.931.4611 to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t have to pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.