On July 5, 2023, a California jury returned an $8.9 million verdict to our client who was severely injured in a drunk driving crash. The $8.9 million award far exceeds MetLife’s policy limit offer of $25,000.
In 2017, our client and his wife were driving home from dinner when a drunk driver veered into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into their 2009 Toyota Tacoma. The catastrophic crash left the husband with a lengthy list of injuries, including multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
When police arrived on the scene, it was clear that the defendant was heavily intoxicated, and should not have been behind the wheel. As a result, the responding officers administered a breathalyzer test, which revealed that the defendant was driving with a blood alcohol level of nearly twice the legal limit. The defendant was arrested and later plead guilty to felony-level driving while intoxicated.
MetLife, the insurance carrier representing the defendant, strongly disputed liability and downplayed the extent of our client’s injuries. “You could take one look at our client and know that he had a long and difficult road ahead of him,” said lead attorney Khail A. Parris of the PARRIS Law Firm. “But if you asked MetLife, they would say his injuries weren’t that bad,” Parris added. “What’s worse is that their insured plead guilty to being responsible for the crash,” Parris added.
Insurers have an obligation to compensate victims when their insured is responsible for hurting others. It should not have taken over six years for MetLife to live up to their end of the bargain. Unfortunately, this is another example of how insurance companies try to pay as little as possible to car crash victims. Thankfully, the jury saw through MetLife’s absurd arguments and awarded our client the amount he needs to rebuild his life.
This verdict is a direct result of the hard work our team puts into each and every case. When car crash victims come to us, we become their advocates to make their rights are protected.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, we encourage you to seek legal representation and avoid hastily settling your case. The Law Firm is here to support you and fight for the results you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
