Motorcycle Accident 

Motorcycle Driver Was Hit by an Inexperienced Operator During a Pizza Delivery

Snow Law Firm Settlement: $500,000

Case Description 

A Bristol County jury empaneled to hear a civil negligence case has awarded $500,000 in damages to a New Bedford man who suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident four years ago. The Plaintiff, Daniel, a civil engineer with the Massachusetts Highway Department, underwent multiple surgeries and was unable to return to work for more than two years, according to his attorney, Steven T. Snow of Mashpee.

Legal Issues

The accident occurred in Fairhaven on August 8, 2006, when the defendant, Christopher, was attempting to turn his vehicle left onto Huttleston Avenue from Weedon Road. Christopher claimed he did not see Daniel because another vehicle obstructed his view of Route 6 as Daniel approached the intersection, Snow said Jurors heard arguments in Daniels, et al. v. Christopher, et al during a three-day trial this month in New Bedford Superior Court’s new civil session. The jury deliberated for more than three hours before finding that Christopher, who was working as a delivery driver for Palace Pizza, was negligent and caused the accident.

The jury also found that Daniel was negligent, but that his negligence was not a substantial factor in causing his injuries. Daniel also named Fairhaven Brothers Inc., the entity that operates Palace Pizza in Fairhaven, as a defendant because the accident happened during Christopher’s scope of employment.

There will be further litigation before Daniel’s claim is ultimately resolved, according to Snow.

“The jury, which consisted of six men and women, was extremely attentive and carefully considered all of the evidence admitted at trial before reaching their verdict,” Snow said. “My client is relieved that the trial is over and is satisfied with the jury’s award of compensatory damages.”

Outcome

A settlement in the amount of $500,000 was awarded.