Distracted driver case settles for $650K after crash causes permanent injuries

Summary

• Plaintiff awarded $650,000 in distracted driving injury case
• Crash caused by driver running red light while distracted
• Victim suffered permanent injuries requiring ankle surgery
• Attorneys proved driver negligence leading to settlement

Attorneys from Simon Law have settled a personal injury case involving a car crash for $650,000 after proving the defendant’s driver was distracted while behind the wheel.

In May of 2023, plaintiff Christopher Peterson was driving along Musick Memorial Drive near the intersection with Hanley Road in St. Louis when the defendant sped through a red light and struck his vehicle.

The defendant, who was not named in the statement from Simon Law, was driving while on the job with a construction company.

“The defendant was facing a red light and distracted while attempting to change lanes in an intersection and struck Peterson’s vehicle on the driver’s side,” according to the firm.

Simon attorneys Johnny Simon and Katie St. John represented Peterson and negotiated the settlement on his behalf.

“We are hopeful this settlement has brought him a measure of justice in this entirely preventable accident,” St. John said.

Peterson required ankle surgery as a result of the accident, the firm added.

“Our client was abiding by all traffic laws when the defendant in this case chose to drive while distracted, crash into him and cause serious and permanent injuries,” Simon said. “We hope this settlement continues to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, and, for those who do it, there will be consequences and you will be held accountable.”