$475,000 settlement – Passenger of Car Struck in Rear with Minor Damage – DWD

Leighton Law’s John Elliott Leighton recovered $475,000 for a tourist who was a rear seat passenger in a car that was hit from behind on an expressway.  The car sustained minor damage.  The firm’s client continued to suffer from headaches and discomfort even four years after the crash.  The driver of the car responsible was using his cell phone at the time of the crash and may have been using another distracting device as well.  Leighton alleged that the defendant driver was guilty of DWD (driving while distracted) and should be subject to punitive damages.  A confidential settlement was obtained despite reports from examining doctors that there was no physical basis for the headaches.