Driver Said Bicycle Was In Middle Of Road Bicyclist Suffered Severe Head Injury

From the October 23, 2000 Missouri Lawyers Weekly.

In August 1998, plaintiff, a 40-year-old manager for a computer software company, was bicycling in the eastbound lane on North Outer Road 44 in Webster County. Defendant Kevin Stevens, a 31-year-old construction worker, was driving a 1978 Chevyvan eastbound on the same road.

Stevens’ van struck the rear of the bicycle, and plaintiff was thrown onto the windshield of the van and into the street. Plaintiff sustained a severe closed head injury, which rendered him disabled. Plaintiff claimed that Stevens was inattentive, and that his car had faulty brakes which Stevens knew about. Stevens contended plaintiff was at fault for riding his bike in the middle of the roadway in violation of state statute. The trial lasted seven days.

Type of Action: Bicycle/Automobile accident
Type of Injuries: Severe closed head injury
Verdict or Settlement: $15 million verdict
Allocation of Fault: 100 percent to defendant
Last Offer: $25.000
Last Demand: $8 million
Attorney for Plaintiff: Steve Garner and Jeff Bauer, The Strong-Garner-Bauer, Springfield