GRAND RAPIDS, MI / ACCESSWIRE / May 20, 2024 / The Law Office of Jason Waechter announced today that a Kent County, Michigan jury has awarded $27.5 million in damages to a motorcyclist who was injured in a May 2022 collision while driving on the M20 highway in White Cloud, MI, where the driver of a SUV distracted by their cellphone, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck him head-on. The 29-year-old motorcyclist was catastrophically injured as a result of the crash, including being required to undergo a complete amputation of his left leg. The $27.5 million verdict is believed to be a record for a case of this type in Kent County. The verdict, awarded earlier this month on May 3, comes amid Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Michigan.
"This case is a tragic reminder of what can happen when drivers fail to avoid distractions while on the roadway," said attorney Jason Waechter, who represented the injured motorcyclist. "My client will never be able to return to life as he knew it before the crash, but we are proud that this jury had the strength to tell the world that dangerous behavior behind the wheel won't be tolerated in Kent County." The jury also awarded the motorcyclist's wife $2 million in a separate claim for loss of consortium.
"It often gets overlooked that when someone is injured, their family suffers a loss as well," said attorney Sean Murphy of the Law Offices of Jason Waechter. "This jury's verdict recognized that the marriage this young couple hoped to have on the day they were married is now drastically changed forever."
In total, the jury awarded $27.5 million to the couple, which is believed to be a record verdict for a case of this type in Kent County.
"It is fitting that this verdict came on the first few days of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Michigan," said Waechter. "Motorcyclists are four times more likely to suffer serious injury and 24 times more likely to be killed in a crash than is an occupant of a passenger vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Michigan drivers owe a responsibility to look twice for motorcycles and save a life."
About The Law Office of Jason Waechter
The Law Office of Jason Waechter has been representing injured people across the state of Michigan for over 30 years. Jason Waechter has been recognized nationally as one of the preeminent attorneys specializing in motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases. With offices throughout Michigan, including Southfield, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Flint, they are prepared to fight for the rights of their injured clients so that they can focus on their recovery. To receive a free consultation about a case, contact the firm at 877-769-3752 or visit www.877PowerLaw.com or www.MotorcycleLawyerMichigan.com.
Media Contact:
Jason Waechter
877-Biker-Law (877-245-3752)
jason@877powerlaw.com
248-355-4701
www.MotorcycleLawyerMichigan.com
SOURCE: The Law Office of Jason Waechter
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