Drunk driving can have catastrophic consequences ranging from severe injuries and fatalities to devastating financial burdens. Sadly, innocent victims and their families are typically left to grapple with these consequences.
When a drunk driver ran a group of five teens off the road, killing two and resulting in substantial emotional trauma for the survivors, the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop left no stone unturned while pursuing justice and fair compensation for our clients.
Keep reading to learn how Mat and his team worked closely with the attorneys for the other crash victims to uncover and divide insurance coverage equitably while keeping litigation minimal and amicable.
The Accident
An enjoyable day trip to the Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri, ended in tragedy for five teens when a drunk driver ran their vehicle off the road on the way home. The young men and women, ages 16 through 20, were riding in a soft top-style Jeep when the incident occurred, leaving two dead.
Our Omaha, Nebraska-based law firm represented two surviving siblings who were cousins of the teens who died in the crash. The sisters sustained physical injuries, but these were not the only hardships they faced because of this intoxicated driver’s actions. While waiting for fire and rescue to arrive at the scene of the wreck, our young clients desperately tried to resuscitate their cousins, to no avail.
Though they recovered from their physical injuries relatively quickly, the emotional and psychological damage they suffered is expected to impact their lives for much longer.
The Investigation
Our investigation into this tragic accident uncovered multiple insurance policies we were able to pursue for compensation. Ultimately, we sought coverage from:
- The drunk driver’s auto insurance policy
- The auto insurance policy that covered the Jeep the teens were in
- Underinsured motorist policies held by the parents of each teen
We also investigated where the intoxicated driver procured his alcohol to see if we had grounds to file an Iowa Dram Shop Act claim against a bar, restaurant, or another licensed establishment for serving them.
The Resolution
The victims in this heartbreaking case were family and close friends—and from the outset, Matt and the other two attorneys representing the plaintiffs worked diligently to preserve these important relationships. Keeping litigation minimal, we were determined to ensure that everyone involved could get through the situation and recover the compensation needed for necessary care and the losses without fighting over insurance money.
Fortunately, the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop successfully accomplished this vital goal for our clients. We:
- Worked tirelessly to identify potential sources of compensation
- Secured policy limit settlements from the drunk driver, Jeep, and parents’ insurance policies
- Negotiated the reduction of health insurance medical reimbursement claims
- Spent significant time with the other plaintiffs’ lawyers working to divide the recovery among all of the clients equitably
As a result of our efforts, our clients were able to get the treatment they needed to begin the healing process.
We Can Help You Fight for the Justice and Compensation You Deserve
When another person or company’s negligence leaves you facing severe injuries or mourning the loss of a loved one, the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop can provide the skilled legal representation and steadfast support you need to make it through this difficult time. We’re dedicated to getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
Find out what our experienced attorney can do for your case. Complete the contact form or call 402-281-9668 to request a free initial consultation.
