North Carolina Man is Awarded $800,000 After Being Hit by an SUV While Filling up Gas Tank

Many of the people who are seriously injured in auto accidents are beside the road repairing their car, changing a tire or broken down.

The memory of a tragedy in Virginia Beach last year is still fresh in our minds when a sailor tragically lost his life when he was hit by a school bus after he broke down.

According to the North Carolina Lawyer’s Weekly newsletter, a man who was struck on the side of the road while filling his gas tank recently received an $800,000 settlement.

He was filling up his gas tank along the side of a highway with a limited shoulder lane just before he was struck by an oncoming SUV. The vehicle was travelling at approximately 55 miles per hour, which resulted in a serious injury for the victim.

The victim was thrown 15-20 feet as a result of the impact, suffering numerous bone fractures, two collapsed lungs, acute blood loss, and multiple contusions and abrasions. I was saddened to read the crash left the man in a critical condition. He spent weeks in the hospital and was placed on permanent-partial disability.

The plaintiff was represented by C. Douglas Maynard Jr. of Maynard and Harris in Winston Salem. His client compiled a testimony under oath that played a key role in the resolution of the case. The victim stated how he took every possible step to avoid being hit by the oncoming vehicle, but was unable to avoid the SUV.

If you break down or run out of gas on the road, there are some measures you can take to safeguard yourself. Pull over as far to the right as possible in the shoulder or emergency lane. If there is no shoulder or emergency lane, pull slightly off of the road if possible to distance yourself from oncoming traffic. Always use hazard lights and exercise caution when outside of your vehicle.

As an experienced Virginia Beach auto injury lawyer, I work with people who have been badly injured in accidents. If you or anyone you know has been involved in a harmful automotive accident, seek medical help, and call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers at 757-455-0077. Also, visit our webpage at www.cooperhurley.com where you can learn more about how we help people in our community. When it really counts, count on Cooper Hurley.