$15M Settlement: Motorcyclist Injured in Bakersfield Crash with Corporate SUV

A $15 million settlement was successfully secured for a motorcyclist who sustained severe injuries after being rear-ended by an SUV owned by a major national corporation. The SUV, driven by a company employee, struck the motorcyclist at a high rate of speed on Truxtun Avenue in 2022. The identities of both parties remain confidential per the settlement agreement.

The crash occurred as the motorcyclist, riding a Suzuki GSXR 600, was nearly stopped at a red light at the intersection of Truxtun Avenue and Empire Drive. A dashcam from another vehicle captured the SUV approaching the motorcyclist at approximately 55 mph, failing to brake before impact. The force of the collision threw the motorcycle across the intersection, while the SUV continued through the intersection and crashed into a fence.

The motorcyclist, wearing full safety gear and a DOT-approved helmet, sustained extensive injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and tears in both shoulders and knees. These injuries required significant medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The defendants initially denied liability, claiming the SUV driver lost consciousness due to an unforeseeable medical event, which, under California law, could absolve them of liability. However, through discovery, lawyers uncovered that the driver had been diabetic for over 40 years and was aware of the risk of losing consciousness due to the condition. The defendant had experienced similar incidents previously, including one in another state where the driver lost control of the vehicle. Moreover, the defendant admitted to experiencing warning symptoms, such as sweating and strange sensations, shortly before the crash but chose not to stop driving.

To learn more about your legal options or to get a free, no-risk evaluation of your case, visit TrafficAccidents.com. Let the professionals help you secure the compensation you deserve after a serious traffic accident.