Auto Verdicts & Settlements

Case arose from the tragic death of a young man who had stopped to help at the scene of a wreck.  Unfortunately, the good Samaritan was killed when a third vehicle collided with an overturned vehicle from the first incident.  After a lawsuit was filed, it was learned that one of the drivers in the original wreck had been on the road for more than the time allowed under law and the second driver, who caused the subsequent collision, had vision deficits which had been diagnosed but ignored. Despite defense experts who claimed the vehicles could not be seen in the road and, therefore made the wreck unavoidable, the matter was resolved while awaiting trial for a sum in excess of $5,500,000.

Pedestrian Death case

A bicyclist was struck off the road on the bike path after a driver working as a company investigator took his eyes off the road. The injuries included multiple broken bones and nerve damage with multiple surgeries. Payment was made without the need for trial.

N.L. v. Corporate Driver

Alabama driver rear-ended career plant manager resulting in multiple spinal surgeries. Knowing of helpful venue rules, a lawsuit was filed in Georgia that confirmed that the insurer initially disclosed less coverage than existed. The case was resolved without the need for trial.

C.L. v. Individual and UM

In the early morning hours of a school day, our client was walking along his usual route near a local high school when he was struck by a driver who was not paying attention to traffic.  The driver claimed he had darted out in front of her and was responsible for his injuries.  The client hired the law office of Gary Bruce and after an exhaustive investigation into the sequencing of the lights and the location of witnesses, we were able to prove that the driver was responsible. We avoided a trial and obtained payment of policy limits in excess of $1,500,000 for our client.

PEDESTRIAN AT CROSS WALK

The client, a pedestrian, was injured when struck in a parking lot. Video of the incident was obtained early in the case which proved responsibility. The case was resolved after a lawsuit.

HE v. BH

Military Veteran suffered a fractured leg due to a collision with a driver on the wrong side of the road. The investigation uncovered an additional insurance policy not disclosed by Allstate providing higher insurance coverage to an estate. (GA)

D.J. v. Ind.

The clients injury resulted from a motor vehicle collision.  The client fired the other firm when they didn’t help him with medical expenses. Ultimately, the client had surgery to correct spinal issues despite delays in treatment due to COVID.

BMJ v. Retail Business

Veteran and retired soldier was involved in what appeared to be a minor collision in Columbus , Georgia where all the parties left the scene in their own vehicles. Over time, symptoms continued and eventually our client was prescribed a pain stimulator for relief from the chronic pain.  Despite a long history of complaints and other  procedures, the medical doctors involved in his treatment concurred that the impact of the wreck had aggravated his conditions and were the cause of his pain..Liability limits were tendered and underinsured motorists coverage provided additional compensation for the injuries. $450,000 settlement.

Low speed motor vehicle collision

Elderly woman suffered a broken arm when involved in her third wreck in 10 years. (GA)

F.D. v. Ind. and UM Carrier

Man was rear-ended while on the interstate and underwent knee and shoulder surgery. After a lawsuit was filed, defendants sought to have private meetings with the man’s doctors but was prevented after argument and order of the judge.

W.G. v. Wrecker Service

2016 car wreck in Peach County Georgia. Client was rear-ended in his work vehicle. He waited more than 5 weeks before seeking medical care. Surgery was required. Client incurred more than $60,000 in medical bills. After a tender of the $50,000 liability limits by the negligent driver, clients own insurer, Safeway, denied the claim outright, and offered no money in response to a demand. The case settled with Safeway paying 3 layers of underinsured motorist coverage, for a total recovery of $325,000 without the necessity of trial.

J.F. v. Individual and UM

Active duty soldier sustained permanent, career-ending injuries in a head-on collision, including a crush injury to the foot/ankle. At-fault driver only had $100,000 in liability coverage. Client’s own insurance carrier denied the existence of any un/underinsured motorist coverage and refused to participate in the litigation. Ultimately proved that the client’s insurer was knowingly and improperly applying the laws of the wrong state, creating (and recovering) another $200,000 in additional coverage for our client. Total recovery of $300,000.

J.W. v. Individual and UM

The 60 year old Plaintiff/Claimant was backed into in the parking lot of a convenience store in east Alabama. TheDefendant driver was driving a Ford F350 pickup and was on the job working for a commercial lawn service. There was minor damage to the plaintiff’s car from the impact, but over time she developed increasing symptoms ultimately resulting in a surgery. The Defendant and liability insurer contested the extent of the injury and whether the plaintiff’s problems, resulting in a neck surgery, were caused by the wreck, or a result of pre-existing medical conditions. The insurance company denied liability but made an offer of $6,000.  We filed a lawsuit and, as  trial approached, the matter was successfully resolved for the sum of $275,000. Almost 50 times more than the initial offer.

Parking lot collision

A minor was injured in a motor vehicle collision. The minor was first represented by a lawyer who was also representing the driver of the car she was in. Once we were involved, it was learned that the driver of her vehicle was responsible for the wreck.  The matter was resolved for policy limits after a full investigation.

Minor Child v. EP

In Alabama, a family of five was struck by a driver fleeing police who was later arrested. The children and father recovered over time; however, the mother suffered permanent headaches and nerve symptoms.

Family v. Individual and UM

A disabled man was struck as a pedestrian in the crosswalk suffering a head injury. We were able to help his family obtain a guardianship to assist with his future needs as well.

M.B. v. Ind. and UM Carrier

DUI driver caused a wreck injuring three family members. Fortunately, no broken bones or surgeries were caused.

Family v. Individual

A man trying to pull into his driveway was struck by a DUI driver.The insurer refused coverage to the drunk driver, offered less than the medical expenses and hired a doctor from Atlanta to say the hurt man’s shoulder surgery was not from the wreck. Ultimately, they paid the demand in order to avoid trial.

M.J. v. Individual

Minor suffered broken arm and leg in motorcycle wreck. After payment of the responsible driver’s policy limits, the minor’s own UM company refused any payment and even attempted to have his case dismissed. After we obtained a positive ruling from the judge, the UM insurer immediately paid its limits.

Minor v. Individual and UM

Military Veteran with aggravated rotator cuff requiring shoulder surgery complicated by a 2nd wreck. (GA)

V.G. v. Ind. and UM Carrier

Recovered policy limits of $200,000 after young client was forced to undergo neck surgery due to injuries sustained in the wreck.

S. B. V. v. Individual and UM

A captain in the U.S. Army was struck in a wreck and underwent surgery resulting in the end of his military career. Additional coverage was found through his household for his lost employment, and all coverage was paid without a lawsuit. A steep reduction in the amounts owed for his medical care was also obtained.

M.S. v. Individual and UM

Policy limits of $175,000 recovered after client sustained back and neck injuries and was told he needed surgery. Case resolved before any surgery took place.

R. P. v. Individual

Young woman suffering from pelvic dysfunction from wreck was being forced by her own insurer to do an examination under oath. She came to us about the abusive insurer conduct resulting in all insurer tendering their limits.

J.L. v. Individual and UM

The client had called another law firm and was told motorcycle cases are hard to collect, then told the client to try to handle the case on her own. The claim was denied and she proceeded to called our office. 

Motorcycle Passenger v. Car Owner

Georgia motorcycle wreck where our client suffered a broken wrist. Local lawyer refused to push the file and suggested she did not have a case that he could handle.  She fired the other lawyer and came to our office.  She was awarded all of the available coverage within a few months.  Settlement of $150,000.00

Motorcycle collision

A woman was struck and required pain management with treatment applied under anesthesia. All coverage was paid without the need for a lawsuit.

F.B. v. Individual and UM

A horse escaped from its enclosure due to the failure to secure the gate and caused a collision outside the farm.  The car was totaled in the collision and our client suffered injuries as a result.

DM v. RB

An Alabama wreck resulted in back surgery and payment of all coverage without the need for a lawsuit.

R.L. v. Individual

Client injured in minor damage 2015 car wreck in Muscogee County. Client received a surgical recommendation for a cervical fusion. Gary O. Bruce, P.C. sent a policy limits demand for the minimum limits of $25,000. Insurer offered $9,000. In response to that offer, Gary O. Bruce, P.C. immediately filed suit. Client underwent the proposed fusion surgery. After party depositions and deposition of doctor, case resolved for $140,000 at mediation, more than 15 times the amount of the initial offer, and more than 5 times the limits of coverage, without the necessity of trial on bad faith.

BCJ v.  Individual Defendant and Liability Insurer

Wreck resulted in back surgery. Injured man’s own insurer denied any payment resulting in lawsuit. After filing suit, UM insurer paid policy limits without trial.

B.C. v. Individual and UM

2015 wreck on Cusseta Road in Columbus where she was rear-ended by a negligent driver. There was very little damage to the vehicles involved in the wreck. Client went into treatment with a physical therapist and pain manager. Eventually needed surgery. Gary O. Bruce, P.C. made a demand for the $50,000 policy limits of the rear-ending driver, insured by Progressive. Progressive’s first and only offer was for $6,750. Gary O. Bruce, P.C. filed suit. . Her physician testified that the need for Ms. F’s surgery was the car wreck, which had been called “slight” by Progressive Each carrier paid its policy limits for a total of $125,000, all available insurance coverage.

W.F. v. Individual

Alabama wreck that the insurer refused any payment or to acknowledge the appropriate law. Lawsuit was filed in Georgia and motion to dismiss was defeated after which payment was prompt.

Siblings v. Individual

Multiple fractures resulted in all coverage being paid without the need for a lawsuit.

J.W. v. Individual and UM

Alabama wreck resulted in a fractured leg. The insurer initially tried to escape responsibility citing the Guest-Passenger Statute, but failed after argument resulting in the coverage being paid.

T.C. v. Individual and UM

A gentlemen suffered aggravation of a prior spinal injury which required surgery after he was struck in a WalMart parking lot. No police were called to the scene. (AL)

R.H. v. Ind.

Elderly woman suffered vertebra fracture. No lawsuit necessary.

K.S. v. Individual

Client underwent physical therapy after a wreck caused by a drunk driver. The claim for punitive damages, in addition to client’s medical bills and pain and suffering, led to payment of the policy limits of $100,000.

M. J. v. Individual

2016, client was rear-ended at high speed in Columbus on I-185. Required Surgery in her back. Defendant had the state minimum insurance coverage of $25,000. Ms. B’s medical bills were more than $170,000. Client had UM coverage with Allstate. After collecting $75,000 in coverage, Gary O. Bruce P.C. filed suit to challenge Allstate’s denial of coverage under Ms. B’s brother’s policy. Allstate tendered its $25,000 in coverage.

R. B. v. Individual and UM

Liability insurer failed to pay insurance limits for siblings with broken ribs. After litigation, the insurer paid roughly triple the insurance limits without a trial.

Siblings v. Individual/Insurer

Hit and run resulting in ongoing back pain. Insurer denied payment because defendant denied ever striking vehicle, but paid after litigation.

J.D. v. Individual

Woman was injured in two separate wrecks close in time resulting in the insurers each pointing the finger at one another. Ultimately, through two lawsuits, both insurers paid.

T.C. v. Multiple Individuals

This case involved a significant wreck in Columbus in which a young soldier sustained a serious shoulder injury. The soldier had only $6,500 in medical bills, but had been told by his orthopedic surgeon that he would need a significant shoulder surgery that may have ended his career. Without the necessity of a lawsuit, Gary O. Bruce, P.C. recovered $25,000 in liability coverage, and $55,000 in underinsured motorist coverage.

T.E. v. Individual and UM

A wreck caused aggravation of pre-existing conditions to flare up , resulting in impact on activities of daily living. Treatment was limited due to inability to resolve it medically.

TB v MW

Small boy was struck on his bicycle and put at fault by officers in Alabama. However, the insurance limits were paid without the need for a lawsuit.

Minor v. Individual and UM

An older woman was initially blamed for the wreck by the other driver, claiming she was drunk due to her slurred speech from the concussion suffered in the wreck. A lawsuit was filed and testimony obtained from her neurologist confirming her head injury leading to the payment without a need for trial.

S.S. v. Corporate Driver

A hit and run driver was held accountable for the full extent of insurance coverage.

S.R. v. Individual and UM

A woman was struck by a DUI driver requiring extensive physical therapy, after defeating her own insurance companies motion to dismiss her case. (AL)

T.T.P v. Drunk Driver and UM Carrier

Small boy was struck on his bicycle and put at fault by officers in Alabama. However, the insurance limits were paid without the need for a lawsuit.

B.R. v. Individual and UM

Victim of 3x DUI driver which required chiropractic care only.

R.J v. Drunk Driver

Although client had minor injuries and less than $2,500 in medical bills, recovered $70,000 after it was discovered that the at-fault driver was DUI and on the job for a national corporation at the time of the wreck.

B. B. v. Individual and Company

Insurer denied responsibility for hit and run driver for Alabama wreck relying on negative Alabama law, but paid after suit was filed in Georgia based on our knowledge of venue laws.

L.W. v. Individual

A small child was in a wreck where both drivers were racing and fled. Only one policy of insurance existed which our office was able to successfully get both the liability and UM coverage to pay.

Minor v. Individual, John Doe, and UM

Man suffered vertebral fracture but did not require surgery.

W.R. v. Individual and UM

Woman fractured her tailbone in the wreck. An additional policy was found allowing her to recover more.

M.E. v. Individual

Mother and her young son were struck by a drunk driver in Columbus.Using Georgia law, Gary O. Bruce, P.C. obtained a $50,000 recovery for the mother who incurred just $6,400 in medical bills.The firm recovered $25,000 for the minor child, who had only $900 in medical bills.

V.B. and A. H. v. Individual

Judgment was obtained against a reckless driver in Georgia after his insurance company failed to pay its policy limits. After a second lawsuit involving the insurer directly, the company was forced to pay above its coverage.

M.C. v. Individual/Insurer

Another unhappy client of a huge law firm. She fired that law firm after no one would respond to her calls or keep her updated. She came to the law office of Gary Bruce and we took her case on and resolved it before trial. Settlement/Verdict Amount: $36,500.00

Auto collision with out of town law firm

Our client originally signed with an Atlanta firm but fired those lawyers because they wouldn’t return her calls or keep her updated. She came to the law offices of Gary Bruce and we  took over her case and filed a lawsuit.  After pushing the file a favorable settlement was achieved. Settlement/Verdict Amount: $24,000.00

Automobile collision originally handled by an out of town law firm

Soldier injured by drunk driver who fled scene. Shoulder incurred only $77 in medical bills. Gary O. Bruce, P.C. Personal injury suit settled for $13,000, or over 168 times the special damages in the case. Gary O. Bruce, P.C. also pursued punitive damages for the property damage to soldier’s car, received payment of $10,000, even after client had already been paid for car by his own insurer.

D.S. v. Individual

A client recently called our office after being dropped by another law firm in the Columbus area.  According to the prior law firm, our client had no case because liability was in dispute.  The client was upset, particularly after she had incurred several thousand dollars in medical expenses..  We accepted the case and presented the claim to the insurance company to give them a final opportunity before suit..  After they again denied liability, we filed suit in Russell County, Alabama.  The matter was resolved and she was awarded her medical bills and a significant amount of additional money to cover pain and suffering.

Disputed fault case

This past year, a client hired our firm to pursue her personal injury claim after she was involved in a serious accident in Russell County, Alabama.  After setting up the case, we were told by the insurance company that she had settled her personal injury claim for approximately 5% of the policy limits available the very day she signed up with our office.  The  insurance company took a strong position, stating that the settlement and release were clearly final and binding under Alabama law.  However, due to ambiguities in the language of the release, we were challenged,  and ultimately invalidated the release.  The insurance company ultimately paid the full policy limits to our client instead of a fraction of that amount.

Auto wreck in Alabama where Insurance company claimed it was already settled

Active duty military was struck while on his motorcycle requiring knee surgery. Additional coverage was found through careful investigation of the policies, and all funds were paid without litigation.

C.R. v. Individual and UM

Sometimes it takes patience and work to put a case together.  But if it was easy, everyone would do it.

In this case we achieved a mid-six figure recovery where the insurance company initially failed to disclose all coverage.

Suit was filed for our retired military nurse after our demand for policy limits was rejected. After delays caused by covid and medical treatment, a resolution was obtained for an amount ABOVE the initial demand. The case was complicated by preexisting medical, conflicting stories by other drivers and allegations of other drivers in the multi-car pileup being at fault. Despite there being very little property damage, extensive and disabling prior medical history of multiple incidents, surgeries, claims, and ongoing pain management, medical proof, and the candid testimony of our client (which would not have been possible without a lawsuit) resulted in a favorable outcome. 

Car wreck in Columbus, Ga