Blog Post

Fatal Crash Leads To $1.75M Settlement

Heath Hamacher • May 17, 2018

The estate of a woman killed by an alleged impaired driver has settled the case for $1.75 million prior to the filing of a lawsuit, the plaintiff’s attorney reports.

According to Thomas “Field” Dunaway IV of Anderson, Loretta Pressley, 49, was driving along an Anderson County highway, buckled inside her Chevrolet TrailBlazer, on the morning of May 5. Behind her sat her 4-year-old grandson, properly restrained in his car seat.

In front of her, at about 9:10 a.m. , 29-year-old Jonathan Hamby of Piedmont crossed the centerline in his Ford F-350 pickup truck and smashed head-on into Pressley’s vehicle, killing her.

The child received serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

“Witnesses described the collision as sounding like a bomb and there was glass and vehicle parts flying everywhere,” Dunaway wrote in a statement to Lawyers Weekly.

Dunaway said that Hamby tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamine. Court records show that he was charged with DUI resulting in death and driving with a suspended license. He is currently free on bond.

At the time of the crash, Hamby was driving a truck owned by his employer, Krut Systems LLC. Witnesses reported seeing him “slumped over” in his seat shortly before the crash.

Dunaway said that Hamby’s work truck was insured by a combined single limits policy of $1 million and that policies owned by the victim and the child’s mother were also paid out.

Follow Heath Hamacher on Twitter @SCLWHamacher

SETTLEMENT REPORT – WRONGFUL DEATH

Amount: $1.75 million
Injuries alleged: Death
Case name: Settled before filing suit
Court: N/A
Judge: R. Scott Sprouse approved the settlement
Date of Settlement: Nov. 29
Attorneys for plaintiffs: Tom Dunaway III and Thomas Dunaway IV of Anderson
Attorneys for defendant: N/A

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Slip and fall accidents are a common occurrence in South Carolina, and can result in serious injuries that have long-term effects on a person's life. In many cases, these accidents occur due to the negligence of property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions for their visitors. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, it's important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. The legal concept of premises liability applies in slip and fall cases, which means that property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions on their premises and to warn visitors of any potential hazards. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that result from their negligence. However, proving liability in a slip and fall case can be challenging, as it requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take action to correct it. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. This means that if you wait too long to file a claim, you may lose your right to seek compensation. It's important to act quickly after a slip and fall accident to gather evidence and document your injuries, as this can help to support your case. To build a strong case in a slip and fall lawsuit, it's important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the legal nuances of premises liability cases. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. If necessary, they can also represent you in court and argue for your right to compensation. If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident in South Carolina, don't hesitate to seek legal help. A skilled personal injury attorney can help you to navigate the complex legal system and fight for the compensation you deserve. With their help, you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life after a challenging and painful experience. Call Dunaway Law Firm, LLC (864-224-1144) if you have been injured in a slip & fall accident