$2 Million Settles Illinois Action Of Motorcyclist Rendered Quadriplegic As A Result Of Rear-Ending ATV On Highway
On March 13, 2012, plaintiff Douglas R. Peden was operating his motorcycle heading east on P.J. Keller Hwy. in McLean County. Defendant Michael W. Baker, who was operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), turned onto P.J. Keller Hwy. from Hwy 1925 E. Rd. directly in front of plaintiff, causing plaintiff to rear-end the ATV. Defendant claimed that he had stopped at the four-way stop before proceeding. Plaintiff could not recall the accident due to his injuries, but the passenger on plaintiff’s motorcycle testified that defendant did not stop at the intersection or did not come to a complete stop. Plaintiff was rendered a quadriplegic as a result of the collision and had medical expenses of $1,055,273.90. He also claimed lost income from his occupation as a truck driver in the amount of $57,000 per year.
In 2013, plaintiff filed an action against Mr. Baker in the Illinois Circuit Court, McLean County. The parties subsequently agreed to settle for the policy limits on the ATV driver's three insurance policies, which totaled $2 million. The case was closed on Sept. 6, 2016. According to an article posted to www.pantagraph.com on Sept. 13, 2016, plaintiff was issued a citation for disregarding a stop sign.
Plaintiff was represented by Terry W. Dodds of Dodds Law Office
Defendant was represented by Bill Porter of Chilton, Yambert & Porter, LLP
Lexis Advance subscribers can view the full summary, including expert information, here: Douglas R. Peden v. Michael W. Baker, et al; 2016 Jury Verdicts LEXIS 6894
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