The Conservative Cave

Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: thundley4 on August 01, 2009, 09:00:26 PM

Title: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: thundley4 on August 01, 2009, 09:00:26 PM
Quote
SALEM — The driver of a minivan who was seriously injured when she was struck head-on by a drag-racing teenager doing 81 mph is now being sued by the teenager's passenger, who was also injured.

A lawsuit filed yesterday in Salem Superior Court suggests that Christine Speliotis "carelessly and negligent (sic) failed to avoid the collision with the other vehicle head on."

The lawsuit was filed by the father of Brandon Pereira, 17, of Peabody, the cousin of Timothy Pereira, the driver of the speeding Ford Mustang.

Timothy Pereira, 19, of Salem is out on bail awaiting trial on charges that include racing, speeding, driving to endanger and failing to stay within marked lanes.

Investigators from the Salem and state police concluded that Timothy Pereira was going 81 mph on Fort Avenue, a road with a 30 mph speed limit, when he lost control, veering across the center lines and into the path of a Honda Odyssey minivan.

Speliotis, 42, of Salem, and her passenger, Stanley Swaczyk, 50, of Marblehead, suffered broken bones and other injuries. Police said Speliotis was traveling at a reasonable speed for the road, and she was not charged with any wrongdoing.
Link  (http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_212205251.html)

Farther down in the article is a quote from the boys scumsucking leech lawyer as to why he is suing the woman.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: mamacags on August 02, 2009, 06:01:58 AM
I would pay to be on that jury. :thatsright:
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: NHSparky on August 02, 2009, 06:36:01 AM
Quote
"Basically, under Massachusetts law I'm trying to get compensation for my client anywhere I can," Hughes said yesterday.


Only in Massholistan.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: formerlurker on August 02, 2009, 06:55:23 AM
Uh no, it's not only in MA.   

Depending on each state's tort triggers, this is extremely common and definitely not newsworthy.    I can assure you that the passenger in the minvan will have a claim against that driver also. 

Welcome to the world of insurance kids. 




Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: docstew on August 02, 2009, 06:57:31 AM
I would pay to be on that jury. :thatsright:

My deliberations on the matter would be fairly short:  She wasn't breaking the law, you were.  You lose.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: NHSparky on August 02, 2009, 07:02:43 AM
Uh no, it's not only in MA.   

Depending on each state's tort triggers, this is extremely common and definitely not newsworthy.    I can assure you that the passenger in the minvan will have a claim against that driver also. 

Welcome to the world of insurance kids. 


Talk about insult to injury.  BTW--who's paying HER lawyer bills for this one?
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: formerlurker on August 02, 2009, 07:33:31 AM
Talk about insult to injury.  BTW--who's paying HER lawyer bills for this one?

The insurance carrier -- this is what I did for a living.   Personal injury attorneys = scum of the earth.   

Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: NHSparky on August 02, 2009, 07:48:01 AM
The insurance carrier -- this is what I did for a living.   Personal injury attorneys = scum of the earth.   



IOW, ALL OF US are footing the bill.  Time for tort reform, methinks?  Could this be one of the reasons why MA insurance is so expensive compared to surrounding states?
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: formerlurker on August 02, 2009, 08:09:42 AM
IOW, ALL OF US are footing the bill.  Time for tort reform, methinks?  Could this be one of the reasons why MA insurance is so expensive compared to surrounding states?

MA insurance was expensive because of state mandates, which were lifted prior to Romney leaving office.    It should even out now, but yes -- when people place personal injury claims, especially for soft tissue injuries, then everyone pays.   So if you co-worker or neighbor gets into minor accident and complains their neck hurts the last thing you want to say is file a claim or sue.    Wait it out and it will heal.   File a claim and you can watch your premiums go up.   

Note that is not to say you shouldn't file a claim if you are seriously injured.   Absolutely do so.  However, your neck/body will be sore after an accident, but honestly?  it should pass.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: DumbAss Tanker on August 02, 2009, 03:50:52 PM
Rules vary from state to state on whether a passenger can sue the driver of the car he was riding in, this kind of suit smacks of "Insurance settlement" all over it, without a serious intention to ever get to a jury.  That said, juries in the Northeast and in particular urban areas (and in a couple of really corrupt southern locations, and Californistan) are notoriously free with other people's money.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: rich_t on August 02, 2009, 04:00:11 PM
Poster child for the need of national tort reform.

Such lawsuits are absurd and have NO business in our courts.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: formerlurker on August 02, 2009, 05:02:25 PM
Rules vary from state to state on whether a passenger can sue the driver of the car he was riding in, this kind of suit smacks of "Insurance settlement" all over it, without a serious intention to ever get to a jury.  That said, juries in the Northeast and in particular urban areas (and in a couple of really corrupt southern locations, and Californistan) are notoriously free with other people's money.

Suit filed as either the offer for settlement not sufficient for plaintiff attorney, or the carrier is denying the claim.   The case certainly will be settled.   Most never go to trial.
Title: Re: Teen passenger in speeding car sues driver who was hit
Post by: DumbAss Tanker on August 02, 2009, 09:30:04 PM
Suit filed as either the offer for settlement not sufficient for plaintiff attorney, or the carrier is denying the claim.   The case certainly will be settled.   Most never go to trial.

Yep.  It's a system, just a very inefficient one.