$2.6 Million Settlement: Drunk Driving Crash in Atlantic County Leaves Victim in Coma

Injury Type: Traumatic brain injury, permanent coma

Accident Type: Rear-end collision

Settlement Amount: $2,600,000

Location: Atlantic County, New Jersey

A devastating accident left the plaintiff in a permanent comatose state after their vehicle was rear-ended by a drunk driver. The first defendant, who was intoxicated at the time, was found to have been served alcohol by the second defendant, who allegedly also served underage drinkers. The plaintiff claimed the second defendant acted with disregard, contributing to the tragedy.

The court determined a shared responsibility:

• 50% liability was assigned to the drunk driver (first defendant).
• 15% liability fell on the establishment that served the alcohol (second defendant).
• 35% liability was attributed to the plaintiff for comparative negligence.

Initially awarded $4,000,000, the settlement was adjusted due to shared fault, resulting in a final award of $2,600,000. This case highlights the grave consequences of intoxicated driving and the broader responsibility of establishments in preventing such occurrences.

Case Reference: Muniz v. Torres, ATL-L-118-09