$2.1 Million Settlement Reached in Northern Virginia Pedestrian Injury Case

Blankingship & Keith, P.C. has secured a $2.1 million settlement for a pedestrian who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck in a marked crosswalk by a driver traveling for work.

The plaintiff, a 66-year-old federal employee, was lawfully crossing the street when she was run over by a rental vehicle. The driver told police he was in town for business and had just dropped off a passenger nearby. The vehicle had been rented through his employer’s corporate contract.

The injuries were severe. The plaintiff suffered traumatic subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhages, loss of consciousness, and a complicated mild traumatic brain injury, along with orthopedic and psychological injuries. Before the crash, she managed a multimillion-dollar federal budget and led an active, independent life. Afterward, she was never able to return to work and was forced into early retirement.

A central issue in the case was whether the driver was acting within the course and scope of his employment, which would make his employer legally responsible for the crash. The defense argued the driver’s workday had already ended.

Discovery told a different story.

Evidence showed the driver had just dropped off a coworker at the request of a supervisor after attending an employer-hosted “all hands” meeting. Records also showed that once he returned to his hotel, he continued working, sending emails as late as 11:00 p.m. that same night.

The case involved extensive discovery and expert analysis, including medical, neuropsychological, vocational, and life-care planning evaluations. The settlement reflected both the plaintiff’s significant economic losses and the lasting impact of her injuries on her independence and quality of life.