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$1 million settlement
Family of Hodge settles suit with trucking company over October 2008 wreck
Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Local attorneys reached a $1 million settlement in a wrongful death case involving a wreck that claimed the life of a Dadeville woman.
Attorneys Daine Sharpe of Dadeville and Jeremy Knowles of Morris, Haynes and Hornsby in Alexander City settled the case against MHF Logistical Solutions of Jacksonville, Fla., Monday on behalf of the family of Dorothy Payne Hodge, according to a statement released from the law firms Tuesday.
The case arose from a collision between Hodge’s Chevrolet Lumina and a tractor-trailer at the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and E. Lafayette Street in Dadeville, which claimed the life of the 50 year-old Hodge on Oct. 8, 2008.
“I hope the settlement will serve to slow people down at that intersection,” Sharpe said. “I’ve seen wrecks there regularly and too many involve big trucks. We hope this settlement will encourage truckers traveling through Dadeville to pay better attention.”
The attorneys argued that the truck driver for MHF ran a red light at that intersection and was at fault for the wreck. MHF repeatedly denied liability in the case, according to the statement, until video evidence demonstrated that Hodge had the green light at the time of the wreck.
Knowles said the video evidence was presented to the defense during a discovery period and the case was settled before it went to trial.
“The suit was filed and the defense repeatedly denied liability,” Knowles said. “The case really turned after examining the video evidence. Once they saw that they were caught on video, it was impossible to deny responsibility.”
Sharpe said he was glad that the case was resolved favorably for their side.
“No amount of money can replace a loved one, but I just hope (the settlement) will serve to give the family closure,” Sharpe said. “I was honored and privileged to help the Hodge family.”
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