Drunk Driving Verdict

A Birmingham police officer who was hurt while working an accident on Interstate 65 North was awarded $833,709 by a Jefferson County jury today.  The injured police officer was represented by MRB attorneys Rip Andrews and Ben Ford.

Sergeant Demus Smith was standing on the roadway at the scene of a wreck when a drunk driver hit his parked patrol car, which then struck Sergeant Smith.  He was said to have been traveling at about 65 mph when he crashed into the line of four patrol cars, all of which had emergency lights activated.

The lawsuit was against the driver, the owner of the car, and Sergeant Smith’s uninsured motorist insurance carrier, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.  The driver and the owner of the car were never found again, so the trial proceeded against State Farm.

Sergeant Smith suffered a crush injury to his right foot and ankle. He was out of work for six months but is now back at work.

The jury awarded $33,709.21 in compensatory damages and $800,000 in punitive damages.

According to Rip, the jury sent a strong message that people need to think twice before they drink and drive.  If they do so and they hurt someone, there will be serious financial consequences.

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"I could not be happier with the results."
This is the only law firm you should ever contact or use. I had a very difficult problem. They worked tirelessly to resolve it for me. Rip Andrews and Mike Beard are true, caring professionals who never give up for you. They resolved my problem completely. I could not be happier with the results.
Karl Harbin
"I could not be happier with the results."
This is the only law firm you should ever contact or use. I had a very difficult problem. They worked tirelessly to resolve it for me. Rip Andrews and Mike Beard are true, caring professionals who never give up for you. They resolved my problem completely. I could not be happier with the results.
Karl Harbin
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They took a case that others would have stayed clear of.."
I have the utmost respect for Rip Andrews and the lawyers at MRB Law. They took a case that others would have stayed clear of because the issue of state immunity was involved. Through determination and unwavering commitment they were able to a find resolution to an extremely difficult matter.
Nancy Owen
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict ."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"They...brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict."
These lawyers took a complicated issue, revealed the truth in a way 12 jurors unfamiliar with the topic could understand, and brought justice to my family through a multi-million dollar verdict. They were able to relate my “invisible” medical condition to the jury better than I can to my own friends. And because of that, the jury hugged me and cried with me when it was all over. That meant more to me than any amount of money.
Caroline Malatesta
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed ."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
"Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed."
I can’t adequately put into words the appreciation I have for Mr. Derrick Mills and MRB Law. He was assertive in his fight for justice for our family during our time of tragedy. Mr. Mills is knowledgeable, passionate and a great communicator. Our relationship began as strangers but ended in friendship thanks to the compassion he showed. Thank you Mr. Mills for being a dedicated professional! Justice done right!
Dana Owens
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