We often represent minors under the age of 18 in auto-accidents, dog bites and dangerous premises cases. Michael from our office recently obtained a great settlement for our client, Olivia, who was riding in the passenger seat of a friend’s pickup truck when the vehicle went off the road and crashed into a barbed-wire fence. Olivia was thrown from the vehicle and suffered a fractured clavicle and lacerations on her neck and back. She was only 14 years old at the time of the accident.
Michael aggressively pursued the at-fault driver’s insurance company and obtained a policy limits settlement of $50K. However, this was not enough compensation for Olivia due to the severity of her injuries.
Olivia did not have personal auto-insurance, but we thoroughly investigated this claim for every possible insurance policy that could provider coverage. Michael requested the insurance policy information of Olivia’s grandmother and discovered that there was underinsured motorist coverage available. He was able to secure an additional $100K in policy limits for Olivia.
The court approved these settlement, which is always required under Missouri law, RSMo. 436.700, for minor settlements over $35K. Our office set up annuities, or structured settlements, for Olivia that will pay her beginning when she turns 18.
We were happy to obtain these great settlements for Olivia and we wish her the best in the future.