William Lewis convinced a Buchanan County jury to find in his client’s favor and award a verdict in favor of the defendant. The trial lasted two days in April 2012.
Plaintiff Paul Newton brought suit against Defendant David Martorelli for damages alleged to have been the result of a motor vehicle accident on the Belt Highway in St. Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. On January 23, 2006, Plaintiff was a passenger in a vehicle being driven by Robert McQuinn southbound on the South Belt Highway at its intersection with Penn Street in St. Joseph. Defendant was traveling eastbound on Penn Street crossing the Belt Highway when Robert McQuinn’s vehicle struck Defendant’s vehicle on the driver’s side. Plaintiff felt the sensation of the brakes immediately before impact. McQuinn did nothing besides brake to avoid the accident. Plaintiff’s attorney argued that the defendant failed to yield the right-of-way and failed to keep a careful lookout. He further argued that the McQuinn vehicle had the right-of-way at the intersection.
Plaintiff had a long-standing pre-existing condition. Plaintiff also had a long history of convictions and had other credibility issues.
Plaintiff’s last pre-suit demand was $32,500. Defendant offered $11,000 to settle the case. Plaintiff’s counsel asked in closing for damages in the amount of $100,000. The jury returned a verdict in favor of Defendant.
