On March 21, 2014, four teenage boys—Jacob Blankenship, DeQuavius Weaver, Josh Harbold, and Dendreck Holmes—were involved in a fatal car accident in Anderson County. The four Christian County High School students were traveling home from the state’s Sweet Sixteen basketball tournament when they collided with a parked tractor-trailer on the shoulder of the road. Sadly, Blankenship and Weaver did not survive the accident, while Harbold and Holmes were left seriously injured.
Tragic Accident Case Settled Prior to Court
The case was settled before it was taken to trial. The two insurance companies agreed to follow mediation and compensate the four families involved for their losses.
“This devastating tragedy that took the lives of two young boys and injured two others has caused great suffering to four outstanding families, suffering that would have been compounded had the event been presented to a court and jury, although we were ready to do just that,” Attorney Kirk said.
Out of respect to the families, the amount settled upon will remain confidential, but it was revealed to be a seven-figure amount.
Kirk & Crum, PLLC is thankful for the insurance companies’ willingness to cooperate without the need of going to trial. Taking the case to court could have brought about more stress and emotions following such a heavy tragedy for these families.
“Reliving that night through a trial would have been an additional trauma,” Attorney Kirk noted.
The settlement allows the boys’ families the opportunity to receive some peace of mind and financial relief as they grieve.
For more information on the settlement, read the article here.