Pedestrian Awarded $3.7 Million for Injuries Sustained in Accident

By Andrew Weatherford

Published on June 19, 2009

A man has been awarded $3.7 million for injuries he suffered when a garbage truck struck him and dragged him for a short distance. The victim, Mr. Gerald Hatton, 59, sustained vascular crush injuries in his left leg and significant fractures in his right leg. According to Mr. Hatton's attorney, Mr. Bill Newkirk, the victim will likely be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The accident took place on February 19th, 2008, when Mr. Hatton was crossing Main Street in downtown Los Angeles. A NASA Services, Inc. garbage truck made a right turn onto Main Street and struck Mr. Hatton as he was in the crosswalk. Mr. Hatton was caught under the front of the truck and was dragged for approximately 20 to 25 yards.

Mr. Newkirk speculates that the driver of the garbage truck never saw Mr. Hatton because he was looking to the left while making the right turn. Mr. Newkirk also said that the garbage truck driver might not have stopped had he not been pulled over by a Los Angeles Police Department squad that happened to be behind the truck and witnessed the accident taking place.

The case was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in July 2008.

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