Maricopa County Court Dismisses Negligence Claim After Appeal
One driver was operating a company truck when a collision occurred with a van driven by another person. The van driver presented repair estimates to the truck driver's employer. The employer offered to submit the claim to insurance, but the van driver requested immediate payment and accepted a smaller settlement amount. The van driver later filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and physical injuries, but the employer argued the claim was barred by a prior settlement agreement. The court initially granted summary judgment in favor of the employer, but this was later reversed on appeal.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $2,500
- County
- Maricopa County, AZ
- Resolved
- 2010
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Other
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $2,500 is below the median of $11,429 for other cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $4,710 to $30,000, based on 82 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In August 2007, a company employee operating a company truck was involved in a collision with a van in Arizona. Later the same day, the van driver presented repair estimates to the company owner and accepted a $2,500 settlement, signing a release for damages.
In August 2009, the van driver filed a negligence complaint in Arizona Superior Court, Maricopa County, against the company, its employee, and the employee's spouse. The plaintiff alleged physical injuries and sought damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and decreased earning capacity, despite the prior settlement. The defendants argued the claim was barred by the doctrine of accord and satisfaction due to the signed release. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendants in June 2010.
The plaintiff appealed, and in August 2011, the Court of Appeals of Arizona reversed the trial court's judgment and remanded the case. However, the action was later dismissed with prejudice in July 2013 for want of prosecution.
Understanding This Case
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Maricopa County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2010, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
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