Defense verdict for school bus transportation provider.

We obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial on behalf of a school bus transportation provider in a motor vehicle/wrongful death case. The plaintiff was operating her vehicle when she lost control of her car in inclement weather, crossed over the double yellow line, and hit an oncoming school bus, causing significant damage and immediate death to the plaintiff. The plaintiff's estate claimed the defendant school bus driver should have seen the vehicle coming. The plaintiff's accident reconstructionist attempted to establish a clear sight distance and loss of control of the plaintiff's vehicle 225 feet from the point of contact which would have, in their opinion, given the bus driver ample time to perceive and react. Prior to trial, the plaintiffs made a $985,000 demand for settlement; a $5,000 offer in response was made. After a 2.5 week trial, the jury issued a complete defense verdict.