Dallas County Delivers $1 Million Verdict for Family*

A crash can change a family’s life in an instant. But what happens when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover the harm caused?

That question was at the center of a recent Dallas County case in which a jury awarded a Mississippi mother and her two daughters $1 million in an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim against Progressive. Beasley Allen attorneys Warner Hornsby and Gavin King secured the verdict after a trial involving injuries that were not immediately visible but had a lasting impact on the family’s daily lives.

A Dallas County Jury Awards $1 Million

The case stemmed from a November 2021 crash in Selma, Alabama. Another driver allegedly failed to yield and turned in front of the family’s vehicle, causing a collision on U.S. Highway 80.

Years later, testing revealed hearing loss in the mother and her two daughters.

After deliberating for less than an hour, the jury returned a verdict awarding:

• $500,000 to the youngest daughter
• $250,000 to the mother
• $250,000 to the older daughter

What Made This Case Different?

Many car accident lawsuits involve visible injuries such as broken bones, surgeries, or lengthy hospital stays. This case was different.

The family’s claims focused entirely on hearing loss, which they alleged was caused by the vehicle’s airbag deployment during the crash. There were no claims involving fractures, surgical procedures, or other physical injuries typically seen in serious collision cases.

The verdict shows that juries recognize that not all serious injuries can be seen. Conditions such as hearing loss can affect communication, education, work, and overall quality of life long after a crash is over.

Understanding Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Many drivers assume the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will fully cover their losses after a crash. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Underinsured motorist coverage, often called UIM coverage, can help protect you and your family when the person who caused the crash does not have enough insurance to pay for all damages.

Depending on the policy, UIM coverage may help compensate victims for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent injuries
• Future medical needs

Without this coverage, injured drivers and passengers may be left paying for losses that exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.

Why UIM Coverage Matters

Serious injuries can result in financial losses that far exceed the insurance coverage carried by the driver responsible for a crash. This case serves as a reminder that injuries are not always obvious, and that underinsured motorist coverage can play a critical role in helping families recover after a collision.

Reviewing your insurance coverage today could make a meaningful difference if you or a loved one is involved in a serious accident in the future.

At Beasley Allen, we understand that every crash and every injury is different. Our attorneys carefully investigate each case, work to uncover the full impact on our clients’ lives, and pursue every available source of compensation. When insurance companies refuse to pay fair value for a claim, we are prepared to take cases to trial and fight for the results our clients deserve.

*The amount of some verdicts may have been reduced by post-trial settlement, appeal, or remittitur. Some amounts may have been obtained by default judgment. Some verdicts and settlements were obtained in other states besides Alabama. Beasley Allen does not represent that the same or similar results would be obtained in all cases.