Policy Limit Settlement, Southeast Missouri

By | July 15, 2005 |

POLICY LIMITS SETTLEMENT

Plaintiff was a passenger in a car that was hit by a drunk driver in Southeastern Missouri. Unfortunately, the driver of the truck that hit the car in which Plaintiff was riding died as a result of the crash. It was later discovered that the operator of the truck did not have a license or any auto insurance to compensate Plaintiff for her injuries.

Plaintiff sued the owner of the truck claiming negligent entrustment since the decedent was not a licensed driver. The owner of the truck denied allowing the decedent permission to use his truck at the time of the crash. Plaintiff alleged that since the owner of the truck had left the keys in the ignition, the windows down and knew of decedent’s intent to use said truck, entrustment could be inferred. Plaintiff argued the decision in Long v. Missouri Delta Med. Ctr., 33 S.W.3d 629, 637 (Mo. App. 2000) (stating behavior in not removing the keys from the ignition of his vehicle does not need to be the sole cause of the Plaintiffs’ injuries, but must be one of the efficient causes thereof without which the injury would not have occurred).

In addition, Plaintiff brought an action against the two (2) separate auto insurance carriers pursuant to those companies’ uninsured motorist provisions.

Plaintiff alleged that as a result of the car crash, she sustained serious injuries to her leg which required hospitalization for approximately one (1) month and several subsequent surgeries. Prior to trial the insurance carrier for the owner of the truck agreed to pay the applicable policy limits. In addition, as a question of fact existed for a jury to decide relating to if entrustment of the truck had occurred, the insurance company agreed to settlement.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard.Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death.Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin IslandsEducation: Washington University School of Law.Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

CONTACT THE CAGLE LAW FIRM TODAY

Request your FREE CASE REVIEW today by calling (314) 276-1681 or by sending a message through the site contact form.  Your contact info stays private and is only used to reply to your inquiry.

Whether you need information about a new injury or existing injury, our lawyers answer your questions with no-risk and no followup marketing.

Free Consultations and Case Reviews

Questions? Ask An Attorney

Fields marked with an * are required

I Have Read The Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright © 2025 St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers | The Cagle Law Firm. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy

Get a free case review with St. Louis' best personal injury lawyers to help you win top compensation