Out-of-state crash tried here, nets $5M verdict

A car crash involving two South Carolina residents on a North Carolina highway led to a personal injury lawsuit and, recently, a $5 million verdict for the plaintiff, according to the woman’s attorneys.

Roy Willey IV of the Anastopoulo Law Firm in Charleston said that on April 29, 2015, plaintiff Daisy Frederick was driving south on U.S. Route 52 in Anson County, North Carolina, when Daniel McDowell, heading north, crossed the centerline and caused their two vehicles to collide.

The plaintiffs claim that McDowell was speeding, driving while distracted and otherwise operating his vehicle negligently.

McDowell claimed that he hydroplaned and was stopped in the road and backing up when the plaintiff crashed into him, Willey said.

In addition to injuries to her back, arm, and chest, Willey said that Frederick suffered two broken legs and was out of work for a year.

“She had a rod inserted and her total medicals were just over $250,000,” Willey said. “Thankfully, she is now back working, and has made a full recovery.”

Court documents show that in September, the plaintiff made an offer of judgment to McDowell for $300,000.

McDowell’s attorney, David Sligh of Turner Padget Graham & Laney in Myrtle Beach, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Of the jury’s decision, Willey said, “The jury did the right thing for a very deserving client.”

Follow Heath Hamacher on Twitter @SCLWHamacher

VERDICT REPORT – NEGLIGENCE/PERSONAL INJURY

Amount: $5 million

Injuries alleged: Broken legs

Case name: Daisy Frederick v. Daniel McDowell

Court: Marlboro County Court of Common Pleas

Case No.: 2016-CP-3400072

Judge: Paul Burch

Date: Jan. 31

Attorney for plaintiff: Eric Poulin, J. Camden Hodge, and Roy Willey IV of the Anastopoulo Law Firm in Charleston

Attorney for defendant: David Sligh of Turner Padget Graham & Laney in Myrtle Beach