Jalen Carter Sued by Former Football Staffer Over Crash That Left Two Dead
A former Georgia football recruiting analyst who was severely injured in a Jan. 15, 2023 crash that killed one player and another staffer is seeking at least $5 million in damages against defensive lineman Jalen Carter, according to a recent court filing. The plaintiff alleges in the filing that the former Georgia star (who is now in his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles) failed to assist those in a UGA-rented SUV after it crashed early in the morning just hours after the team celebrated a national championship.
A recruiting staffer and an offensive lineman were among those who were killed while another offensive lineman sustained minor injuries. Police say that Carter and one of the victims were racing at more than 100 mph before the victim’s Ford Expedition SUV struck a pole and crashed. Carter was allegedly driving a Cherokee Trackhawk.
The plaintiff sustained about 20 fractures including numerous spinal fractures. She was left with a rare pain disorder caused by spinal cord damage as well as lacerations to both kidneys, damage to her liver, and a collapsed lung. According to the plaintiff’s counsel, her medical expenses to date total at least $171,595 and she has lost income of at least $17,809. She remains unable to work, according to the latest court filing.
According to police, one of the victims who was driving the Ford Expedition SUV had a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash.
The plaintiff filed her lawsuit in July 2023. She settled with the UGA Athletic Association on Aug. 29 2024 and agreed to dismiss her claims as a result of the settlement agreement. The terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
The plaintiff is seeking at least $5 million in damages from Jalen Carter for “general damages, including past, present, and future physical and mental pain and suffering (in addition to punitive damages). She is also seeking $5 million from Breadman Jalen LLC, a company that handles Carter’s marketing and NIL opportunities.
The family of one of the decedents has also filed suit and his estate is seeking $40 million in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Georgia, Carter, and others.
Negligence in car accident lawsuits
The University of Georgia is accused of allowing a drunk staffer to operate a motor vehicle in violation of common sense and the law. This individual engaged in a street race with Carter who was later charged with reckless driving. He pleaded no contest to the charges. He received 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, and 50 hours of community service.
In this case, there’s no doubt that the driver contributed to the crash by engaging in drunk street racing. The only question that remains to be resolved is: How much will they pay to the victims?
Talk to an Atlanta, GA Traffic Accident Injury Attorney Today
The Forsythe Law Firm, LLC represents the interests of Georgia drivers who have been injured in car accidents. Call our office today to schedule a consultation, and we can begin preparing your suit right away.
Source:
onlineathens.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs-extra/2024/10/31/georgia-football-jalen-carter-victoria-bowles-lawsuit-devin-willock-crash/75836151007/
