Victory Lap at Raceway Park, Englishtown, New Jersey- $200K Settlment

On Sept 20, 2003, our client was part of a group that brought two tow trucks to compete at Raceway Park, in Englishtown, NJ.   They were in the Heavy Tow Truck Category for the Diesel Truck Nationals.  One of the trucks won.  The winning truck was stopped taking on spectators to carry them around the track for the victory lap.  As our client was climbing aboard, the tow truck suddenly lurches forward and begins to go throwing our client off the truck and onto the ground where he injures his knee.  When the case came into the office, it was thought to be a good case.  Then we took the driver's deposition.  The driver testified under oath that our client did not get hurt while he was climbing aboard.  The driver saw our client leap over a barrier, loses his balance and fall onto the ground.  At trial, if the jury believed the defendant, we would lose the case.  It would be our client's word against the driver's word. Or would it?  Security at Raceway Park had witnessed the accident.  For trial, our investigation located the security guard and brought him to Court to testify after the defendant had already testified in Court.  The security guard would show that the Defendant was not telling the truth. Before the security guard appeared, the Insurance Company for the Defendant offered $35,000 to settle.  After the security guard, the case settled for $200,000.00.