Family of Retired State Trooper Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Fatal Tuscaloosa Wreck
Last summer, retired Alabama State Trooper Daryl Wayne Brown, Sr., was killed in a tragic crash. The family has now filed a lawsuit against the two drivers responsible for the death, and the company for which one of the drivers worked. Prince Glover Hayes is representing the victim’s family in their efforts to hold those responsible for this tragic crash accountable.
Details of the collision
Brown was traveling on I-29/59 in his 2012 Hyundai Accent when a Mazda 6S speeding at over 100 miles per hour struck his vehicle. According to an event recorder, the Mazda was traveling 107 mph just prior to impact, and 104 mph at the time of impact. The driver in the Mazda appears to have attempted to switch lanes without clearance, causing the crash.
Following that initial impact, the Hyundai collided with the guardrail and became disabled in the right-hand lane. A tractor-trailer then struck the disabled Hyundai. According to accounts, the driver of the truck, which was owned by Bravo Express, did not apply the brakes prior to impact with the victim’s car.
Criminal charges and civil lawsuit
The civil lawsuit follows criminal charges against the driver of the Mazda, 29-year-old Daaron M. Crooks. Crooks was indicted for manslaughter. In addition to traveling over 100 mph at the time of impact, Crooks was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
Brown’s family is suing Daaron M. Crooks, Eddie Crooks, and Luis Remberto Garcia, as well as Bravo Express, in a civil wrongful death lawsuit seeking damages.
Legal claims in the lawsuit
The family is suing the four defendants for the following:
- The lawsuit alleged that Daaron M. Crooks is liable for wrongful death due to the dangerous operation of his vehicle.
- Eddie Crooks, the owner of the Mazda, is accused of negligent/wanton entrustment for allowing Daaron Crooks to use the vehicle.
- Garcia faces a wrongful death claim based on negligence/wantonness for the failure to brake, following too closely, and possibly being distracted.
- The claim against Bravo Express Transportation Co. is for negligent or wanton entrustment, negligent or wanton hiring, supervision, training, and/or retention of its driver, Garcia.
About Daryl Wayne Brown, Sr.
The victim in this case was a retired Alabama State Trooper who proudly served his community in that role for 28 years. At the time of his tragic death, Brown was a member of the security team at the Richard Shelby Federal Building and Courthouse. Brown was also a son, husband, brother, and father, who is greatly missed by his loved ones.
Recovering in a wrongful death claim
Families who lose a loved one in a tragic case like this one can never be fully made whole, which is the ultimate goal of the civil court system. However, a successful claim can help hold the wrongful actors accountable, offset some of the financial burdens created by the death, and help to prevent future tragedies by serving as a deterrent.
In this case, the family is seeking punitive and compensatory damages. Compensatory damages compensate for a loss by covering actual financial expenses like medical bills or lost income, along with pain and suffering. In Alabama, plaintiffs in wrongful death claims are only allowed to recover punitive damages, so compensatory damages will only be allowed in some of the counts, not any of the wrongful death counts.
Punitive damages serve a different purpose and are used to punish the defendant for their conduct. Alabama does not have a cap on punitive damages in wrongful death claims, instead leaving it up to the court to decide what to award.
Both the criminal case against Crooks and the civil case against all three defendants are ongoing.
The importance of experienced counsel in wrongful death cases
When it comes to wrongful death claims, the stakes are high. Families have suffered an unfathomable loss, and the impact of that family member’s death may continue throughout their lives. In some cases, a family loses the breadwinner, leaving them financially vulnerable. When we take on these tragic cases, we’re fighting for the memory of the victim and for the future of their family. Our attorneys know that filing this claim can make a massive difference in the lives of people who have lost so much.
While past cases cannot predict future outcomes, our team has successfully tried and settled wrongful death cases for awards in the millions. We know what it takes to pursue maximum compensation, and how important it is that the outcomes of these cases honor the victim, hold the wrongdoer accountable, and provide the family with compensation that can help them on their long road ahead.
Contact Prince Glover Hayes today
At Prince Glover Hayes, we’ve represented many families struggling with the aftermath of catastrophic accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. We handle these claims with compassion and care, and we aren’t afraid to fight them out, all the way through trial.
If you’ve lost a loved one because of someone else’s negligence, you need to speak to a dedicated wrongful death attorney. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Tuscaloosa wrongful death lawyers. We’re ready to listen and to help you pursue justice.