Raleigh Wrongful Death Settlement Reaches $9.5M

Fleeing driver ran stop sign, killing 84-year-old woman in 2022 crash

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:35am

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The estate of an 84-year-old woman killed in a 2022 crash has reached a $9.5 million settlement with the driver who ran a stop sign while fleeing from police and the owner of the vehicle, who was accused of negligently entrusting the car to the driver despite their suspended license.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when drivers with suspended licenses operate vehicles, as well as the legal liability that can extend to vehicle owners who knowingly or unknowingly allow unfit drivers to use their cars.

The details

On December 30, 2022, the defendant driver, operating a private passenger vehicle, ran a stop sign while fleeing from law enforcement and crashed into the 84-year-old victim, killing her instantly. The decedent's estate sued the driver and the vehicle's owner, alleging the owner negligently entrusted the vehicle to the driver, whose license had been suspended for multiple DWI charges. The owner claimed not to know the driver's license was suspended, but a disputed fact was whether the driver physically possessed a license when the owner gave them the vehicle.

  • On December 30, 2022, the fatal crash occurred.
  • On December 3, 2025, the $9.5 million settlement was reached.

The players

Ricci Law Firm

The law firm representing the plaintiff, the decedent's estate, in the wrongful death lawsuit.

White & Stradley

The law firm also representing the plaintiff, the decedent's estate, in the wrongful death lawsuit.

Defendant Driver

The driver who ran the stop sign while fleeing from police, resulting in the fatal crash.

Vehicle Owner

The owner of the vehicle that the defendant driver was operating at the time of the fatal crash.

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The takeaway

This settlement serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of ensuring that only safe, licensed drivers operate motor vehicles, and the legal responsibilities that vehicle owners have to prevent their cars from being used by those who pose a danger to the public.