Fasig Brooks Secures $5 Million Verdict in Gadsden County Premises Liability Case

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - July 27, 2018 - PRLog -- The personal injury law firm of Fasig Brooks secured a $5 million jury verdict in a premises liability case for our client, Steven Hamblen. Mr. Hamblen is the father of Samantha Hamblen, a 23-year-old Gadsden County woman who was killed when a car she was traveling in struck a tractor trailer attempting to turn left into the entrance of the Flying J Travel Center from I-10 and Highway 90.

The fatal accident occurred on the rainy evening of September 21, 2013 at the Flying J Travel Center in Midway, Florida. The driver of the tractor trailer turned left at a traffic signal into the Car/RV entrance rather than proceeding straight to the semi entrance. When he realized his error, the driver stopped, blocking eastbound traffic on Highway 90 for a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, at that same time, a driver carrying Miss Hamblen was traveling eastbound on highway 90, could not avoid the tractor trailer, swerved, and crashed into the side rear of the semi, killing Samantha Hamblen.

Lead attorney, Jimmy Fasig, managing partner of Fasig Brooks, argued that Samantha Hamblen's death was the result of the confusing, faulty design of the two entrances into the Flying J Travel Center.  He introduced evidence of traffic studies showing that semis mistakenly attempt to turn left at the light into the travel plaza at least once an hour, creating a dangerous condition.  Her death, he told the jury, was caused by the foreseeable zone of risk due to inadequate signage and a defective parking lot.

The jury was asked to apportion responsibility for the accident. They found Pilot/Flying J 34.5% at fault and split the remaining fault equally between the two drivers.

Mr. Fasig was assisted in trial by Mark Nonni, who was the primary attorney on the case, and Josh Zelman, our esteemed colleague from Zelman Law.

About Fasig Brooks
Fasig Brooks represents victims of auto accidents, premises liability, and other acts of negligence. The firm is known for its zealous, passionate advocacy and pursuit of justice for its clients. If you think you have a case or you just want to ask a legal question, give us a call.  850.224.3310 or visit us at http://www.fasigbrooks.com.  Our Tallahassee offices are located at 3522 Thomasville Road, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida, 32309.