Historic $162 Million Settlement Secured in Georgia Van Rollover Crash, with Studstill Firm Representing Family of Deceased Woman
SUWANNEE, GA – In a landmark $162 million settlement, justice has been served for victims and families impacted by one of Georgia’s deadliest vehicle accidents. The tragic 2021 van rollover crash on Interstate 85 claimed the lives of seven women and left numerous survivors with severe injuries. The law firms Beasley Allen, Shiver Hamilton Campbell, and a coalition of other prestigious law firms, including Studstill Firm, LLP, have successfully reached an unprecedented settlement on behalf of the victims and their families.
The accident occurred on April 24, 2021, along Interstate 85 at the Interstate 985 split in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The passenger van, carrying members of a sober living community, We Are Living Proof, was en route to a graduation ceremony for several women. According to witness accounts and legal investigations, a vehicle suddenly changed lanes ahead of the van, causing it to lose control, spin, roll, and burst into flames. Bystanders rushed to assist, but flames quickly engulfed the van, tragically claiming the lives of seven women and leaving ten survivors hospitalized with injuries.
Haynes M. Studstill, Esq. of Studstill Firm, LLP represented one of the victims’ families, bringing a fierce dedication to securing justice and accountability for the tragic loss endured by her loved ones. Studstill Firm joined forces with a consortium of other top law firms to address claims of wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and product liability against the vehicle manufacturer. Legal complaints underscored concerns over the van's susceptibility to tipping, alleged faults in its steering system, and a fuel system design that reportedly allowed gasoline vapors to ignite, contributing to the rapid spread of fire.
In what is being hailed as Georgia's largest settlement from a single automobile accident, this $162 million outcome underscores the commitment and collaborative expertise of the legal teams involved.
Reflecting on the case, Chris Glover, managing attorney at Beasley Allen’s Atlanta office, remarked, "This case demonstrates the powerful impact we can achieve for our clients when we work together with determination and purpose. It’s a rare privilege to be a part of such an outstanding team working for justice on behalf of these women and their families."
Alan Hamilton, co-lead counsel from Shiver Hamilton Campbell, shared, “This has been one of the most complex and heartbreaking cases of my career. The collaborative dedication of each firm involved allowed us to secure this result, honoring the memory and lives of these deserving women.”
Haynes M. Studstill, Esq., alongside co-counsel, expressed a similar sentiment. “Standing up for this family and seeking justice in the face of such profound loss was an honor. This outcome represents a measure of accountability and underscores the irreplaceable lives lost.”
This historic settlement allows the defendants to deny any liability but stands as a testament to the dedication of each legal team member who sought to honor the memory of the women lost in this tragic event and to provide relief to those left behind.