GTW attorneys Robert Gingras, Michael Luebke, Riley Leonard and Kim Sweatt recently settled a wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit that occurred as a result of a drunk driving accident.
On the afternoon of October 14, 2018, Kevin and Amy Sylve were on their way to a pumpkin patch in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, after spending the weekend preparing for Halloween. The Sylve couple were high school sweethearts with two daughters and twin grandsons. As the couple approached the pumpkin patch, Kevin slowed his Toyota Camry, activated his turn signal and began the left turn into the pumpkin patch.
Nicholas Hanley had spent the day drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. Mr. Hanley had a record of drunk driving including four prior charges and three convictions. On October 14, he was driving an illegally modified monster truck at more than 70 mph on a country road with a 55 mph speed limit. Mr. Hanley attempted to pass the Sylves as they turned left into the pumpkin patch.
The resulting crash was horrific. Witnesses heard Mr. Hanley downshift his monster truck and accelerate into the Sylves’ vehicle. Despite resuscitation efforts, Kevin passed away at the scene.
An ambulance rushed Amy to the University of Wisconsin Hospital with severe injuries.
Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs represented the Sylves in their wrongful death and personal injury lawsuit against Mr. Hanley, as well as his business A+ Storage, Inc. Attorneys Robert Gingras,
Michael Luebke, Riley Leonard and Kim Sweatt successfully litigated and negotiated a $5.25 million settlement with Mr. Hanley’s insurers.
“Our communities are plagued by drunk drivers. Those who make the decision to drink and drive must be held accountable for their actions. This settlement sends a message that our community will not tolerate endangering the lives of innocent people,” said attorney Robert Gingras.
In the pending criminal case, Mr. Hanley faces nine felony charges including homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle and OWI (4th).
Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs represents individuals in personal injury, civil rights and employment lawsuits. The firm has offices in Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha.
