Florida Couple Awarded $4.9M After Firetruck Crash

A couple who suffered serious injuries when their motorcycle was hit by a firetruck was awarded $4.9 million in a settlement with Volusia County.

May 9, 2003

DELAND, Fla. (AP) -- A couple who suffered serious injuries when their motorcycle was hit by a firetruck was awarded $4.9 million in a settlement with Volusia County.

Cordell Davidson, 44, and his wife, Veronica, 29, were struck by a county firetruck in March 1999. The truck's driver, a volunteer firefighter, was cited for making an improper left-hand turn.

The settlement is nearly five times more than the county has ever paid in a personal injury lawsuit. It still must be approved by the Legislature.

``This is a significant case and obviously a significant amount,'' said county attorney Dan Eckert. But he told council members a trial could have cost the county much more.

Veronica Davidson lost a leg, while her husband lost full use of one leg despite undergoing 17 operations. Their medical bills topped $1 million, their attorney said.