Share

R4.4m in teen SMS crash suit

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey - A couple, who each lost a leg when their motorcycle was struck by a teenager driving while texting, have settled their lawsuit against him for R4.4-million.


The settlement amount for David and Linda Kubert equals the maximum payment driver Kyle Best's insurance would cover, the couple's lawyer Stephen Weinstein said.


David had his left leg torn off above the knee in the accident on September 2009 in New Jersey. His wife later had her left leg amputated.


'ELECTRONICALLY PRESENT GIRLFRIEND'


Due to their current condition, the couple are struggling financially.


The couple still plan to appeal a judge's ruling that Best's girlfriend, who had sent him the text message to which he was replying, can't be held liable for the crash.


Weinstein has argued, in what is believed to be the first case of its kind in the country, that the text messages Shannon Colonna sent to Best played a role in the crash.


He said Colonna should have known Best was driving. He argued that while Colonna was not physically present at the wreck, she was "electronically present" and asked for a jury to decide Colonna's liability in the case.


Colonna's lawyer, argued she had no control over when or how Best would read and respond to the message. Colonna testified at a deposition that she didn't know Best was driving at the time.


Best has pleaded guilty to distracted driving, admitting he was using his cellphone while driving. Records show Best responded to a text from Colonna seconds before calling emergency services.


Best was ordered to speak to 14 high schools about the dangers of texting and driving and had to pay about R6400 in fines, though his driver's license was not suspended.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE