The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

R&B artist Brandy Norwood has reached a settlement in the wrongful death suit brought by the children of a woman killed in a December 2006 accident. Brandy will pay $600,000, $300,000 to each son, to put at least part of the fallout from the accident behind her. She still faces three other suits brought as the result of the accident.

The victim's husband and father of the children turned down a $1.2 million settlement, and continues to pursue a claim; a man who was injured in the accident sustained "serious and permanent" injuries; the parents of the victim are seeking $50 million. The latter suit may not play out since California law only allows the spouse and not the parents of a victim to sue for wrongful death.

The multi vehicle accident occurred on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles just before the New Year when Brandy's Land Rover rear ended the vehicle in front of her. Brandy was allegedly driving 65 mph in the slow lane and the vehicle in front of her slowed down. That vehicle, driven by the victim, then hit the vehicle in front of her, which caused the victim's car to slide sideways, hit the center divider, and then stop. It was then broadsided by a fourth car. The victim was critically injured and died the next day of blunt force trauma.

For her part, Brandy has blamed the driver of the final car that broadsided the victim of negligence and accused her of causing the pile-up. The California Highway Patrol had recommended a misdemeanor manslaughter charge against Brandy, but prosecutors did not pursue it claiming there was a lack of evidence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, please contact the experienced auto accident attorneys at the Cochran Firm. We serve clients nationwide.

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