Estate of Willie Spencer v. Madison Bauers

Case Background

On December 21, 2023, Plaintiff Estate of Willie Spencer  filed a motor vehicle accident lawsuit in the  Jackson County Circuit Court, Missouri. This case was assigned to District Judge Anne M. Nardacci and referred to Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart

Cause

On October 24, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m., Willie Spencer attempted to cross Broadway Boulevard at the intersection with West 37th Street when he was struck by a 2018 Mazda CX5 driven by 18-year-old Madison Bauers from Green River, Wyoming. The police accident report indicated that Bauers was traveling at a high rate of speed despite the rainy weather, which obstructed her vision. A responding law enforcement officer concluded that this excessive speed was a probable contributing factor to the motor vehicle collision. Bystanders at the scene also reported that the Mazda was speeding, noting that its velocity was enough to throw Spencer into the air upon impact.

Injuries and Damages

Spencer sustained severe injuries in the crash. These included contusions of both lungs, an open skull fracture, a frontal bone fracture, broken teeth, and fractures of his first, second, and sixth cervical vertebrae. He also suffered an injury to his cervical spine ligament and abrasions to his head, face, hands, and fingers. Despite the extensive injuries, Spencer’s death was unrelated to the motor vehicle collision injuries. The damages Spencer endured were significant, and his family sought compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Estate of Willie Spencer
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Nick Hillyard | Sam Wendt
  • Defendant(s): Madison Bauers
    • Counsel for Defendants: Pro Se

Claims

Plaintiff’s attorney, Nick Hilyard, filed claims against Bauers for negligence, emphasizing that the teen driver was traveling at excessive speed despite hazardous conditions. The product liability lawsuit examined potential mechanical failures contributing to the motor vehicle collision. Additionally, a premises liability lawsuit was filed due to poor lighting at the intersection. The injuries Spencer sustained, along with his death, warranted a legal claim for damages related to medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and wrongful death. The combination of speeding, obstructed vision, and the driver’s negligence strengthened the case for personal injury litigation stemming from the motor vehicle collision.

Defense

In response to the allegations, Madison Bauers’ defense team argued that the accident occurred under difficult conditions, with heavy rain impairing the driver’s visibility. They contended that Bauers did not act recklessly or with intent to cause harm but instead was navigating through an unforeseen and challenging environment. The defense further claimed that Bauers had no prior warning of Spencer’s presence on the road, as he was crossing at an unmarked intersection without any reflective clothing or visible indicators. The defense also argued that while Bauers may have been traveling at a higher speed, it did not constitute gross negligence and that the weather and visibility played significant roles in the motor vehicle collision. Additionally, the defense maintained that Spencer’s injuries, although severe, were not the direct cause of his death, and that his medical history could have contributed to his subsequent passing.

Jury Verdict

On October 1, 2024, Plaintiff’s attorney, Nick Hilyard, secured the settlement to cover Spencer’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. The defense, while denying liability for the incident, agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation and potential reputational damage. The $1.25 million settlement provided financial relief to Spencer’s family and was aimed at addressing the emotional and financial toll caused by the crash.

Court Documents:

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