Columbia Driver Found Liable in Fatal Motorcycle Crash, $2.5M Awarded
Case Background
Thomas Reynolds, Sr., Administrator of Gordon T. Reynolds’ estate, brought a wrongful death claim under Connecticut General Statute §52-555. The case was filed in the Superior Court, Judicial District of Tolland at Rockville. The defendant, Eric R. Millette, resided in Columbia, Connecticut. The claim arose from a fatal motorcycle collision involving the decedent on September 15, 2019.
Cause
Gordon T. Reynolds had been riding his motorcycle eastbound on Route 66, approaching Pine Street in Columbia. At the same time, Eric Millette drove westbound on the same road. As Reynolds neared the intersection, Millette turned left onto Pine Street. This left turn occurred directly in front of Reynolds’ motorcycle. The sudden move caused a violent collision. The Plaintiff also cited reckless driving under the influence of benzodiazepines.
Injury
The impact threw Reynolds from the motorcycle. He suffered severe blunt force trauma. He experienced intense pain and fear before passing away five days later on September 20, 2019. The Plaintiff stated Reynolds had suffered emotional and physical trauma, including fear of impending death.
Damages
The estate sought compensation for medical and funeral expenses. The complaint included claims for loss of earnings and earning capacity. It also cited loss of enjoyment of life. The Plaintiff requested monetary, double, treble, and punitive damages. The amount in demand exceeded $15,000, inclusive of interest and costs.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff: Thomas Reynolds Sr., Administrator of the Estate of Gordon T. Reynolds
Counsel for Plaintiff: Anthony Alan Sheffy
Expert Witness for Plaintiff: Joseph W. Hayward
Defendant: Eric R. Millette
Counsel for Defendant: Patrick M. Mullins
Claims
Count One – Negligence
Eric R. Millette’s negligent actions caused the fatal crash involving Gordon T. Reynolds. He drove inattentively, failed to maintain a proper lookout, and approached the intersection at an unreasonable speed. His vehicle veered into a left turn directly in front of Reynolds’ motorcycle. He ignored basic safety measures, failing to brake, swerve, or signal a warning. The complaint cited multiple statutory violations, including improper left turn and failure to yield. The impact threw Reynolds from the motorcycle, inflicting severe blunt force trauma. He suffered immense pain, emotional distress, and fear before dying five days later. The estate pursued compensation for medical and funeral costs, lost income, lost earning capacity, and the loss of life’s pleasures.
Count Two – Statutory Recklessness
Millette drove with reckless disregard for safety, violating Connecticut General Statutes §14-218a. His excessive speed directly contributed to the collision. The estate argued this conduct met the statutory threshold for recklessness. The Plaintiff requested double or treble damages under Connecticut General Statutes §14-295, citing the seriousness of Millette’s conduct and its fatal consequences.
Count Three – Recklessness While Under the Influence of Medication
Millette drove under the influence of benzodiazepines, medications known to impair judgment and cause drowsiness. He knew, or should have known, these effects compromised safe driving. Despite this, he entered the intersection at an unsafe speed and made a dangerous left turn. This decision further elevated the level of recklessness involved. The Plaintiff emphasized that Millette’s impaired state made the collision foreseeable and avoidable. The estate sought punitive and enhanced damages based on this elevated risk to public safety.
Defense
The Defendant denied the allegations that stated negligence and carelessness caused the accident. They also claimed that any injuries resulted directly from the Plaintiff’s own contributory negligence, which they argued was a substantial factor in producing the accident. Additionally, the Defendant stated that the Plaintiff failed to make reasonable use of his senses and faculties, did not exercise the care of an ordinarily prudent person for his own safety, and failed to keep a proper lookout for the approaching vehicle operated by the Defendant.