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New Jersey: Rear-end collision with police car that was transporting prisoners results in permanent back injuries to police officers

Plaintiffs, both police officers, were transporting two prisoners when the police car was rear-ended. The police car had moderate damage, while the striking car burst into flames and was a total loss. The plaintiffs sued the driver and the driver's employer, who owned the car and had an abundance of liability insurance. It was alleged by the plaintiffs because of the defendant's negligent driving they suffered back injuries. The defense contended that the injuries were not related to the accident, but were a result of preexisting lumbar injuries. Sidebar: Liability was stipulated to and the parties agreed to mediation.

SETTLEMENT: $2.6 million.

Louis Halasz and Pamela Halasz v. May Fu and Landolfi Foods, et. al. (Middlesex County, New Jersey, Case no. MID-L-4748-09).