On Oct. 6, 2006, in Boca Raton at about 9 p.m., plaintiff Sharon Block, 50s, retail clothing store worker, was driving her sedan northbound through an intersection on St. Andrews Boulevard. and Potomac Boulevard. Joshua Olson was driving his sedan southbound through the intersection when he made a left turn, when they collided. Olson’s car was owned by his father Robert Olson.Block claimed the Olsons were liable for negligent operation of a motor vehicle and vicarious liability. She also sought underinsured benefits from her carrier, Geico.Plaintiff’s counsel argued that Olson did not properly evaluate traffic conditions prior to making the left turn, thus causing the accident.Block fractured her right femur and tore her right Achilles tendon in the accident. She was transported to Delray Medical Center, where she underwent two surgeries to repair the femur and one surgery to repair the torn Achilles tendon. She was hospitalized for three weeks and also underwent a post-surgical period of inpatient rehab.
Block has not returned to her job as a retail clothing sales manager following the accident because of her injuries. Plaintiff’s counsel indicated that it is too early to ascertain the long-term effects of Block’s injuries on her future health and lifestyle.
A settlement was reached for a total of $1.26 million. Allstate paid $1.25 million, with $250,000 bodily injury policy limits and $1 million umbrella policy limits. Geico paid $10,000 representing Block’s underinsured motorist policy limits.