A Seattle couple injured in a 2002 car crash with a Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy are expected to receive settlements totaling $110,000.
The Snohomish County Council voted 5-0 this week to pay Michael Brooks $95,000 to settle an injury lawsuit he filed in 2005. His wife, Maria Brooks, settled separately for $15,000.
The Brookses were injured in an accident the evening of July 1, 2002, on U.S. 2 near Gold Bar.
Sheriff’s Deputy Ed Covington was driving a sheriff’s department Ford Expedition east on the highway when he made an abrupt turn across traffic into a private driveway in front of the Brookses’ Volvo.
Covington made the move to respond to a nonemergency police call and did not turn on his emergency lights, county deputy prosecutor Michael Held said.
The Brookses crashed into Covington, and their car was sent spinning. The two were injured and sued, claiming that Covington failed to yield and was careless.
They sought payment for medical costs, pain and suffering and other damages.
“The weight of the evidence in this case indicated the plaintiffs were entitled to compensation for their injuries caused by the accident,” Held said.
County officials and medical experts reviewed the injuries and the case, Held said.
As part of the settlement, the Brookses agreed to dismiss the lawsuit, according to court documents.
Covington was hired in 1989 and continues to work for the sheriff’s office.
Reporter Jeff Switzer: 425-339-3452 or jswitzer@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
