Venus Williams, the renowned tennis star, has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from a fatal car crash.
The incident occurred when the Hyundai Accent driven by Jerome Barson crashed into Williams’ Toyota Sequoia at an intersection in Palm Beach Gardens.
Tragically, Barson succumbed to his injuries two weeks later, while his wife, Linda, who was driving at the time, sustained injuries.
According to court documents, the case was dismissed with prejudice after Williams and Barson’s estate reached a settlement agreement.
However, the specific details of the settlement amount were not provided.
Florida authorities stated that no charges were filed against Williams or the second driver involved in the June 2017 crash.
An investigation supported by video surveillance revealed that Williams did not violate the other driver’s right of way, as confirmed by the Palm Beach Gardens Police.
The police obtained surveillance footage from a residential community near the intersection, which showed that Williams lawfully entered the intersection on a green traffic signal and attempted to proceed north.
In order to avoid a collision, Williams came to a stop while traveling north, after a car turning left in front of her crossed her path.
Following this, another vehicle collided with Williams’ car as she continued to travel north, in accordance with state law.
The Barson family subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Venus Williams, alleging negligence.
The lawsuit detailed the severe injuries suffered by Jerome Barson, including severed main arteries, massive internal bleeding, a fractured spine, and extensive damage to internal organs.
Earlier this year, Williams’ legal team filed a protective order claiming they had received less than 24 hours’ notice that the Barson family’s counsel intended to download vehicle data from Williams’ SUV.
A judge granted an emergency motion in July, allowing both parties to access and inspect crash data from the two vehicles involved.
During Wimbledon in July, Venus Williams tearfully expressed her devastation when questioned by reporters about the accident.
She struggled to find words to describe the tragedy and its impact, highlighting the emotional toll it had taken on her.
In conclusion, Venus Williams has reached a settlement in the wrongful death lawsuit resulting from the fatal car crash.
Florida authorities concluded that no charges would be filed against Williams or the second driver involved.
The surveillance video evidence supported Williams’ adherence to traffic laws, demonstrating that she did not violate the other driver’s right of way.
Despite the legal challenges, Williams remains deeply affected by the incident, as evident from her emotional response during Wimbledon.
