Man awarded $49M for brain damage in crash with truck

A passenger who sustained traumatic brain injuries in a multi-vehicle crash while on his way to a camping trip was awarded $49 million. In 2007, Drew Bianchi, then a 21-year-old college student, was in a sedan on Route 152, also known as the Pacheco Pass. Michael Demma and Samuel Bimbela were driving trucks toward each other when they collided at or near the center line, causing Bimbela to lose control of his Peterbilt truck and broadside the Bianchi vehicle. Bianchi was in a coma for about a month and is expected to require 24-hour care for the rest of his life. Plaintiff’s counsel claimed that Bimbela was sleep-deprived and Demma was on a cell phone while driving. Bianchi settled with the state in July for $10 million on his claim of dangerous condition of public property. Of Bianchi’s award, he received $27.6 million for future medical care.

Bianchi v. Demma

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