Distracted downstate driver

Result: $2,550,000

A downstate Illinois male bicyclist was struck from behind by the driver of a pickup truck. The driver fled the scene but was arrested after a few days and charged with felony hit-and-run.

He later admitted that he had dropped a cigarette onto the floorboard of his Ford F-150 and reached down to pick it up. By the time he looked up it was too late to avoid hitting the cyclist.

The settlement was the all-time largest reported verdict or settlement in the county in which the case was brought.