Dolan Media Newswire Story
Subject: Tow-truck driver’s death earns family $4.87 million
Pub: Daily Record, The (Kansas City, MO)
Author: Angela Riley
Category:
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Issue Date: 07/11/2008 Word Count: 39
Tow-truck driver’s death earns family $4.87 million
by Angela Riley
Dolan Media Newswires
© Dolan Media Newswires 2010.KANSAS CITY, MO -- The family of a tow-truck driver who was killed by a tractor-trailer driver in a hit-and-run accident near St. Louis last year recently reached a $4.87 million settlement with the truck driver and his employers.
On April 30, 2007, Aaron Helfrich, working for Betty's Bumper to Bumper, was loading an abandoned van onto his rig on southbound Interstate 270 near Manchester Road. As he was entering his vehicle, Helfrich, of Festus, was struck by Christopher Cottrell, who was driving a trailer with oversized equipment that extended beyond the sides of trailer.
Helfrich's injuries were extreme, and he died instantaneously.
After the accident, Cottrell, 40, of Fenton, did not stop. He was later found by police in Lemay, where he worked. Police said Cottrell first denied he was even on I-270, then denied hitting anyone.
Police also said that they found marijuana in the truck's cab. However, toxicology reports were unclear if Cottrell had a significant amount of drugs or alcohol in his body during the time of the incident. Cottrell was later charged for his actions.
It was unclear what part of the vehicle, the cab, trailer or equipment, stuck Helfrich.
"His body was cut in two," said Ralph Innes, attorney for the plaintiffs. "His upper and lower torsos were a 100 feet a part."
Helfrich, a former Marine and a father of four, had been a tow-truck driver for only six months.
At Helfrich's funeral, nearly 200 tow-truck drivers took part in the funeral procession, putting on their flashing lights in his honor.
Helfrich's wife, Tonya and his parents, Daniel and Karen, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Cottrelll, and his two employers, Boyd Contracting Co. and D & G Equipment Co.
The petition alleged that Cottrell was speeding, did not maintain his vehicle in a single lane, failed to stop or swerve to prevent the collision and was unqualified to be operating a commercial vehicle. It also alleged that the companies were negligent in hiring Cottrell when he had a suspended license and a history of drug or alcohol abuse, or both.
The parties settled the lawsuit on June 27. Helfrich's widow received $2.88 million and his parents received $1.98 million in the settlement.
"I wasn't surprised it settled, but it was set for trial in September and we were prepared if that happened," Innes said.
In April 28, Cottrell pleaded guilty in St. Louis County Circuit Court of involuntary manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident, driving with a suspended license and marijuana possession. He was sentenced to four years in prison by Judge Colleen Dolan as part of a plea agreement.
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