Crash Survivor Bowles and Georgia Reach Settlement; Jalen Carter Suit Ongoing

Victoria Bowles, who survived a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of a University of Georgia football player and a recruiting staffer on January 15, 2023, has reached a settlement with the university’s athletics department, as revealed in a recent court filing.

In an August 29 submission to the state court in Gwinnett County, Georgia, Bowles’ legal team indicated that “as a result of a compromise and agreement entered between the parties,” they were dismissing the University of Georgia Athletic Association as a defendant in the ongoing case. The specific details of the settlement remain undisclosed.

However, Bowles’ lawsuit against Jalen Carter, a defensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the estate of Chandler LeCroy, the recruiting staffer who tragically lost her life in the accident, will still proceed. According to Steven Drummond, a spokesperson for the university, both parties opted to resolve Bowles’ claims to prevent further litigation, without assigning fault to either side.

Rob Buck, Bowles’ attorney, confirmed that a settlement had indeed been reached. He stated, “Ms. Bowles will continue to seek justice in relation to her life-altering injuries against Jalen Carter, his LLC, and Ms. LeCroy’s estate.”

Reports indicate that Carter was racing LeCroy’s SUV when it veered off the road and crashed into trees and utility poles shortly after the Georgia Bulldogs celebrated their back-to-back national championships at an event held at Sanford Stadium. Both Devin Willock, an offensive lineman, and LeCroy died in the horrific incident.

Bowles’ lawsuit accused the athletic association of negligence, asserting that they allowed LeCroy to drive the SUV during her work duties despite prior knowledge of her driving record. Bowles’ legal representatives contended that athletic officials were aware that “LeCroy had at least four speeding tickets, which included two ‘super speeder’ violations under Georgia law,” as stated in the lawsuit.

The complaint detailed that LeCroy’s SUV was traveling at a speed of at least 104.2 mph at the time of the crash and had been racing another SUV driven by Carter for less than a minute. Investigators also determined that LeCroy had a blood alcohol concentration of .197, which is nearly two and a half times the legal limit in Georgia.

Carter entered a plea of no contest in March 2023 to charges of reckless driving and racing. As a result, he received a sentence that included 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service, and mandatory attendance at a state-approved defensive driving course.

According to Bowles’ attorneys, she has faced over $170,000 in medical expenses and is dealing with injuries that may result in long-term disability. The lawsuit lists multiple significant injuries, including three fractured lumbar vertebrae, five broken vertebrae, ten broken ribs, a broken clavicle, as well as fractured and cracked teeth. Additionally, Bowles suffered from kidney and liver lacerations, a punctured lung, and severe abdominal bleeding.

The legal action also points out that Bowles experienced a closed head injury that led to neurological damage and severe eye pain. Her neurosurgeon noted significant damage to the protective membrane surrounding her spinal cord nerves, which carries the risk of potential permanent paralysis.

A separate lawsuit has also been filed by the father and estate of Willock against the athletic association, Carter, and other involved parties.

Through the ongoing legal proceedings and settlements, the tragic implications of that fateful night continue to unfold, highlighting the serious consequences resulting from reckless behavior.

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