Attorney Bradford Coates of Nashua recently secured a $1.25 million settlement stemming from a DUI crash on Litchfield Road in Londonderry in March 2023. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – Attorney Bradford Coates recently secured a $1.25 million settlement for his client, who was seriously injured in a DUI crash on Litchfield Road in Londonderry in March 2023.

On the afternoon of March 11, 2023, Coates’ client was struck head-on by the defendant, who was driving a Mini Cooper while under the influence. The impact resulted in Coates’ client being trapped while the defendant was thrown from the vehicle. The drivers’ identities were not released.

The defendant was taken via Boston MedFlight to Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Mass. while Coates’ client was taken to Elliot Hospital in Manchester.

After Coates’ client arrived at Elliot, a number of life-threatening injuries were identified. The pelvis, sternum, both femurs and arm had all been fractured while the kidney and spleen were also damaged. His client needed several surgeries followed by long-term rehabilitation.

“The damage done to our client, physically, emotionally and financially, is something no person should ever endure because of another’s reckless decision to drive under the influence,” said Coates. “While no amount of money can undo what happened, this settlement brings our client some measure of justice and ensures they have the resources needed to move forward with their recovery.”

The settlement is the maximum amount available from the defendant’s insurance company. The defendant ultimately pleaded guilty to causing the crash and was incarcerated.