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[quote[n this case, what makes the sentence warranted is that, as HIMom says, the fact that this guy also left the scene of the accident. I don’t know if the victim could have been saved if help had been summoned, but neither did Goodman, and he left. Add in the games he’s played in the courts since then, and I’m glad he’s going to be away for a very long time.
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<p>I absolutely agree.</p>
<p>As none of us can know if the victim could have lived, desserting him meant sure death!</p>
<p>Ariesanthena -I do not know what John Goodman’s intentions were on the night of the accident. I dislike John Goodman because of the selfish choices (including the absurdity of trying to adopt his girlfriend) that he made - not because he is wealthy.</p>
<p>John Goodman made the choice to get behind the wheel of his Bentley after a night of drinking. He made the choice to walk away from the scene of an accident. He made the choice to wait one full hour before calling 911 - calling his girlfriend / potential adopted daughter first. Three hours after the accident Goodman’s blood alcohol level tested at twice the legal limit (so my guess is three hours prior when he hit Scott Wilson’s Hyundai - Goodman had a serious buzz going - just my guess). Scott Wilson was left unconcious, strapped into his car by his seat belt, upside down in a canal. I do not like John Goodman because he did not even try to do the right thing by calling 911 at the time of the accident - maybe that hour could have saved Scott Wilson’s life - no one will ever know. I do not like John Goodman because I think his moral compass is out of whack - that has nothing to do with being rich or poor.</p>
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<p>Agreed. Ridiculous.</p>
<p>"that type of wrongful death payout is absurd and a tacky cash grab. "</p>
<p>I find this to be a highly insensitive comment! The words “tacky cash grab” really get me!</p>
<p>I am someone who has lost three relatives in three seperate car accidents. One was “just” an accident. One was at the hands of a drunk driver. One was at the hands of a texting driver. My family did not receive ( nor did we wish for one) any type of settlement or any type of “tacky cash grab” but I would not question a family who did pursue that avenue…and… I am someone who has walked in those shoes!</p>
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<p>Did any of those drivers responsible have a net worth in the hundreds of millions?</p>
<p>“Did any of those drivers responsible have a net worth in the hundreds of millions?” </p>
<p>What does that have to do with anything?</p>
<p>The point of awards in CIVIL (as opposed to criminal) accident cases is sometimes to have an amount that makes the defendant FEEL it, whether it is a corporation or rich person, and especially where the conduct is egregious and results in serious injury. I believe that is why the amount was so high. It was a SETTLEMENT, not an award by a jury or judge. It is really no one’s business but the parties if they choose to settle and, whatever judge approves the settlement terms.</p>