TORRANCE : Settlement Gives $10 Million to Driver Struck by Truck

A driver who was struck by a truck and requires 24-hour care has been granted a $10-million settlement.

The settlement for James F. Argo was approved Friday by Torrance Superior Court Judge William Hollingsworth, who authorized the victim’s sister, Dorothy, to act as conservator, the court said. Argo, 47, of El Segundo was hit by a truck July 8, 1991, in the Port of Long Beach and sustained massive brain and internal injuries.

Argo spent 45 days in a coma and requires 24-hour nursing care for the rest of his life. He is not able to walk on his own, has little use of his arms and legs and has limited speech.

“We’re obviously pleased that we didn’t have to go through a lengthy trial,” said Argo’s attorney, Keith Nelson. “It’s a chapter that’s been closed for Jim. Now (his family) can go on with taking care of him and not have to worry about his future.”

Argo was hit as he stood next to his loaded gravel truck at Long Beach Harbor. Jose Miguel Prieto, who was driving on a restricted license, was on his way to pick up a trailer.

Investigating officers said Prieto was driving at excessive speeds and with defective brakes. Experts calculated Prieto’s driving speed to be 40 m.p.h., 15 m.p.h. faster than the posted speed limit.

Attorneys for the defendants--CMX Trucking of Jacksonville, Fla., now CSX Intermodal, Gonzalez Trucking of Inglewood and Prieto of Los Angeles--agreed Aug. 4 to the award in Long Beach Superior Court. The defendants did not have to admit liability.

“We felt it was a fair settlement,” said Lane Quigley, lead attorney for the defendants.