HAMMOND | The family of a Valparaiso woman killed last year when a semitrailer collided with her vehicle has settled a federal lawsuit with the trucking firm, according to court records.
Details of the settlement, which was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Hammond, were confidential. The family had been seeking $10 million as part of a wrongful death lawsuit against the trucking firm, Old Dominion Freight Line.
Marla Fry's family claimed Old Dominion, which owned the semitrailer, and Roberto Sanchez, who drove it, were careless and negligent, resulting in Fry's death.
Fry, 43, died at the scene of the April 10, 2012, crash near the intersection of U.S. 30 and County Road 600 West in Union Township, police said.
Sanchez, of Charlotte, N.C., had been driving the semi west on U.S. 30 when he realized too late the light had turned red, according to Indiana State Police. He drove through the intersection and hit Fry's Jeep, which had been heading south on 600 West.
Sanchez blamed an uncontrollable cough for the crash, police said. He said the coughing fit made him realize too late the light had turned red.
Fry's family said the crash caused them to spend large amounts of money on medical and burial expenses. They also referenced the loss of Fry's love, affection and guidance in the lawsuit.
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