Asheville Settled Crash Lawsuit for $12 Million
The city and two contractors paid a settlement following a fatal head-on collision caused by road ice.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Accidents
The City of Asheville and two project contractors have paid a $12 million settlement to resolve a personal injury lawsuit. The case stemmed from a 2020 head-on collision that killed one person and seriously injured another.
Why it matters
The settlement concludes a legal battle over a persistent water drainage problem that residents had previously reported to city officials. It addresses liability for safety hazards caused by neglected infrastructure.
The settlement was finalized after jury selection began in the city's indemnity lawsuit against the construction manager and contractor. The city paid $11 million while the contractors contributed $1 million toward the total.
The players
City of Asheville
This local government body manages infrastructure maintenance and was a defendant in the personal injury lawsuit.
Asheville Citizen Times
This is a local newspaper that documented the recurring drainage problems at the site of the crash.
The details
In January 2020, a pickup truck lost control on a patch of ice created by a longstanding drainage issue, crossing the centerline to strike the victims' vehicle. Residents had flagged the drainage problem to the city via the AVL App years prior, and the issue was noted in local media as early as 2018.
Timeline
The Asheville Citizen Times reported on the drainage issues in 2018.
A cold snap created a lethal patch of ice in January 2020.
The vehicle crash occurred in January 2020.
Legal Context
This settlement follows a trend of municipalities facing litigation over long-ignored infrastructure maintenance. It mirrors historical cases where public knowledge of safety hazards, such as the drainage issues linked to the RADTIP project, significantly impacts liability outcomes.
This resolution closes a long-standing case regarding a known dangerous road hazard in the community. Residents should continue to use established channels like the AVL App to report similar safety concerns to ensure the city maintains accountability.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of municipal responsiveness to public infrastructure complaints. Proactive reporting of hazardous road conditions remains the most effective tool for citizens to ensure city safety standards.
Further reading
For more on local safety reports and infrastructure oversight, visit Asheville Accidents.
Source note: This article includes information reported by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.
