A wrongful death lawsuit has concluded in a $1 million settlement after a trial in St. Louis County Circuit Court, resolving the tragic death of 27-year-old Adam Whittington. The settlement was finalized on May 21, 2025, following a two-day trial overseen by Judge John Borbonus. The case ended before the defendant, Jennifer Jackson, took the stand, as a settlement was reached shortly after two days of compelling evidence.
The Tragic Incident: A Fatal Collision
The incident leading to Whittington’s death occurred in July 2023. On that night, Whittington was driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .33 percent—nearly four times the legal limit. After causing a fender-bender accident, Whittington’s car was disabled, and he stopped on the Jefferson Barracks Bridge in South St. Louis County. He turned off his vehicle’s lights, likely unaware of the danger he was in.
Soon after, Jennifer Jackson, a pediatric nurse, crashed into Whittington’s vehicle at high speed, failing to brake in time. Jackson was driving at 71 miles per hour in a construction zone, where the speed limit was 55 miles per hour. After the collision, police arrested Jackson for driving under the influence, and subsequent blood tests revealed the presence of unprescribed Xanax and methadone in her system.
The Lawsuit: Seeking Accountability
Whittington’s mother, Amy Daugherty, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jackson, seeking justice for her son’s untimely death. Initially, Daugherty sought a settlement of $25,000 from Jackson’s insurance company, Progressive, with the condition that Jackson provide a statement under oath. However, after Progressive repeatedly failed to produce Jackson for questioning, Daugherty filed the lawsuit.
The plaintiff’s legal team, led by attorneys John M. Simon and Jared Waldhoff from Simon Law in St. Louis, argued that the insurance company was negligent in failing to protect its insured by refusing to provide the required statement.
The Settlement: Resolution Before Trial Completion
Before the trial began, Progressive offered a settlement of $750,000, but Daugherty rejected the offer and chose to proceed with the trial. After presenting two days of evidence and building a compelling case, the dispute was resolved with a $1 million settlement, just before the defense presented their case. Jackson did not take the stand, and the case was brought to a conclusion with the final settlement figure.
“We are grateful that the jury understood the gravity of the situation. Our client’s son did not deserve to lose his life for what was a tragic traffic violation. We hope that this case sends a clear message to insurance companies that failing to protect their insureds will have serious consequences,” said attorney John M. Simon.
The Legal and Emotional Impact
While the settlement brings some closure to Daugherty, no financial figure can replace the loss of a loved one. The case highlights the significant legal and emotional toll that tragic accidents, especially those involving intoxicated drivers, have on families. Jackson’s reckless behavior, compounded by driving under the influence of multiple substances, ultimately led to the death of a young man and the suffering of his family.
The legal process served as a reminder of the complexities of holding individuals accountable, even when insurance companies are involved. In this case, the failure of Progressive to accept the pre-suit demand or provide access to Jackson for an oath-based statement added to the tension before the case finally reached a resolution.
Next Steps for Survivors of Wrongful Death and Impacted Families
For individuals or families who have experienced a similar tragic loss, it is essential to know that there are legal avenues to pursue accountability. While no settlement can ever replace a loved one, seeking justice through the courts can provide both financial assistance and a sense of closure. Families impacted by wrongful death cases have the right to pursue legal action against negligent parties and their insurance companies.
If you or a loved one has experienced a wrongful death due to someone else’s reckless actions, Police Brutality Center is here to offer guidance and resources. Whether you’re seeking legal advice, understanding your options, or connecting with experienced attorneys, we are dedicated to supporting you through your journey.
Contact Police Brutality Center today for compassionate support and expert legal assistance in wrongful death cases.