Life-Changing Motorcycle Crash Verdict
In March 2021, a motorcyclist and US Marine experienced a ride that would alter his life forever. Following a serious street accident on his motorcycle, Don Zemo sustained a T12 spinal cord injury, leading to permanent paralysis in his lower body. However, a jury recently ruled in favor of Zemo's lawsuit, granting him a $45 million settlement.
Who was the lawsuit against? The original lawsuit, filed in March 2022, describes the following scenario. On March 21, 2021, plaintiff Don D. Zemo IV was riding his motorcycle towards the location of a towing company named MyHoopty.com LLC. Simultaneously, another individual whose vehicle had been towed by the company was exiting their parking lot after retrieving their Ford Explorer that had been towed.
Things took a turn for the worse, as captured in the security footage of the crash. A MyHoopty.com tow truck driver had parked the truck in a questionable manner, obstructing the view of multiple drivers approaching from different directions. Consequently, neither the Ford Explorer driver nor Zemo on his motorcycle had clear sightlines around the tow truck to safely navigate, resulting in the collision.
Despite Zemo's efforts to avoid the impending crash, he still collided with the Explorer's bumper, leading to the severe crash depicted in the video. Viewer discretion is advised, as the footage is distressing.
On July 22, 2025, a jury sided with Zemo, awarding him $45 million in damages, with a breakdown of the percentage of negligence. After examining all the evidence, the jury determined that MyHoopty.com LLC was 65% at fault, Explorer driver Dwayne Conley was 25% at fault, and Don Zemo was 10% at fault for the life-altering crash.
This ruling aims to cover lifelong expenses, such as medical treatment and lost wages due to the severity of Zemo's injuries. Zemo was 26 years old when the crash occurred, changing the course of his life.
This substantial settlement, according to Zemo's legal team, will provide him with "the necessary resources and assistance to move forward with dignity, proper care, and renewed hope for the future."