Woman Wins $21 Million Lawsuit Against Coca-Cola

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Posted: May 4, 2012 10:40 PM by Mike Manzoni -- mmanzoni@kristv.com 
Updated: May 5, 2012 4:29 AM

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CORPUS CHRISTI -- A woman who was hit by a driver for Coca-Cola Refreshments while the driver was on her cell phone was awarded $21 million in damages Friday afternoon.

Vanice Wilson, who suffered permanent nerve damage in her back, has not been able to work since the accident in August 2010. "I'm hoping they're going to get those changes, and completely train their drivers on how a cell phone is dangerous," she said.

Wilson's attorney, Bob Hilliard, said that Coca-Cola Refreshments was aware of the danger driving while talking on a cell phone posed, but ignored the danger.

Coca-Cola Refreshments released a statement after the verdict which read in part: "We have accepted responsibility for the accident. We understand that this verdict is a response to a plea from plaintiff's counsel to the jury to ban all cell phone use while driving." It continues, "Coca-Cola Refreshments' cell phone policy, which requires the use of a hands-free device when operating a motor vehicle, is completely consistent with, and in fact, exceeds the requirements of Texas law."