New Jersey Woman Critically Hurt in Car Crash Receives $4.5M Settlement

A New Jersey woman who was permanently injured in a crash last year with a volunteer firefighter answering a fire call has settled a lawsuit for $4.6 million.

NJ.com reports that 56-year-old Melinda Baker, of Manuta, received $4.5 million from the Wenonah Volunteer Fire Department’s insurance company and $100,000 from the other driver’s insurance policy.

Baker was driving through an intersection in Mantua in January 2018 when a car driven by the firefighter, who was on the way to a call when he went through a red light and slammed into her vehicle.

Baker suffered severe injuries including neck, spine and rib fractures. She now uses a wheelchair and a lift to move around her home.

A request for comment was sent to an attorney representing the fire department.