A 2023 test track crash during a student field trip led to a historic Michigan personal injury verdict. In July 2026, an Oakland County jury awarded nearly $896.5 million to a child who suffered severe injuries. Scott Goodwin was one of the attorneys who represented the child and his family at trial.
What happened at the test track?
The crash happened during a STEM summer camp field trip. Students watched a demonstration involving a prototype Mustang Dark Horse that Ford had loaned for the event. According to the plaintiffs, the demonstration involved an attempt to spin the car. However, the driver lost control and struck spectators near the track.
The crash left the 10-year-old plaintiff with permanent brain damage and severe fractures. His father brought the lawsuit on his behalf.
The family claimed that the driver lacked proper qualifications and that spectators stood too close to the track. Continental Automotive Systems later admitted responsibility for the crash. Therefore, the trial focused largely on determining damages.
Who represented the family at trial?
The plaintiffs’ trial team included Scott Goodwin of Scott Goodwin Law along with Jonathan Marko and John Eads of Marko Law. The attorneys represented the Gibson family as the jury considered the harm caused by the crash.
The case involved evidence about the child’s injuries and how they could affect his future. These long-term effects matter in catastrophic injury cases because the financial impact may continue for decades.
Michigan law recognizes several types of future damages. Depending on the case, these losses can include future medical costs, reduced earning ability and other harm caused by an injury.
Why does this verdict matter?
CVN reported that it was the largest single personal injury verdict in Michigan history. The result also stood out because Continental admitted liability but reportedly made no settlement offer before trial.
The case shows the enormous long-term impact that a catastrophic injury can have on a child and family. Medical costs may represent only part of that harm.