In a recent court filing, it has been revealed that Victoria Bowles, a survivor of the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of a University of Georgia football player and a recruiting staffer, has reached a settlement with the school's athletics department. The filing, made on August 29th in Gwinnett County, Georgia, states that Bowles' attorneys have dismissed the UGA Athletic Association as a defendant in the case, citing a compromise and agreement between the involved parties.

While this settlement marks the conclusion of Bowles' claims against the athletics department, her lawsuit against Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter and the estate of Chandler LeCroy, the recruiting staffer who tragically lost his life in the wreck, will continue. Both parties have agreed to resolve Bowles' claim to avoid further litigation, with neither admitting nor assigning fault, according to UGA spokesperson Steven Drummond.

Bowles' attorney, Rob Buck, confirmed that a settlement had indeed been reached, emphasizing that his client will now focus on seeking justice for her life-altering injuries from Carter, Carter's LLC, and LeCroy's estate. The car accident occurred shortly after the University of Georgia's back-to-back national championship celebrations at Sanford Stadium, resulting in the loss of two lives - the football player and recruiting staffer, as well as devastating injuries for Bowles.

According to Bowles' lawsuit, the athletic association was negligent in allowing LeCroy to drive the SUV during her duties. The complaint alleges that athletic officials were well aware of LeCroy's history of multiple speeding violations, including two "super speeder" violations under Georgia law. The lawsuit further states that the SUV in question was traveling at least 104.2 mph and had been engaged in a race with another SUV, driven by Carter, for approximately 45 seconds prior to the crash.

Further investigation revealed that LeCroy had a blood alcohol concentration of .197 at the time of the accident, nearly two and a half times the legal limit in Georgia. Carter pleaded no contest in March 2023 to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing, resulting in a sentence of 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, 80 hours of community service, and mandatory attendance at a state-approved defensive driving course.

As per Bowles' attorneys, she has incurred over $170,000 in medical expenses and is now grappling with "likely permanent disability." The lawsuit details a harrowing list of injuries, including fractures in her spine, ribs, and clavicle, as well as damage to her teeth, liver, kidney, and lungs. Furthermore, she has suffered a closed head injury resulting in neurological damage and severe eye pain, along with significant damage to the membrane surrounding her spinal cord nerves, which could potentially lead to permanent paralysis, according to her neurosurgeon.

A separate lawsuit has been filed by the father and estate of Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock, the other victim of the car wreck, against the athletic association, Carter, and other parties involved.

The settlement reached by Victoria Bowles and the subsequent continuation of her lawsuit against Jalen Carter and Chandler LeCroy's estate underscore the ongoing legal battles and pursuit of justice following the tragic car accident that shook the University of Georgia community.