Haynesworth Sued Over Accident

((HT: The Tennessean/Mitchell Kline))

A Nashville man who was injured in an interstate collision with Albert Haynesworth is suing the former Tennessee Titan ((pictured, thanks Tennessean)).

Corey Edmondson filed a lawsuit in Williamson County Chancery Court on Friday, which asks Haynesworth to pay $7.5 million.

Click in the black for a look at the filing...

The collision occurred Dec. 13 on Interstate 65 near Concord Road. Police said Haynesworth was driving a black Ferrari. Witnesses said the Ferrari was moving quickly in and out of lanes, passing cars and traveling more than the posted 70 mph speed limit. Haynesworth attempted to pass Edmondson, who was driving a 1999 Mercury Marquis.

A police report states that Haynesworth was unable to pass Edmondson and the Ferrari made contact with the Marquis, causing the vehicle to slam into a concrete barrier. Black paint from Haynesworth’s Ferrari was transferred to Edmondson’s vehicle, according to the lawsuit.

Haynesworth, who recently signed a $100 million contract with the Washington Redskins, has been charged with reckless driving and driving a vehicle with expired registration.

The incident occurred just four days after Haynesworth appeared before a Williamson County judge and was placed on supervised probation for driving more than 100 miles per hour on I-65 in March. Part of the conditions of Haynesworth’s probation was that he not commit any new offenses for 30 days.

District Attorney General Kim Helper said that because prosecutors were not aware of the new charges until after the 30-day probationary period Haynesworth could not be charged with violating probation, which could have landed him in jail.

Edmondson has said he’s a fan of Haynesworth and “forgives” him.
“He’s the man, but I’m still not mad,” Edmondson said. “He’s a good player and I don’t have anything against him. I like the guy.”
Edmondson’s attorney, Jonathan Perry, said Haynesworth has refused to accept responsibility for the accident, has not apologized, contacted or visited Edmondson.

“In short, Haynesworth was intentionally and selfishly driving like a maniac and he has wreaked havoc on the life of a 25-year-old man and his family,” Perry said. “Even if he refuses to voluntarily accept responsibility, Haynesworth will be held responsible for this accident through the legal system.”

Edmondson has had two surgeries, including a hip replacement. The 400-pound man has trouble moving around and rarely leaves his home. Edmondson said that before the accident he was “light on my feet” and helped a friend run a cleaning business.

The lawsuit states that Edmondson’s medical bills could be more than $1 million after another surgery, therapy, hospitalization, home health nursing, handicap accessible accommodations and other expenses.

On the day of the accident, Haynesworth traveled to Houston to prepare for a game the following day. Haynesworth's new seven-year contract with the Redskins makes him the highest paid defensive player in the National Football League.