Singer Associates public affairs helps AC Transit

OAKLAND, Calif.—The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District has agreed to pay $10.5 million to a woman who was severely injured when she was struck by one of the agency’s buses.

The settlement in the lawsuit against the transit district by 23-year-old Abby Nichols was reached on Monday, just as a jury was being seated in the case.

Nichols was struck in November 2008 while in an Oakland crosswalk. She was trapped under the bus for more than 15 minutes and suffered a crushed hip and a broken pelvis and femur.

According to her attorneys, she has permanent nerve damage and must walk with a cane.

Sam Singer, a public relations consultant hired by the bus system, says the settlement recognizes that the bus driver was at fault in the crash. The driver has been fired.