Bellevue woman awarded $4 million in lawsuit over crash with trooper

A Bellevue woman who was severely injured three years ago in a collision involving a State Patrol trooper has been awarded a $4 million settlement.

Julia Terlinchamp, 25, was home for the 2004 winter holidays during a year of studying in Bulgaria on a Fulbright Scholarship when she was T-boned by former Trooper Josh Stuart, according to State Patrol spokesman Capt. Jeff De VereTerlinchamp suffered traumatic brain injuries and required months to recover, according to a lawsuit she filed last year in King County Superior Court. De Vere said the State Patrol accepted responsibility for the accident once the facts of the case were known.

"We had a trooper who was trying to overtake a suspected DUI and he came out of the alleyway at approximately 35 mph without stopping," De Vere said.

Stuart resigned in 2006 during the investigation, which revealed that the accident had been avoidable, De Vere said.

Terlinchamp could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Discussion with both sides centered on reaching a fair settlement, De Vere said.

"We all bargained in good faith to find a settlement that was appropriate," he said about the settlement. "We're very pleased that she has been able to complete her studies and we wish her the very best."

He said the State Patrol is considering changes in training that would reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in the future.

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com