Chopin Law Firm Wins Federal Verdict for Injured Passenger

Court Rules in Favor of Injured Passenger After Coast Guard Vehicle Crosses Center Line on Louisiana Highway 1

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Attorneys Justin Chopin, Michael Letourneau, and Jacques DeGruy of The Chopin Law Firm secured a $489,244.69 verdict on behalf of client Moncell Collins following a federal bench trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (Collins v. United States of America, Case No. 2:23-cv-05992). The United States was represented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Following post-trial memoranda submitted by both parties in August 2026, the court officially rendered its Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, awarding $489,244.69 in total damages to Mr. Collins.

Court findings confirm the collision occurred at approximately 1:37 a.m. when Chief Petty Officer George P. Harmansky, a United States Coast Guard (USCG) employee operating a rented 2021 GMC Yukon XL while on official military orders, crossed the center line on Louisiana Highway 1 (“LA 1”). In attempting to pass a disabled truck on the shoulder, the driver entered oncoming traffic and struck the front driver’s side of the Suburban. Physical evidence from the scene, including pavement gouge marks, established that the impact occurred entirely within the Suburban’s proper lane of travel.

As a result of the crash, Mr. Collins suffered physical injuries, including glass in his eyes requiring emergency medical transportation and evaluation.
“At the end of the day, we do this work to make sure our clients get full justice, even when going up against the federal government,” said Justin Chopin, founder of The Chopin Law Firm. “This was a tough trial, and I’m really proud of the work Mike Letourneau, Jacques DeGruy, and our whole team did to fight for Mr. Collins.”

The Chopin Law Firm handles complex personal injury, motor vehicle accident, maritime injury, and federal tort litigation across Louisiana, focusing on dedicated representation for injured individuals and their families. The firm’s attorneys remain committed to providing accessible legal guidance throughout every stage of the legal process.

About Chopin Law Firm
Chopin Law Firm is a Louisiana personal injury, car accidents, and workers comp law firm representing clients in cases involving accidents and injuries. The firm is committed to providing accessible legal services and advocating for individuals seeking compensation after harm caused by negligence.

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