Chopin Law Firm wins $489,244 verdict against U.S. government after Coast Guard crash

The Chopin Law Firm secured a $489,244.69 federal verdict for Moncell Collins after a bench trial in the Eastern District of Louisiana. The court found a Coast Guard driver crossed the center line on Louisiana Highway 1 and hit Collins’ vehicle, leaving the injured passenger with compensable damages.

Why it matters: - The verdict holds the United States financially responsible for a highway crash involving a Coast Guard employee on official orders. - The award covers injuries suffered by Moncell Collins after the collision on Louisiana Highway 1. - The decision shows injured plaintiffs can prevail in federal tort cases against the government after trial.

What happened: - The Chopin Law Firm secured a $489,244.69 verdict for client Moncell Collins after a federal bench trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. - Attorneys Justin Chopin, Michael Letourneau, and Jacques DeGruy represented Collins in 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. - The court issued Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law after post-trial memoranda were filed in August 2026. - The ruling awarded $489,244.69 in total damages to Collins.

The details: - The collision occurred at about 1:37 a.m. on Louisiana Highway 1. - Chief Petty Officer George P. Harmansky, a United States Coast Guard employee, was driving a rented 2021 GMC Yukon XL while on official military orders. - Harmansky crossed the center line while trying to pass a disabled truck on the shoulder. - The Yukon XL entered oncoming traffic and struck the front driver’s side of the Suburban. - Physical evidence, including pavement gouge marks, showed the impact happened entirely within the Suburban’s proper lane of travel. - Collins suffered physical injuries, including glass in his eyes that required emergency medical transportation and evaluation. - Justin Chopin said the case was about making sure clients get full justice, even against the federal government. - Chopin also said the trial was difficult and praised Letourneau, DeGruy and the firm’s team for their work.

Between the lines: - The findings give the plaintiff-side account of the crash judicial backing, which strengthens the case's factual record. - The ruling also underscores that government vehicle accidents can carry the same liability exposure as private-party crashes when negligence is found. - The firm used the verdict announcement to reinforce its focus on personal injury, motor vehicle accident, maritime injury and federal tort litigation across Louisiana.

What's next: - The court-awarded damages now set the financial outcome of the case unless further post-judgment proceedings change it. - The Chopin Law Firm is continuing to market its work on injury and negligence cases across Louisiana. - The firm’s public contact and social media presence are listed in the announcement, including the firm's LinkedIn page, Instagram profile, Facebook page, YouTube channel, TikTok account, and X account.

The bottom line: - A Louisiana federal court found the United States liable for a Coast Guard crash on Highway 1 and awarded Moncell Collins nearly half a million dollars in damages.