Incident Overview and Immediate Aftermath
Kevin Hart was involved in a car accident in December 2019 when his customized 1970 Plymouth Barracuda was struck by a pickup truck that ran a red light at an intersection in Calabasas, California. The crash caused severe injuries to Hart, who sustained three fractures to his spine, and left his passenger, Jared Black, with a broken rib and collapsed lung, while the driver, Rebecca Broxterman, was uninjured. The incident was widely reported by Forbes as a major personal injury event involving the comedian and actor.
Emergency responders transported Hart and Black to a local hospital, where Hart underwent emergency surgery and was placed in the intensive care unit for several days. The Calabasas Police Department investigated the accident and cited the pickup truck driver for running the red light, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirming the cause of the collision through witness statements and traffic camera footage.
Injuries, Recovery Timeline, and Medical Costs
Spinal Injuries and Treatment
Hart suffered three fractures to his lumbar spine, requiring a minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure that involved the insertion of screws and rods to stabilize the affected vertebrae. His recovery process included weeks of physical therapy and a strict regimen to manage pain and restore mobility, as documented in updates shared by Hart and his medical team.
The estimated medical costs associated with Hart’s treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation, were reported to be in the millions, with his personal health insurance and liability coverage from the at-fault driver’s policy expected to cover a significant portion of the expenses.
Legal and Financial Implications
Lawsuits and Insurance Claims
Hart filed a personal injury lawsuit against the pickup truck driver and the vehicle’s owner, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, while also pursuing claims under the uninsured/underinsured motorist provisions of his own auto policy. The lawsuit was settled confidentially in 2020, with the terms not disclosed publicly.
The financial impact of the accident extended to Hart’s professional commitments, including the postponement of his comedy tour and film projects, which resulted in lost revenue and contractual penalties. Hart’s net worth, estimated at over $200 million, and his business ventures, including HartBeat Productions and his partnership with companies like Tesla for his vehicle collection, provided a buffer against the financial strain of the incident.