State settles over traffic death

Nevada officials have agreed to another settlement resulting from a traffic death.

The governor, attorney general and secretary of state agreed to pay Christopher Williams $300,000.

The settlement comes on the heels of what may be the biggest settlement ever approved in Nevada as a result of a traffic wreck -- $2.4 million paid in May to the survivors of a wreck caused by a man fleeing the highway patrol.

Williams was headed west on Interstate 80 near Tracy Power Station when he lost control in the snow and hit the guardrail. He and his wife suffered only minor injuries, but their 7-year-old son was killed when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle.

They argued the state was at fault because the Nevada Department of Transportation didn't warn drivers the road was slippery and didn't sand the traffic lanes. They also argue a "Reduce Speed When Flashing" sign they passed just before the wreck wasn't working properly.

Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa said the sign "along with the sympathy factor" make the case too risky to take to a trial even though her staff isn't convinced the state was negligent.

Other members of the board agreed and approved the payment.