Family of man killed in Janklow crash settles for $1 million

Sioux Falls, S.D. — The family of a motorcyclist killed in an accident involving former South Dakota U.S. Rep. and Governor Bill Janklow has settled a wrongful death lawsuit.

Randy Scott was killed in August 2003 when his motorcycle struck the back of a car driven by Janklow.

Janklow was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and served 100 days in jail and five years probation.

Randy Scott's family sued for $25 million in compensation. They settled the case for $1 million. Ron Meshbesher, the lawyer for the Scott family, said the settlement is a good step.

"I think had Janklow handled the case differently, the family may have not even sued him," Meshbesher said. "But he never personally called them or said how sorry he was or anything like that. I think they sort of resented that."

A federal prosecutor said Janklow was on official duty at the time of the accident, so the federal government is responsible to pay the $1 million compensation settlement.