HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - The City of Hanford has been ordered to pay over $17 million in damages to two women in their 80s who were injured when a city employee ran a stop sign in 2023. On Tuesday, Sweet James Accident Attorneys announced they have secured a $17.4 million verdict following a jury trial on behalf of two injured victims, which they describe as the "largest verdict in Kings County history." According to the firm, the case involved a traffic collision on Feb. 26, 2023, in which a city employee was traveling at 51 miles per hour in a tree-trimming truck. The driver allegedly ran a stop sign and struck the victim's vehicle. As a result the victims, two women in their 80s, had significant "orthopedic and head injuries." The two victims shared the $17.4 million settlement: 89-year-old Gayle received $9.6 million and 81-year-old Barbara received $7.8 million. In a statement to YourCentralValley.com, the City of Hanford confirmed that award amount and that it is compensation "for all past and future medical care along with past and future damages for pain and suffering." The City of Hanford adds that staff worked with its insurer to determine settlement offers - adding that the ultimate jury award amount was "considerably less" than the amount originally requested by the plaintiffs. The closing date of the trial was Aug. 29; the jury came back with a verdict the next day. The City of Hanford says damages will be paid by the city's insurance liability pool and will not affect the General Fund or any services the city provides.