Truck / 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuit

A fully loaded 18-wheeler rear-ended a stopped passenger vehicle on I-10 near Houston, killing the driver instantly and severely injuring a passenger. Investigation revealed the driver had falsified ELD records and was 4 hours over his HOS limit. The carrier had received 12 prior out-of-service orders for hours violations. Jury awarded $15M compensatory and $30M punitive damages finding the carrier willfully endangered the public.

A tractor-trailer jackknifed on I-35 during heavy rain, striking three passenger vehicles. The lead plaintiff suffered a complete T6 spinal cord injury resulting in permanent paraplegia. Post-accident drug testing revealed the driver's amphetamine use in violation of FMCSA drug testing rules. Settlement reached during trial after jury selection revealed strong plaintiff sentiment.

An overweight log truck with defective brakes struck a family minivan on I-94 near Chicago, killing two children and catastrophically injuring both parents. FMCSA inspection records showed the truck had been placed out of service twice in six months for brake violations and returned to service with documented deficiencies. Jury verdict included $8M in punitive damages against the carrier.

A commercial refrigerator truck sideswiped a passenger vehicle on I-285 in Atlanta, driving it into a concrete barrier. The driver was operating in a truck blind spot and failed to check mirrors before a lane change. The plaintiff sustained a severe traumatic brain injury requiring permanent cognitive care. EDR data confirmed the driver never applied brakes before impact. Case settled before closing arguments.

A tanker truck ran a red light on a Southern California surface street, T-boning a compact car and causing catastrophic crush injuries to both of the plaintiff's legs, ultimately requiring bilateral below-knee amputations. The driver had a history of three prior moving violations unreported to the carrier. Carrier found liable for negligent hiring and retention. Jury verdict after 4-day trial.

Wrongful death claim following a nighttime rear-end collision in which an 18-wheeler struck a stationary disabled vehicle on I-410. The truck driver's dashcam, which the carrier had initially denied existed, was produced in discovery and showed the driver looking at a cell phone for 9 seconds before impact. Settlement reached on the final day of evidence presentation.

A semi-truck experienced a catastrophic tire blowout on I-17 due to a retreaded tire that had not been inspected in violation of FMCSA maintenance requirements. The blowout caused the driver to lose control and cross into oncoming traffic, striking the plaintiff's vehicle head-on. The plaintiff suffered cervical spine fractures requiring two surgeries and a 14-month recovery. Carrier admitted FMCSA maintenance violations; settled post-deposition.

An improperly loaded flatbed trailer shifted its cargo — industrial steel pipe — during a turn on Route 28, striking an adjacent passenger vehicle. The plaintiff suffered multiple rib fractures, a punctured lung, and a severe shoulder injury requiring rotator cuff reconstruction and 8 months of physical therapy. The cargo loader and motor carrier were named as joint defendants. Pre-trial settlement following expert depositions.