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Jury comes to a record $15M verdict over tractor-trailer crash

On Behalf of | Dec 4, 2019 | Firm News

When a tractor-trailer operated by a negligent driver struck a motorist from behind, the result was one of the largest award verdicts in the history of the state of Connecticut. 

According to Transportation Nation Network, a jury awarded a 50-year-old man and his wife $15 million over the commercial truck collision that left the Stamford resident permanently disabled. His life-altering physical conditions are a result of the severe back, neck and head injuries he suffered when the tractor-trailer rear-ended him while stopped along Interstate 95. 

Truck accident 

While roads were slick from steady rain, the Connecticut man brought his SUV to a stop in the right lane to accommodate slowed traffic. The tractor-trailer was in the center lane and swerved into the right lane and hit the stopped vehicle from behind. 

The collision pushed the SUV into another vehicle in front of it. Allegedly, the speed of the tractor-trailer was too fast for the wet road conditions. The truck driver was also talking to his wife on his cell phone through a hands-free device. 

Life-changing injuries 

Rescue workers had to pull the driver from the SUV with the Jaws of Life. The force of the impact left him with serious and permanent nerve damage. He is no longer able to dress himself or walk on his own, and cannot return to work. The accident victim required a legal action to seek relief for the medical care and assistance he requires for the rest of his life. 

Jury trial outcome  

During the trial, the tractor-trailer driver denied being on his phone, but cell phone records disclosed the call with his wife taking place immediately before the collision. The jury determined the driver operated his semi-truck with “reckless disregard” and demonstrated negligence for driving at a speed unreasonably fast for the rain-slicked road conditions. 

The jury found that the company employing the driver failed to use reasonable care, and compensation for the catastrophic truck accident damages will come from its insurance carrier. The jury’s award of $15 million includes compensation for pain and suffering, loss of future income, medical expenses and loss of marital companionship. 

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