Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $2,225,000 in Tractor-Trailer Crash

On May 28, 2013, a collision occurred at an intersection when a tractor-trailer, operated by the defendant driver, failed to yield the right-of-way and struck the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff, a 42-year-old male, reportedly had the right-of-way. An investigating officer charged the defendant driver with failure to yield. The plaintiff sustained severe injuries, including tears to two knee ligaments, a meniscus tear, a fractured left tibia, and a fractured and dislocated thumb, requiring surgical reconstruction. He was also anticipated to need a future total knee replacement.

The plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant driver and the defendant company, alleging their failure to yield caused the incident and his resulting injuries. He sought compensation for over $89,000 in medical expenses and lost wages from his work as an electrician. The defendants denied negligence, disputed liability and damages, and argued the plaintiff was contributorily negligent by failing to keep a lookout, driving too fast, and failing to avoid the collision.

After a three-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $2,225,000 in damages. The jury apportioned 95% of the liability to the defendants and 5% to the plaintiff. The defendants had previously declined the plaintiff's $1,000,000 settlement offer. Following the verdict, the plaintiff moved to recover attorney fees and costs under the state's offer of judgment statute.