Arizona Jury Issues Verdict in Scottsdale Fatal Truck Crash
One driver was stopped at a red light when another driver, operating a truck towing a trailer, struck her vehicle. The collision occurred as the second driver approached the intersection and was unable to stop in time. The injured driver suffered fatal injuries. The defendants admitted fault but disputed the extent of damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Wrongful Death Injuries
Wrongful death claims arise when a car accident fatality is caused by another party's negligence. These cases compensate surviving family members for their losses and the decedent's pain and suffering.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $300,000
- County
- Maricopa County, AZ
- Resolved
- 1996
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Wrongful Death
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Death
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $300,000 is below the median of $6,500,000 for wrongful death cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $800,000 to $15,000,000, based on 34 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On September 8, 1996, a fatal vehicle collision occurred in Scottsdale, Arizona. The plaintiff's decedent was operating a vehicle and proceeding through a green light when struck by a truck towing a loaded trailer. The truck, owned by a defendant company and operated by a defendant driver, reportedly failed to stop at a red light. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging negligence against the defendants for failure to timely apply brakes, control speed, and maintain a proper lookout.
The defendants admitted liability for causing the collision but disputed the extent of damages claimed. A two-day trial followed before a jury comprising seven males and one female. The jury deliberated for 35 minutes. Prior to trial, the plaintiff had demanded $300,000, and the defendants had offered $200,000 to resolve the case.
Understanding This Case
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Maricopa County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 1996, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome significantly deviates from similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to understand your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Maricopa County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
One driver was stopped to make a left turn when their pickup truck was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver of the pickup truck claimed injuries to their back and neck. The lawsuit alleged the other driver was negligent. The trial focused on damages.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.