Pennsylvania Products Liability Crash Settles for $9,750,000
One driver was towing a rented trailer when it jack-knifed due to a defect. His vehicle was then struck by a tractor-trailer. The driver suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. The case involved claims against the trailer rental company, the trailer manufacturer, and the trucking company. The parties settled the matter before a jury trial concluded.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Head/Brain Injury Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI, with effects ranging from temporary symptoms to permanent cognitive impairment.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $9,750,000
- County
- Dallas County, PA
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $9,750,000 is near the median of $4,800,000 for head/brain injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $50,000 to $13,478,106, based on 17 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On March 2, 2012, a driver was operating a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, towing a rented U-Haul box trailer, on Interstate 80 in Illinois. The vehicle and trailer reportedly jack-knifed due to a defective condition of the trailer, leading to a collision with a tractor-trailer owned by K&B Transportation, Inc. Both vehicles came to rest in the center grassy median. The driver of the Trailblazer suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.
In November 2014, the injured driver and their spouse filed an amended complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, against U-Haul International, Inc., U-Haul Co. of California, Colusa Quick Service Market, and K&B Transportation, Inc. The lawsuit alleged claims of strict products liability, negligence, and reckless conduct. The driver also sought damages for personal injuries, while the spouse claimed loss of consortium. The case was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and consolidated with another action.
An amended complaint was filed in June 2016, adding General Motors, LLC as a defendant with claims for strict products liability and negligence. The plaintiffs settled their claims against all defendants except K&B Transportation, Inc. A jury trial against K&B Transportation, Inc. began in June 2017. During the trial, the parties reached a settlement, and the court dismissed the action with prejudice. The case concluded with a reported settlement of $9,750,000.
Understanding This Case
- Most mild TBIs resolve within weeks to months. Moderate to severe TBI often results in permanent impairment affecting cognition, behavior, and physical function.
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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 aligns very well with similar cases
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