Historic $3.8 Million Verdict In Highlands County Truck Accident Case Signals Big Wins For Injured Drivers
There was recently a high-profile and notable truck accident case in Highlands County, Georgia. The jury returned a plaintiff’s verdict of over $3 million to a 65-year-old truck driver who was involved in an accident with a commercial truck. This is the highest personal injury verdict ever delivered in Highlands County. It highlights the very serious consequences that victims face as a result of a truck accident.
What happened?
The case began after the plaintiff was involved in a collision on June 23, 2021, on State Road 70, close to the intersection at Southwest County Road 721 in Sebring, Florida. The plaintiff, who was driving his semi-truck westbound, was struck by another semi-truck driver who had apparently fallen asleep at the wheel. His truck was headed eastbound. The collision caused the trailer of the plaintiff’s truck to jackknife, breaking the axles of the trailer and causing the plaintiff serious physical injuries.
The plaintiff’s injuries were far more than just aches, pains, and a couple of lacerations. He had substantial neck and back injuries, severe nerve damage in his arm, and underwent numerous surgeries to correct the damage, including a cervical fusion and a procedure to fix the compressed nerve in his elbow. These injuries ended his days of working as a truck driver and significantly changed his ability to enjoy activities like fishing or playing with his grandchildren.
Insurance tries to pay off plaintiff
Reports indicate that the highest offer the defendant was willing to pay before the case went to trial was a mere $465,000, which was, of course, nowhere near the amount that the plaintiff’s attorneys claimed was necessary to cover the plaintiff’s lifelong medical needs and earning capacity. However, the plaintiff’s case was ultimately vindicated when a Highlands County jury delivered a verdict nearly 8 times the settlement figure.
This case is an excellent example of the fundamental rules that govern the world of personal injury lawsuits. When there is clear evidence of negligence, injuries, and financial consequences, a multi-million-dollar verdict is possible, even when the defendant is only offering a fraction of that before the case goes to trial, provided that the plaintiff has good attorneys who are willing to take the case to a jury.
Why this verdict matters to other accident victims
There are a number of key takeaways for accident victims and their families throughout Florida from this verdict:
- Juries can provide substantial compensation when they believe that negligence and harm have been proven.
- Insurance company settlements can grossly underestimate the value of a case, especially when catastrophic injuries have been sustained.
- A good attorney makes all the difference. They can make the jury understand the full impact of their injuries.
Talk to a Jacksonville, FL, Truck Accident Attorney Today
Gillette Law represents the interests of plaintiffs in truck accident lawsuits. If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, call our Jacksonville personal injury lawyers today and we can begin investigating your case right away.
Source:
forthepeople.com/blog/morgan-morgan-wins-37-million-verdict-truck-driver-injured-highlands-county-crash/
