A Texas jury handed down an $11 million dollar verdict after a man was severely injured in a trucking accident.
According to the 18 wheeler accident lawsuit, Alex P. was driving home from work on a rainy night in 2015 when he was hit head-on by a truck driver who was on his phone. Alex suffered extensive injuries, including burns and fractures from the 18 wheeler accident.
The trucking company, RCX Solutions, attempted to escape the lawsuit over the hydroplaning truck driver by arguing that they were not responsible for his actions because they were only the broker and simply contracted with the driver for use of his equipment.
The issue of whether RCX Solutions arranged to use the truck driver’s equipment was put to the jury.. The jury disagreed with the truck company’s argument that it was not responsible and found the company negligent in causing the accident.
The 18 wheeler accident lawsuit alleged that the plaintiff would need continued medical care and that he experienced lost wages, physical and mental pain, impairment and disfigurement. The plaintiff’s wife also claimed loss of consortium with her husband because of the 18 wheeler accident.
The jury awarded the plaintiff $7,585,590 and an additional $3,689,076 to the plaintiff’s wife. The total jury verdict was $11,275,666.
18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits
Trucking companies try to wiggle out of their responsibilities after 18 wheeler accidents. In this case, the trucking company paid dearly because the jury saw that the company trying to escape its responsibilities as the carrier and employer of the driver.
Trucking companies will often use tricks and delays to get out of paying their fair share after an 18 wheeler accident. Additionally, insurance carriers for the company will pretend to be on the accident victim’s side and confuse them into taking less than they deserve and need to recover from their injuries.
Delay is another tactic used by trucking companies to stop an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit. Those who have been injured in a big rig accident are short on time and money and often in need of medical care. Trucking companies use this situation to their advantage by delaying the case to try and make the victim settle.
Compounding the confusion for accident victims, the laws and regulations about 18 wheelers is complex. Drivers are subject to a number of regulations about how long they can drive, substance use, speed, and in what conditions they can drive. These regulations also vary by state. Further, trucking companies often run afoul of these regulations to try to cut corners for profit, but proving this can be difficult.
If you or a loved one has been in a big rig accident, it is important to get an experienced attorney’s help.
The attorneys at McDonald Worley can help you negotiate with trucking companies and their insurance carriers and help you initiate an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit if necessary. Call them today for a FREE case evaluation.