In 2015, six nursing students were on their way to their final day of training when they got caught up in a massive traffic jam on a Georgia highway. A semi-truck traveling 70 miles per hour plowed into the students’ car, killing all but one. After an investigation, the police concluded that the semi-truck driver failed to brake prior to the collision with the students’ vehicle.
The deceased students’ families sued the semi-truck driver and his employer for wrongful death. The families settled their claims prior to trial. The one survivor and the semi-truck driver’s employer, however, did not reach a settlement.
The survivor and the semi-truck’s employer proceeded to trial. At trial the jury heard evidence regarding the semi-truck driver’s failure to stop prior to the accident and the survivor’s physical damages resulting from the accident, such as a traumatic brain injury and severe anxiety. After a lengthy trial, the jury returned a verdict in the survivor’s favor and awarded the survivor $15 million.
Recovering Damages from a California Truck Accident
Most semi-truck accidents are caused by negligence. To prove negligence, an accident victim must prove:
- That the semi-truck driver owed the victim a duty of reasonable care while driving (i.e., not injuring another drivers)
- That the semi-truck driver violated this duty
- That the semi-truck driver’s violation of this duty caused the accident
- That the accident caused by the semi-truck driver’s violation of his duty actually injured the victim
If the victim can prove negligence, they may be able to recover damages, including:
- The victim’s medical bills for any issues associated with the accident
- Pain and suffering for any residual physical effects of the accident
- Loss of income caused by the injuries suffered in the accident
- Loss of lifestyle caused by the injuries suffered in the accident
- Medical care required as a result of the injuries suffered in the accident
- Punitive damages against the semi-truck driver or their employer if their actions were intentional or reckless
- Property damage cased by the accident
Have You or Someone You Know Been Injured in a Truck Accident?
If you or someone you know have suffered injuries from a semi-truck accident in California, our attorneys at Redkey Gordon can help. With over 25 years of combined personal injury experience, our professionals will help you obtain the results you deserve.
We welcome your call to Redkey Gordon today at (209) 267-1685 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation.