Semi-truck accidents that are caused by the negligence of either (or both) the trucker and/or the company he or she represents and result in grievous injury or fatalities often wind up in wrongful death suits. For the edification of the reader what follows are several recent semi-truck accident settlements and verdicts.
An elementary school principal and her three passengers were all killed five years ago when a semi-truck driver rear-ended her vehicle. Although (surprisingly) the truck driver was found not guilty of 4 separate manslaughter charges - the families of the three passengers sued in civil court and were recently awarded $18 million dollars collectively.
The principal's family sued separately and was awarded over $5 million in compensation and $30 million in punitive damages. The victim's lawyer uncovered evidence that the driver has falsified his driving log - a 'diary' of sorts that catalogs the hours a driver puts in daily - required by the federal government to help ensure that drivers are not so fatigued that they endanger the lives of innocent persons.
In another state a man was awarded $3 and a half million dollars after he suffered life-altering injuries in a semi-truck accident. According to accident reconstructionists - the truck driver drove off the shoulder of the road to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of him but the trailer swung around and struck the van anyway.
The driver suffered traumatic brain and other injuries. His wife was also injured and received a separate settlement.
While these settlements may sound large - they are hollow victories indeed. Is there any amount of money to replace a loved one - or realize their last moments were horrific?
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston truck accident attorney and the founder of the Baumgartner law firm, which is dedicated to helping injury victims seek civil justice. For a free no obligation consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Houston call the Baumgartner firm.
