Lifelong Athlete Secures $1,100,000 Settlement Following Tractor-Trailer Collision
A significant legal settlement has been reached for our client, a lifelong athlete, who suffered severe injuries in a collision with a tractor-trailer, highlighting the devastating impact of negligent driving by commercial drivers.
On the day of the incident, our client, a dedicated and active father, was traveling on Interstate 66 eastbound when his vehicle was struck by a Cascadia 125 Freightliner tractor, which was hauling a dual-wheel dolly. The driver of the tractor-trailer changed lanes abruptly, colliding with our client’s vehicle at highway speed. The force of the impact sent our client’s vehicle spinning across the interstate, causing it to crash into two Jersey walls before coming to a rest.
Our client sustained permanent injuries to his left knee, necessitating both a partial and a total knee replacement, which was completed in December 2023. For years following the initial crash, he received conservative treatment for his back. Before undergoing the total knee replacement, our client was involved in another significant automobile accident that aggravated his knee and back injuries, leading to a recommendation for lumbar decompression and stabilization surgery.
Throughout the case pendency, the defense argued that all medical treatments received after the first two months following the initial crash, including both knee surgeries, were not related to the first incident. However, our dedicated legal team, led by Amy L. Bradley and Juli M. Porto, successfully demonstrated the connection between the injuries and the initial collision, securing a $1,100,000 settlement.
This case emphasizes the essential need for vigilance and accountability on our roads to prevent similar tragedies. At Blankingship & Keith, we are committed to securing justice and compensation for individuals impacted by the negligence of others.