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California Wildfire Attorneys

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Wildfires have destroyed homes, businesses, and acres of land across numerous California cities over the years. At Arnold Law Firm, we are well aware of the great emotional, financial, and physical toll these events cause. Having represented wildfire victims for decades, our California wildfire lawyers have obtained millions in compensation for clients dealing with insurance conflicts, burn injuries, and property loss.

Every claim carries a narrative of loss and hardship with it. With lives permanently changed, victims may seek compensation for damages. Victims may not only want to rebuild their properties, but also reclaim priceless family artifacts lost, cover medical bills that document their suffering, recover the lost income that represents a stolen future, and find relief and justice from the emotional burden that weighs on them every waking moment.

Whether you’re a company owner, tenant, or homeowner that has suffered from a wildfire in California and are looking to pursue justice, we are here to help you. If you have lost your property, suffered serious injuries, or are dealing with insurance companies, our wildfire attorneys at Arnold Law Firm will help you negotiate the complexity of California wildfire litigation and hold negligent parties liable.

If you’ve experienced devastating loss after a wildfire, don’t face it alone. Take action today— contact our wildfire attorneys at Arnold Law Firm. We’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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SETTLEMENT

$60,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit.

Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

A whistleblower case exposing fraudulent practices in the state of California resulted…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$17,000,000

Data Breach

The Arnold Law Firm reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach…
Learn More

SETTLEMENT

$8,000,000

Truck Accident

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young…
Learn More

JUDGEMENT

$3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck…
Learn More

What is California Wildfire Litigation?

California has thorough laws covering responsibility, safety regulations, and responsibilities for controlling and preventing wildfires. Companies like Southern California Edison (SCE) could be held liable should their equipment spark a wildfire. Similarly, property owners who fail to maintain fire-safe premises could find themselves in legal hot water as well.

State and federal legislation regulate fire safety precautions, including controlled burning and the removal of dry vegetation. California wildfire litigation’s legal precedents have established high criteria that guarantee victims may pursue compensation from liable parties. These guidelines define who should be held accountable for fire-related damages.

A qualified California wildfire attorney is able to help with case development, insurance negotiations, and evidence collection, to maximize your compensation.

What is the Wildfire Law in California?

The government has created wildfire laws and regulations to prevent fires and determine liability when they occur. California has had to deal with numerous natural disasters; this has raised the necessity to create clear regulations for homeowners, businesses, utility companies, and insurers. Key principles include:

Strict Liability for Utilities: Power companies could be held responsible for fires created by their equipment even without proven negligence. This is really vital in ensuring communities from any utility-related tragedy.

Property Owner Responsibilities: Landowners must properly manage vegetation and clear dry brush to reduce wildfire risks and prevent hazardous conditions.

Government Agency Accountability: Agencies that fail to enforce approved fire safety regulations can be sued, ensuring oversight and responsibility at all levels.

Recent court rulings—including the SCE wildfire case on the Eaton Fire in 2020—demonstrate how these laws empower victims to seek compensation for their losses.

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What is the Fire Legal Liability Coverage?

California’s wildfires have caused terrible personal injury and property destruction. Whether you own a house, rent, or run a business, understanding your rights and legal options for a California wildfire liability claim is crucial. Fire legal liability coverage is a specific type of insurance that is meant to safeguard a tenant or business should they be found liable for a fire that spreads to nearby acreage. However, it does not usually cover fires that spread to neighboring properties or wildlands.

For example, this coverage can cover damages to other properties should a campfire on your land start a wildfire; however, insurance companies may undervalue or reject these claims, leaving victims without support.

What Does Fire Legal Liability Cover?

  • Homeowners and Renters Insurance: It can cover costs if your property gets damaged or stolen, and it can also be used for temporary living expenses if you need to stay elsewhere.
  • Business Insurance: Covers damages to commercial buildings, lost income due to disruptions, and safeguards business operations from financial setbacks

If you’re a wildfire victim, it’s important to know the limits of your coverage in order to understand your options and decide the right path for you. A California wildfire attorney can help give you clarity regarding the options available to you, and help you file a claim.

Who Can File a Wildfire Lawsuit in California?

If you’re dealing with the devastating aftermath of a wildfire that has destroyed your property or caused you harm, you may be wondering if you can file a wildfire lawsuit in California to seek compensation. Before moving forward, it’s important to determine if you are eligible to file a claim.

To qualify, you must belong to one of the following groups:

  • Homeowners: Those who lost their homes or suffered property damage.
  • Renters: Individuals who lived in a fire-affected home and lost belongings or were forced to relocate.
  • Business Owners: Those whose businesses sustained fire damage or financial losses due to operational disruptions.
  • Injured Victims: People who suffered burns, respiratory issues, or other fire-related injuries.

In the midst of a crisis, this procedure can be confusing and taxing.Consulting a California fire damage lawyer can help you build a strong case, prove the extent of your losses, and navigate the claims process successfully.

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What Compensation Can Wildfire Victims Recover?

Wildfires leave behind devastating losses, and if you’ve been affected, you may be entitled to compensation to help rebuild your life. Victims can recover damages for property destruction, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress. Each case is unique, and the compensation you receive depends on the extent of your losses and the circumstances surrounding the fire. Experienced wildfire attorneys can carefully assess damages by evaluating property value, medical records, and financial losses, ensuring you get the support that you deserve. Below are the key types of compensation that you may be eligible to recover as a wildfire victim in California.

Property Damage and Home Loss

Losing a home or personal property to a wildfire is life-altering. Property damage and home loss covers the expenses of rebuilding or fixing houses and businesses that the fire destroyed or damaged. It also covers reimbursement for the replacement of personal items including electronics, furniture, and clothes. Compensation for temporary accommodation is also available, including hotel stays or rental accommodations, to ensure that individuals have a safe place to stay while recovering and rebuilding.

Medical Bills and Burn Injuries

Wildfires can cause severe burn injuries, smoke inhalation, and other health complications that require costly medical treatment. Compensation can cover hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and ongoing therapy. In severe cases, victims may also seek damages for long-term disability or reduced quality of life due to wildfire-related injuries. A wildfire lawsuit ensures that medical expenses, both immediate and future, are accounted for.

Lost Wages and Business Interruption

If the wildfire forced you to evacuate, miss work, or shut down your business, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and financial disruptions. Business owners can recover damages for property destruction, inventory loss, and operational setbacks caused by the fire. Employees may also be compensated for lost wages, benefits, and reduced earning capacity if the fire impacted their ability to work. These losses are carefully calculated to ensure that victims are fairly compensated for various financial hardships.

Emotional Distress and Pain & Suffering

Wildfires leave invisible scars, included but not limited to PTSD, grief, anxiety, and despair. The loss of homes, valuable possessions, loved ones, and security, causes deep emotional pain. You deserve compensation for this suffering. Don’t suffer alone. Contact a California wildfire attorney today for help.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wildfires in California?

While most homeowners insurance policies in California do cover damage caused by wildfires, it’s not always a straightforward process. Although most plans cover damage resulting from wildfires, insurance companies routinely contest claims by claiming policy exclusions. Our California fire damage lawyers have reversed false denials to make sure our clients receive just compensation.

One of the most common challenges homeowners face is insurers downplaying the extent of wildfire damage or failing to fully cover losses as outlined in the policy. If your wildfire claim has been denied, delayed, or underpaid, we’re here to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Common issues with wildfire insurance claims include

  • Claim Denials or Underpayment: Insurers may dispute the value of a total loss, offering actual cash value (ACV) rather than replacement cost.
  • Delays in Payouts: Insurances often delay payouts or tend to refuse agreements as a tactic to reduce the amount owed.
  • Non-Renewals and Policy Cancellations: Some refuse payouts entirely, leaving homeowners with debt and forcing them to seek state-backed options like the California FAIR Plan.

How Long Do You Have to File a Wildfire Claim in California?

According to California laws, you normally have a period of three years from the moment of the incident to file a lawsuit for a property damage claim and two years for a personal injury claim. However, it is very important that you consult with your fire damage attorney regarding the specific deadlines, throughout every step of the process. There are exceptions to this timeline that may vary depending on your specific case. For example, when the issuer is a minor, the time limits may differ. No matter the case, it’s critical to have your deadlines clear, as missing them may cause you to lose compensation.

Recent Wildfires and Lawsuits in California

California has seen several devastating wildfires in recent years, many of which have led to lawsuits against utility companies for alleged negligence. Some notable cases include:

  • Eaton Fire (2025): A lawsuit against Southern California Edison (SCE) claims that poorly maintained power lines ignited the fire, causing widespread damage.
  • Hurst Fire (2025): Victims have filed claims against the utility company SCE, alleging failure to properly trim trees near electrical equipment, which led to the fire.
  • Corral Fire (2024): This fire was allegedly caused by downed power lines, with Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) as the involved utility. The estimated damages are over $10 million, and the case remains under ongoing investigation.
  • Mosquito Fire (2022): This was attributed to faulty PG&E equipment, leading to damages exceeding $750 million. The case is still in ongoing litigation.
  • Dixie Fire (2021): One of California’s largest wildfires, allegedly sparked by PG&E equipment, has resulted in lawsuits holding the company accountable for the destruction.

For the latest updates on these wildfire lawsuits, please visit our pages on the Eaton Fire lawsuit and Hurst Fire litigation.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for Wildfire Damages?

Wildfires are complex disasters with multiple potential causes, ranging from extreme weather conditions to human negligence. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible for the damage.

Utility Companies and Power Lines

Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment and power lines have been linked to devastating wildfires. Northern California fire attorneys have filed lawsuits against major utility companies, including SCE wildfire lawsuits, for their role in igniting the recent Eaton and Hurst fires in California.

Negligent Property Owners

Property owners and landlords who fail to comply with California fire safety regulations or ignore known hazards may be held liable for wildfire damages. For example, if a landlord neglects to remove dry vegetation and debris, allowing a fire to spread onto your property, you may have grounds to file a claim against them.

Government Entities and Fire Prevention Failures

Government agencies responsible for fire prevention, emergency response, or public safety may be held liable if they fail to take necessary precautions, promptly warn residents about fire risks, or properly implement evacuation plans. While suing a government entity can be challenging, an experienced team of California wildfire lawyers may be able to establish their liability and help you pursue compensation.

Common Causes of California Wildfires

Sadly, California sees some of the worst fires in the country, where only in 2020 a record-breaking 4.2 million acres of land burned, caused by multiple different factors. The main causes of California wildfires include both natural accidents and human errors:

    • Electrical Power Line Failures: Electrical sparks from utility company equipment have caused some of the state’s most devastating fires. For example, Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) most recent wildfire lawsuit is based on the company’s failing equipment being the alleged cause of the recent wildfires.
    • Arson: This is a major cause of wildfires. In 2021, more than 10% of wildfires in California were caused by arson, according to CAL FIRE.
  • Campfires and Cigarettes: Unattended campfires and discarded cigarette butts can easily start wildfires in dry brush, according to Ready for Wildfire.
  • Drought and Dry Conditions: Drought and dry weather can start wildfires and make them spread quickly.

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Why Choose Arnold Law Firm for Your Wildfire Claim?

At Arnold Law Firm, we understand that every wildfire claim represents a personal story of loss. With over 40 years of experience, our California wildfire attorneys combine compassion and legal expertise to fight for the justice you deserve. We have successfully recovered millions for wildfire victims, taking on utility companies, insurance providers, and responsible parties to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.

With extensive experience in wildfire litigation, Arnold Law Firm offers:

  • Proven success: A strong track record of securing payouts for wildfire victims.
  • Complete legal support: Guidance through insurance disputes, claims processing, and litigation.
  • Aggressive advocacy: Dedicated representation that pushes aggressively for just pay means.

Contact Our California Wildfire Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you’ve lost property in a California wildfire, you don’t have to fight insurance companies or utility providers alone. Rebuilding your life after such devastation is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it by yourself.

At Arnold Law Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to help wildfire victims understand their legal options. Our experienced attorneys have successfully helped clients recover compensation and rebuild after catastrophic losses. Visit our client testimonials to see how we’ve made a difference, or call today to speak with some of California’s most trusted and experienced wildfire attorneys.

Contact our California wildfire attorneys today to learn more about your legal options, the claims process, and how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

LATEST NEWS

Treble Damages in California Trucking Cases

justice4you January 30, 2026

California law provides a specific statutory remedy for victims injured by impaired commercial vehicle drivers when their employers fail to meet federal safety requirements. Understanding when treble damages apply—and how they differ from standard punitive damages—is crucial for truck accident victims seeking maximum compensation. What Are Treble Damages? Treble damages allow injured parties to recover three times their actual damages under specific legal circumstances. In California trucking cases, this remedy is narrowly defined and differs significantly from general punitive damages available in other personal injury cases. California Civil Code § 3333.7: Statutory Treble Damages Requirements for Recovery Under California Civil Code § 3333.7, injured parties may recover treble damages from a commercial motor vehicle driver’s employer when all of the

California Trucking Accidents: Standards of Care

justice4you January 29, 2026

California law establishes different standards of care for trucking operations depending on the type of service provided. While most commercial trucking companies transporting freight are subject to ordinary negligence standards, federal motor carrier safety regulations impose enhanced duties that can significantly affect liability in truck accident cases. Key Takeaways: Commercial carriers of goods generally DO NOT have the duty of “utmost care” Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) DO create heightened standards in specific situations Large truck drivers must exercise greater caution than ordinary motorists Licensed motor carriers have nondelegable safety duties Common Carrier Standard: When Does “Utmost Care” Apply? The Enhanced Duty for Passenger Transportation California Civil Code section 2100 requires carriers of persons for reward to use “the

Punitive Damages in California Personal Injury Cases

justice4you January 28, 2026

What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages are extra money a court can order a wrongdoer to pay, on top of the money that compensates an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The main goal of punitive damages is not to repay the victim, but to punish especially bad behavior and to discourage similar conduct in the future. Think of punitive damages as a financial penalty for conduct that is much worse than ordinary carelessness. In California, punitive damages are not common. They are reserved for cases where the defendant’s conduct is particularly harmful, intentional, or shows a conscious disregard for the safety or rights of others. Most personal injury cases involve simple negligence (for example,

Settlement - $3,900,000

Car Accident

The fatal collision between plaintiff’s Jeep Liberty and defendant’s Volvo truck left Ryan Eisenbrandt’s surviving wife and parents with a judgment of $3.9 million, but the defendant’s insurance company refused to pay. This resulted in a second, intense legal battle between Plaintiffs and Defendant’s insurance company.

During the pendency of the wrongful death case, Defendant’s insurance company had filed a federal court action to rescind the defendants $1,000,000 insurance policy, claiming that defendant had made misrepresentations when applying for that policy. Initially, the federal court agreed with the insurance company, granting summary judgment that effectively denied recovery to the Eisenbrandts given the defendant was otherwise insolvent. The Arnold firm and the Eisenbrandts refused to accept this unfair outcome. They appealed the federal judge’s ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit reversed the lower court and sent the case back to the same federal judge for a trial on the merits.

Christine Doyle of the Arnold Firm tried the case in February 2011 in front of the same judge who had previously thrown out the Eisenbrandt’s case. A unanimous advisory jury and the trial judge, after hearing the true facts about the insurance company’s effort to avoid responsibility, found in the Eisenbrandts favor. After four years of fighting for what is right, the insurance company was ordered to pay up.

Settlement - $8,000,000

Truck Accident

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

Late one spring afternoon, the Arnold Law Firm received a call from Angela, a young mother of three. She was calling from the hospital where her husband Christopher had been air-lifted for treatment of severe injuries from a tragic motor vehicle accident earlier that day. Angela’s mother, a past client of our firm, had encouraged her to give us a call.

As it turns out, Angela’s prompt contact with us was a very important decision for their family. Immediate representation allowed our team to secure critical evidence right away — appropriate storage and analysis of the vehicle to avoid tampering, timely professional photography of the scene, and interviews of involved parties — which ended up being imperative to the details of Christopher’s case.

A commercial vehicle had failed to stop at a rural stop-sign intersection, colliding with the compact sedan driven by Christopher, an active 33-year-old father. The impact caused extensive damage to his spinal cord in the cervical area. Despite multiple surgeries, rehabilitation programs for physical and psychological therapy, and in-home care, his injuries rendered him a paraplegic, paralyzed from the mid-chest. In an instant, life as he had known it was gone forever.

At the time of the accident, the at-fault driver of the commercial vehicle was acting within the scope of his employment with a large corporation. With the employer being directly liable, as such, defense counsel fought hard to minimize Christopher’s damages, claiming that his being unemployed at that time devalued his losses. Our legal team made sure Christopher’s true losses were represented, including his potential income, his options and mobility, his ability to provide for and support his family, and the lifetime of care he now needed. Christopher’s injuries also dramatically affected his spouse’s daily life, resulting in a claim on her behalf.

Furthermore, the extent of Christopher’s injuries were, in part, due to defects involving the dual-restraint system in his own vehicle. Despite the manufacturer’s efforts to deny any responsibility, the Arnold Law Firm established negligence relevant to his case.

The result was a settlement of $8 million — the largest pre-trial settlement for this type of case in the region. Christopher now has the resources to receive the ongoing care he now requires, improve the quality of his life and take care of his young family.

Verdict - $10,200,000

Motorcycle Accident

The Arnold Law Firm is pleased to report that our attorneys received a $10.2 million verdict handed down in Modesto. Defense counsel was Kevin Cholakian of San Francisco. The defense rejected a 998 within the $1 million policy limits three years ago. The highest defense offer was $350k.

The case involved a blind corner dirt fire road collision between a truck driven by the defendant and a motorcycle driven by the plaintiff Dan Nixon. THe plaintiff had no recollection of the collision. The defendant claimed that the plaintiff had too much speed for the corner and lost control. The plaintiff’s son (who identified the wrong curve in discovery) claimed that the defendant was on the wrong side of the curve, causing his dad to make an unsuccessful emergency maneuver. The jury assessed 70% fault to the defendant and 30% to plaintiff.

The plaintiff, now 50-years-old, suffered a dislocated right knee with popliteal artery rupture which has left him with an unstable knee, and permanently damaged lower leg. Because of vascular damage he is not a candidate for knee reconstruction or replacement. The plaintiff’s treating doctors testified that he will require an above knee amputation within 20 years. Past lost wages were $78,000 and past medicals were $570,000. The jury awarded $7.5 million in general damages (3 m. past and 4.5 m. future) as well as all future economic damages asked for by the plaintiff. The jury deliberated for 3 and a half hours.

Settlement - $17,000,000

Data Breach

Infinity/Kemper Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, and Mason, Lietz, & Klinger, and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP, reached a settlement in the Kemper and Infinity data breach class action lawsuit, also known as Irma Carrera et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, filed in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 1:20-cv-01883. The settlement is valued at over $17 million.

The Honorable Judge Martha M. Pacold granted Preliminary Approval of the settlement on October 27, 2021.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the class members will receive access to Aura’s Financial Shield Services for a period of 18 months, up to $10,000 for reimbursement of documented out-of-pocket losses reasonably traceable to the Data Breach, up to 3 hours of time spent remedying issues related to the breach at $18 per hour, and $50 for Class Members who are California residents.

History of the data breach: On April 8, 2021, the Arnold Law Firm and Wolf, Haldenstein, Adler, Freeman, & Herz LLP filed the first class action complaint against Kemper and Infinity in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois entitled Irma Carrera Aguallo et al. v. Kemper Corporation and Infinity Insurance Company, Case No. 1:21-cv-01883. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) negligence per se, (3) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices, (4) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices, (5) violation of the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), Cal. Civ. Code § 1798.100, et seq., (6) violation of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Cal. Civ. Code § 1750, et seq., (7) violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, Florida Statute § 501.201, et seq., (8) breach of implied contract, (9) declaratory judgment, and (10) unjust enrichment arising from the data breach.

Settlement - $18,276,000

Qui Tam / Whistleblower

Whistleblowers Represented by Arnold Law Firm Expose Fraudulent Practices by the Pill Club, Case Settled With California DOJ

The Arnold Law Firm and the Hirst Law Group represented two whistleblowers who helped expose fraudulent practices by a start-up online pharmacy company called The Pill Club.

The company allegedly used fraudulent practices to bill California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, for their services. The Pill Club is also alleged to have violated state laws by allowing nurse practitioners to prescribe contraceptive products to women without proper supervision or training from a licensed medical doctor.

For their part in blowing the whistle on the company they worked for, and as part of California Qui Tam laws, the whistleblowers and their attorneys recovered $4.9 million from the $18.275 million settlement paid to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the California Department of Insurance (CDI).

Settlement - $60,000,000

Data Breach

Morgan Stanley Class Action Data Breach Settlement Attained by the Arnold Law Firm

The Arnold Law Firm, along with co-counsel at Morgan & Morgan, Nussbaum Law Group, P.C. and others, reached a settlement in the Morgan Stanley data breach class action lawsuit, also known as In re Morgan Stanley Data Security Litigation, filed in the United States District Court Southern District of New York, Case No. 1:20-cv-05914-AT. The settlement resulted in a $60 million settlement fund to benefit class members.

The Motion for Preliminary Approval was filed on December 31, 2021 with the Honorable Judge Analisa Torres.

In addition to substantial injunctive relief, the 15 million class members will be provided access to Aura’s Financial Shield services for at least two years, which includes a $1 million insurance policy protecting each subscriber, credit monitoring, identity freezing, dark web monitoring, income tax protection and more services. The fund will also provide payments to people who submit valid claims for out-of-pocket expenses and/or up to four hours of lost-time incurred as a result of the data breach. Lost time allows victims of the data breach to be paid at $25 per hour for up to four hours of attested time spent dealing with the data breach. Out-of-pocket expenses can be claimed up to $10,000 if the costs or expenditures are fairly traceable to the data breach.

History of the data breach: On July 29, 2020, the Arnold Law Firm and Morgan & Morgan filed the first class action lawsuit against Morgan Stanley in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York entitled Sylvia Tillman et al. v. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC., Case No. 1:20-cv-05914. The complaint asserted claims against Defendants for: (1) negligence; (2) invasion of privacy; (3) negligence per se; (4) unjust enrichment; (5) violation of the California Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unlawful Business Practices; and (6) violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200, et seq. – Unfair Business Practices.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.