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Sacramento Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

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Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Sacramento

In case you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Sacramento, the journey to recovery can feel overwhelming. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping victims of life-altering injuries navigate the legal challenges they face. Our team of experienced Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyers is committed to providing personalized, compassionate legal support to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible.

With a proven history of success in handling complex catastrophic injury cases, Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys has built a strong reputation in Sacramento. Our attorneys are relentless advocates for our clients, securing favorable results in challenging cases. We are proud of our client testimonials  and case results, which highlight our commitment to delivering justice for those who need it most.

Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle changes, and we understand the emotional and financial toll they take on victims and their families. If you’re facing the aftermath of such an injury, our team is here to provide expert guidance and fight for your rights.

Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Let Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys help you secure the compensation you deserve, and begin the path to recovery with confidence.

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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 Considered a Catastrophic Injury in California?

In California, a catastrophic injury is defined as a severe injury that results in permanent or long-term disability, significantly altering a person’s life. These injuries often have profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences, leaving victims unable to return to work or live independently. According to the California Civil Jury Instructions (CACI), catastrophic injuries are those that cause long-term or irreversible impairment.

Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disability
  • Spinal cord injuries, often leading to paralysis
  • Severe burns, which require extensive medical care and rehabilitation
  • Amputations or the loss of limbs
  • Severe fractures that can result in permanent disability or disfigurement

These injuries not only impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks but can also lead to a lifetime of medical treatments and emotional challenges.

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Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Sacramento

Catastrophic injuries can result from a wide range of accidents and incidents, leaving victims with life-changing consequences. In Sacramento, several common causes of catastrophic injuries occur regularly, each with the potential to cause permanent physical, emotional, and financial harm. These typically include but are not limited to car accidents, Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents, boat accidents, and train accidents.

One of the leading causes of catastrophic injuries is car accidents. High-speed crashes and collisions with other vehicles can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fractures. Similarly, truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles often lead to catastrophic consequences due to their immense size and weight.

Construction accidents are another frequent cause of severe injuries, with workers exposed to fall risks, falling debris, or equipment malfunctions. Medical malpractice is also a significant concern, as mistakes during surgeries, misdiagnoses, or medication errors can lead to debilitating injuries.

Defective products, such as faulty machinery or dangerous consumer goods, can cause injuries ranging from severe burns to amputations. Additionally, workplace accidents in hazardous industries, including manufacturing or oil drilling, frequently result in catastrophic injuries. Lastly, fires and explosions are notorious for causing life-threatening burns and permanent disfigurements.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we specialize in representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries—severe injuries that result in permanent physical, emotional, and financial impacts. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries we handle include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): TBIs can cause long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and in some cases, permanent disability. These injuries often occur in car accidents, falls, or violent incidents, and their effects can be devastating.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord frequently results in paralysis, requiring ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices to help victims regain some independence.
  • Burn Injuries: Severe burns from fires, explosions, or chemical accidents can leave victims with disfigurement, chronic pain, and extensive medical bills.
  • Amputations or Limb Loss: The loss of a limb is both a physical and emotional hardship. Victims often face long-term medical needs, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.
  • Severe Fractures and Broken Bones: Serious fractures, particularly those that affect joints, can lead to long-term complications, requiring surgery, therapy, and rehabilitation.
  • Organ Damage: Trauma to internal organs can lead to ongoing health issues, costly treatments, and permanent impairment.

WE FIGHT FOR YOUR MAXIMUM INJURY COMPENSATION

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Types of Compensation Available After a Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury can have long-lasting financial, physical, and emotional consequences. A Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of seeking the compensation you deserve. The types of compensation available depend on the specifics of your case, but generally include:

  • Medical Bills: These encompass the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing treatments such as medications and specialist care.
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy: For many, rehabilitation is necessary to recover or adapt to permanent changes. This can include physical therapy and other forms of long-term support to regain mobility or independence.
  • Assistive Devices and Home Modifications: Injuries that lead to permanent disability may require assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics, as well as home modifications to improve accessibility.
  • Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Victims may be unable to return to work or may face long-term reductions in their income due to the severity of their injuries.
  • Pain and Suffering: Catastrophic injuries often cause significant pain and emotional distress, which can be factored into the compensation.

An experienced attorney can help ensure that all aspects of your suffering—physical, financial, and emotional—are fully addressed in your claim.

How Long Do You Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit is typically two years from the date the injury occurred. This deadline is crucial because failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation. However, certain exceptions may extend or shorten this period depending on the specifics of your case.

For example, if the injured individual is a minor, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach the age of 18, giving them additional time to file a claim. On the other hand, if the claim involves a government entity, such as a public transportation agency or municipality, you may have as little as six months to file a notice of claim, making swift action essential.

Understanding these timeframes is vital to protecting your rights. Consulting with an experienced Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer early in the process can help ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your opportunity to seek compensation. Acting quickly not only safeguards your case but also allows your legal team to gather critical evidence and build the strongest possible claim.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Catastrophic Injury Case?

The timeline for resolving a catastrophic injury case can vary significantly based on several key factors. If you’re seeking compensation for life-altering injuries, it’s important to understand what can affect the duration of your case. A skilled Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer can help guide you through the process while working to resolve your claim as efficiently as possible.

One of the primary factors influencing the timeline is case complexity. Cases involving multiple liable parties, disputed facts, or intricate legal issues often take longer to resolve. Additionally, the medical recovery time for catastrophic injuries can impact the case, as it’s crucial to fully assess the extent of the damages, including long-term or permanent effects, before determining the value of a claim.

Negotiations with insurance companies are another variable. Insurers often attempt to delay or minimize payouts, which can extend the process. A knowledgeable attorney can help counter these tactics and push for a fair settlement. Lastly, the availability and strength of evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, and accident reports, can affect how quickly your case proceeds.

While some cases may settle in a matter of months, others may require extended timeframes, especially if litigation becomes necessary.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?

In California, determining liability for catastrophic injuries depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Various parties may be held accountable for the harm caused, and identifying the responsible individuals or entities is essential for securing the compensation you deserve. A Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer can help navigate this process and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Commonly, negligent drivers are liable for accidents resulting from reckless behavior, such as speeding or driving under the influence. Property owners may be held responsible for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their premises, like poor maintenance or hazardous environments. Employers are often liable for workplace injuries, particularly when they fail to maintain a safe work environment or provide adequate training. Additionally, product manufacturers can be held accountable if their defective products lead to serious injuries.

In more complex cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties. For example, an accident may involve both a negligent driver and a faulty vehicle part, or unsafe working conditions and defective equipment. A skilled Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer will work to identify all the potential responsible parties and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

How Much Is a Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?

The value of a catastrophic injury case is influenced by several critical factors that directly impact the victim’s life. Medical expenses, including past, ongoing, and future medical costs, make up a substantial portion of any compensation. For those with long-term injuries requiring rehabilitation or ongoing care, these expenses can quickly accumulate. Additionally, lost income and reduced earning potential play a significant role, especially if the injury prevents you from returning to work or limits your ability to earn a living in the future.

Another important factor is pain and suffering, which accounts for the emotional distress and physical pain caused by the injury. Catastrophic injuries can also lead to permanent disability, severely affecting the victim’s ability to live independently or maintain a normal lifestyle. These long-term consequences are often reflected in the total compensation awarded.

To ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, working with a skilled Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer is crucial. An experienced attorney will help assess all the factors that contribute to your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.

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Why You Should Hire a Sacramento Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

Suffering a catastrophic injury can leave you facing a long and overwhelming road to recovery. Partnering with an experienced Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyer can make a significant difference in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Legal representation provides invaluable advantages, ensuring every aspect of your case is handled with care and expertise.

One of the first steps an attorney takes is conducting a thorough investigation into your accident. By gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting experts, they can establish liability and build a solid foundation for your case. This meticulous approach ensures all relevant facts are uncovered.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be particularly challenging after a catastrophic injury. Insurers often aim to minimize payouts, but an experienced lawyer can advocate on your behalf, pushing back against unfair settlement offers and fighting for a fair outcome.

Additionally, a skilled lawyer will work to build a compelling case, utilizing expert witnesses such as medical professionals or accident reconstruction specialists to strengthen your claim. If your case goes to trial, your attorney will provide dedicated court representation, presenting evidence and arguments to secure the best possible result.

At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we understand the complexities of catastrophic injury cases and are committed to protecting your rights. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Contact Our Sacramento Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t face the challenges ahead alone. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our team of experienced attorneys is here to provide the legal support and guidance you need during this difficult time. As trusted Sacramento catastrophic injury lawyers, we are dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.

A catastrophic injury can lead to long-term challenges, but with the right legal representation, you can focus on healing while we handle the complexities of your case. Our firm has a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and a commitment to fighting for justice.

Take the first step toward recovery and justice today. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. We are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. Call us or fill out our online contact form to get started. Let us advocate for you and help secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

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.