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Sacramento Nerve Damage Injury Lawyer

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Compassionate Nerve Damage Attorneys in Sacramento

When a person endures nerve damage from an accident it completely disrupts their life. The combination of lost mobility, chronic pain, and increasing medical expenses creates an overwhelming situation. 

That’s where Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys comes in. For many years our attorneys have represented clients who have experienced severe nerve damage because of someone else’s carelessness. Our team of Sacramento attorneys specializing in nerve damage injury cases understands the risks involved and remains dedicated to obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Our firm has successfully secured millions of dollars in compensation for injury victims to pay for medical care and lost income as well as long-term rehabilitation. Our past clients’ testimonials demonstrate the positive impact we’ve had. Our record of success demonstrates our capabilities and we confidently confront major insurance companies to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.

If you suffered nerve damage after an accident, reach out to us immediately. The sooner you take action, the greater your chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. 

Understanding Nerve Damage Injuries and Their Impact 

Peripheral neuropathy refers to nerve damage injuries that happen when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord sustain damage. The essential communication between the brain and different parts of the body faces disruption through this damage, which triggers symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain that typically affects the hands and feet. 

Nerve damage results in severe long-lasting effects, as people suffering from nerve damage may feel persisting pain, and burning sensations, while others experience tingling or a complete absence of feeling in their affected areas. As these symptoms progress with time, they may develop into muscle weakness while causing paralysis or permanent loss of sensation. 

Nerve damage extends beyond physical impact by causing significant mental and emotional distress. Long-term neuropathic pain diminishes life quality, while raising the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. When sensation is lost, injuries can occur without detection, which worsens the person’s health condition. 

Recognizing the complex consequences of nerve damage highlights why immediate medical and legal aid is essential. It is crucial to consider both the health impacts and the injury’s context to provide complete care, facilitate recovery and filing a nerve damage claim.

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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

Common Causes of Nerve Damage Injuries 

Multiple events can lead to nerve damage which usually triggers substantial physical and emotional suffering. Understanding these frequent causes helps prevent future injuries and enables victims to pursue proper legal action and compensation for nerve damage.

Car Accidents

Severe nerve injuries often result from high-impact collisions. The neck, extremities, and back can undergo nerve compression or damage, when victims sustain spinal cord injuries or whiplash.

Slip and Falls

People who experience unexpected falls could have nerve compression or damage, which mainly affects the hips as well as the back or neck. People who experience these injuries frequently develop long-lasting pain, alongside movement difficulties.

Workplace Injuries

Employees working with heavy machinery or performing repetitive tasks face increased nerve damage risks in their work settings. Nerve trauma can occur from workplace incidents involving machinery accidents or lifting injuries.

Medical Malpractice

Medical procedural errors can unintentionally cause nerve damage. Surgical mistakes, and medication mistakes can cause permanent nerve damage which results in chronic pain and lasting disability.

Defective Products

When defective products fail they can cause accidents which lead to nerve damage. Defective equipment can result in crushing injuries or blunt trauma, which leads to compromised nerve function.

Understanding your legal rights becomes crucial when you have sustained nerve damage because of these situations. An experienced Sacramento nerve damage injury attorney can guide you through the appropriate steps to obtain compensation for your injuries.

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Is It Hard to Prove Nerve Damage? 

Establishing nerve damage within a legal proceeding presents significant difficulty. Nerve damage remains hidden to the naked eye and requires extensive medical documentation to support never damage injury claims. Also, the variability of symptoms across different people adds complexity to the Nerve damage lawsuits in Sacramento. 

The Importance of Medical Documentation 

Nerve damage can be verified through diagnostic tests like nerve conduction studies. Doctor notes and medical histories provide an accurate depiction of how the injury affects the patient through time. Those documents are essential evidence that shows both the level and development of the injury.

Expert Testimony’s Role 

Neurologists and other expert witnesses prove to be essential elements in these cases. On the other hand, professional witnesses provide important information about both the nature and cause of the injury as well as its future consequences. 

Expert witnesses deliver testimony that translates complex medical data into understandable information for jurors or judges. Many legal systems need expert input to demonstrate how an injury connects to alleged negligence.

That’s why it becomes essential to work with a Sacramento nerve damage injury attorney, because they can help you collect critical medical documentation and expert testimonies that construct a persuasive case.

Does an MRI Show Nerve Damage? 

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique can detect nerve damage but it fails to provide conclusive evidence in every situation. MRIs provide outstanding detection capabilities for structural problems, such as herniated discs and compressed nerves that could be responsible for pain or dysfunction. 

Nerve damage may not be detectable through routine MRI scans. Doctors frequently use extra diagnostic techniques to obtain a full understanding of medical conditions.

Alternative Diagnostic Methods 

Due to the limitations of MRI in detecting nerve damage, specialists employ these additional diagnostic methods:

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Nerve Conduction Studies assess the transmission of electrical signals through nerves to detect potential damage or dysfunction.

Electromyography (EMG): EMG tests how muscles respond to nerve signals in order to check proper nerve functionality.

Ultrasound Imaging: Nerve entrapments or inflammation may remain undetected by MRIs, while ultrasound imaging can identify them.

Skin Biopsy: Small fiber neuropathy requires a skin biopsy because nerve damage in these cases happens at the microscopic level.

Multiple tests in personal injury claims provide concrete medical evidence which strengthens your case. An experienced attorney will work with you to confirm your medical records and get the Compensation for nerve damage you deserve. 

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Can You Claim Disability for Nerve Damage? 

Nerve damage cases qualify for disability benefits if the injury causes significant problems with work performance and daily living tasks. People who experience nerve damage resulting in chronic pain, sensation loss or muscle weakness often find it challenging to maintain their employment. Meeting specific criteria for nerve damage can make you eligible to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

The SSDI Process 

To receive SSDI benefits you need to demonstrate that your nerve damage prevents you from performing your job. You need to present your medical records and test results such as MRIs and EMGs, along with documentation demonstrating how your condition affects your daily functioning. The SSA follows specific rules to evaluate disability applications, which makes it essential to present detailed medical documentation alongside legal advice from an SSDI-experienced lawyer.

The SSDI application process requires extensive effort but having appropriate support will enhance your likelihood of claim approval. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys we provide guidance through the disability benefits process if you consider that your nerve damage qualifies. Reach out for a free consultation today!

What Steps Should I Take After a Nerve Damage Injury?

You must take immediate action following a nerve damage injury to safeguard both your health and your legal rights. Here’s a guide to follow:

  • Seek immediate medical attention: Prioritize your health by scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider right away. A timely diagnosis and treatment plan not only support your recovery but also help establish a clear link between the accident and your injury.
  • Document everything: Keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatments, medications, and how the injury affects your daily life. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence if you pursue a legal claim.
  • Consult with an experienced nerve damage attorney: A skilled lawyer will help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process. They’ll ensure all necessary evidence is collected and submitted within the appropriate deadlines.

How a Sacramento Nerve Damage Injury Lawyer Can Help

Having an experienced lawyer on your side when handling nerve damage from an accident becomes crucial for achieving the best outcome. Victims of nerve damage injuries receive dedicated support from Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, as we focus on securing the maximum compensation for them.

Our first step involves conducting a comprehensive investigation into how your injury occurred. We build a strong case by collecting evidence from the accident scene, and by reviewing medical records and witness testimonies. Because nerve damage often proves difficult to demonstrate, we collaborate closely with medical professionals to ensure precise documentation of your condition.

After collecting all the required information, we will manage all the interactions with insurance companies. Our team knows how to negotiate with insurers, who may attempt to reduce your claim and will advocate for appropriate compensation for your medical expenses and lost income,  as well as your pain and suffering.

Our attorneys will provide continuous representation throughout your court case. The Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys aims to safeguard your rights while maximizing your opportunity to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Why Choose Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys?

Our team at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys demonstrates superior performance, through our expertise and dedication to achieving excellent results for our clients. Our extensive experience in treating nerve damage injury cases has enabled us to develop a history of successful outcomes, which allows us to help many people receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.

Our personalized legal guidance addresses your particular needs, because we recognize the difficulties you face with nerve damage injuries and prioritize compassionate and dedicated support for you.

The firm adopts aggressive legal strategies when they prove necessary. Our team shows relentless dedication to achieving justice for clients whether we negotiate settlements or litigate in court. Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys stands as a reliable choice for your legal needs, and we dedicate ourselves tirelessly to safeguard your rights and future.

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How Do I Sue for Nerve Damage? 

The initial step to file a nerve damage lawsuit in Sacramento requires demonstrating that someone else’s negligence resulted in your injury. You maintain the right to claim compensation when your losses result from reckless driving, or property owner negligence and even from medical professional carelessness.

The Legal Process 

Your attorney will begin their investigation into the cause of your injury by collecting medical records, witnesses statements  and expert testimony. Afterward, they will submit an insurance claim to the responsible party’s insurer, while working to secure a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to provide compensation,the nerve damage settlement process

 Involves that your lawyer will take the case to court.

Who Can Be Held Liable? 

Various parties can be at fault in these cases: 

  • Drivers in car accidents 
  • Property owners in slip and fall cases 
  • Employers in workplace injuries 
  • Doctors or hospitals in medical malpractice cases 
  • Manufacturers of defective products 

An experienced attorney can build a strong case despite the complexity of proving nerve damage. Our personal injury attorneys at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys work towards achieving the highest possible compensation so you can concentrate on recovering from your injury. Don’t delay—if you’ve suffered nerve damage due to someone else’s negligence, schedule your free consultation today.

What Is the Average Settlement for Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage settlements vary greatly because each case presents unique circumstances. Your settlement amount is determined by the level of injury severity, and its impact on your life as well as your financial losses. While some nerve damage cases are resolved with settlements in the tens of thousands of dollars range, others that involve severe life-altering nerve damage may result in settlements of six or seven figures.

What Factors Affect Your Settlement? 

  • Severity and permanence of the nerve damage: Minor nerve injuries may heal naturally, while permanent damage can cause ongoing pain and disability—often increasing the settlement amount.
  • Medical expenses (past and future): Compensation should cover medical care already received, as well as future needs like surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
  • Impact on earning capacity: If nerve damage limits your ability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for both lost wages and reduced future earning potential.
  • Non-economic damages: Settlements can include compensation for chronic pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
  • Insurance company resistance: Insurance providers often try to downplay the long-term effects of nerve damage. 

At the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you or your loved one deserves.

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Contact Our Nerve Damage Injury Lawyers in Sacramento Today

Understanding your legal rights and options becomes vital after suffering a nerve damage injury. The Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys provides help with your legal process, through free case evaluations and expert legal guidance.

Handling nerve damage is a significant struggle, particularly when it results from another person’s careless actions, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our skilled team will support you throughout your case by collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today to set up your free legal consultation. Let us help you secure your rightful compensation, while you concentrate on healing with serenity.

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.