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Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

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Trusted Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys

Spinal cord injuries can dramatically change your life, leaving you with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping individuals in Sacramento who have suffered these devastating injuries. As a trusted Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer, we bring decades of experience and a deep understanding of personal injury law to every case we handle.

Our team has a proven history of securing significant settlements and verdicts for clients facing life-altering injuries. Known for compassionate support and relentless advocacy, we work tirelessly to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. Many of our clients have shared their positive experiences in testimonials, praising our commitment to achieving justice and securing the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury, don’t face this journey alone. Contact our lawyers at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us provide the guidance, support, and representation you need to move forward.

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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 Spinal Cord Injuries in Sacramento

Spinal cord injuries can occur in many ways, often resulting from sudden trauma or accidents caused by negligence. Identifying the cause is a critical first step in determining liability and building a strong case for compensation. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our Sacramento spinal cord injury attorneys have extensive experience handling cases arising from various causes, each of which can have a profound impact on the victim’s life. These injuries can lead to lifelong consequences, such as paralysis, loss of mobility, and a dramatic change in lifestyle. Understanding the circumstances surrounding these injuries is essential for pursuing the justice you deserve.

Here are some of the most common causes of spinal cord injuries we handle:

  • Car Accidents: High-speed collisions or reckless driving frequently lead to spinal injuries, often resulting in severe pain and long-term disability. Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries, leaving victims with significant physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. 
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to spinal injuries due to limited protection in crashes. When a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, the risk of spinal damage is much higher, often leading to lifelong complications. 
  • Truck Accidents: The immense size and weight of commercial trucks can cause catastrophic spinal damage when involved in accidents. The impact of a truck collision often leads to serious spinal injuries that require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. 
  • Slip and Falls: Dangerous property conditions, such as wet floors, poorly maintained premises, or uneven surfaces, are common causes of spinal injuries. Slip and fall accidents can lead to severe back and neck injuries, which often require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. 
  • Whiplash Injuries: Sudden and forceful movements during car crashes can lead to whiplash, which causes neck and spinal trauma. While whiplash may not always result in visible injuries, it can lead to lasting damage and chronic pain. 
  • Workplace Accidents: Unsafe working conditions, equipment malfunctions, or employer negligence can cause life-altering spinal cord injuries. Workplace injuries often lead to long-term disability, and workers are entitled to seek compensation for medical costs and lost wages. Our experienced Sacramento spinal injury lawyers can help navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
  • Sports Accidents: Contact sports, such as football, hockey, or soccer, can lead to spine trauma, especially if safety protocols are not followed. Injuries sustained during sports activities can have lasting effects on mobility, leading to high medical costs and significant lifestyle changes.
  • Acts of Violence: Assaults, gunshot wounds, or other violent acts can result in permanent spinal cord damage. These injuries often lead to extensive rehabilitation and emotional distress, and victims may be entitled to seek compensation from the responsible party.

Understanding the cause of your spinal cord injury is crucial when filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit. It helps establish who may be liable, whether it’s a negligent driver, property owner, employer, or a third party. The best spinal cord injury lawyer in Sacramento will work to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

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Types of Spinal Cord Injuries We Handle

Spinal cord injuries can vary greatly in severity, affecting every aspect of a victim’s life. At the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, our experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury attorneys are dedicated to helping victims navigate these challenges and pursue justice.

We handle cases involving a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Complete and Incomplete Injuries: A complete spinal cord injury results in a total loss of sensation and function below the injury site, while incomplete injuries retain partial function or sensation. Both types require tailored legal and medical strategies.
  • Paraplegia and Quadriplegia: Paraplegia affects the lower limbs and often requires life-long accommodations, while quadriplegia impacts both upper and lower body function, presenting even more extensive challenges.
  • Herniated Discs and Nerve Damage: Often resulting from trauma like car or workplace accidents, these injuries can cause chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term complications.

Accurate diagnosis and comprehensive medical documentation are crucial for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit and maximizing compensation for spinal cord injuries. Our legal team collaborates with medical professionals to ensure every detail of your injury and its impact is accounted for.

As a trusted Sacramento spine injury lawyer, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, whether it involves medical expenses, lost wages, or back and neck injury compensation. Learn more about our approach to personal injury claims in Sacramento by visiting our client testimonials or exploring how we assist with car accident cases. Contact us today to work with the best spinal cord injury lawyer in Sacramento.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Spine Injury?

A spinal cord injury can result in life-altering physical, emotional, and financial challenges. As an experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer, the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is committed to helping victims recover the full compensation they deserve for their losses.

Victims may be entitled to the following types of compensation:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes both current and future costs, such as surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and specialized care. Spinal injuries often require long-term medical attention, making comprehensive compensation essential.
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Spinal injuries frequently necessitate extensive physical therapy, adaptive equipment, and modifications to the home or vehicle. These costs can quickly add up, creating a significant financial burden.
  • Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and diminished earning potential.
  • Pain and Suffering: Beyond the physical pain, spinal cord injuries often lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. This compensation acknowledges those non-economic impacts.

Filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit can be a complex process, requiring detailed evidence and expert analysis. By partnering with the best spinal cord injury lawyer in Sacramento, you can ensure that every aspect of your claim is handled effectively.

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How Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys Helps Spinal Cord Injury Victims

At the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we are committed to providing comprehensive legal representation for spinal cord injury victims. As trusted Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyers, we understand the complexities of these cases and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

  1. Thorough Investigation: Our legal team carefully examines every detail of your accident to determine fault and identify all liable parties, whether it’s a negligent driver, property owner, or employer.
  2. Gathering Critical Evidence: We collaborate with medical professionals and expert witnesses to build a compelling case. This includes collecting detailed medical records, accident reports, and other essential documentation to substantiate your claims.
  3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. As experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury attorneys, we handle negotiations to ensure you receive a fair settlement covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and back and neck injury compensation.
  4. Representation in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our skilled trial lawyers are prepared to represent you in court. We aim to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Our firm has a proven track record of success. Read what our clients have to say about working with the best spinal cord injury lawyer in Sacramento. Contact the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss your options for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit.

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Who Can Be Held Liable for a Spinal Cord Injury in Sacramento?

When pursuing a spinal cord injury claim, determining liability is a critical step. As an experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyer, the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys thoroughly investigates each case to identify all responsible parties.

Liability may fall on several parties, including:

  • Negligent Drivers: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of spinal injuries. Drivers who act recklessly, drive under the influence, or fail to follow traffic laws can be held accountable.
  • Property Owners: Under premises liability laws, property owners must maintain safe environments. Dangerous conditions such as slippery floors or hazardous walkways can lead to spinal injuries, making the owner liable
  • Employers: Workplace accidents are another common cause of spinal injuries. Employers who fail to implement adequate safety measures or provide proper training may be held responsible.
  • Product Manufacturers: If defective equipment or products contribute to your injury, the manufacturer may be liable for damages.

Establishing liability is essential for filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit and pursuing compensation for spinal cord injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. As the best spinal cord injury lawyer in Sacramento, the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys builds strong cases to secure the justice you deserve.

How Long Do You Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in California?

In California, individuals pursuing compensation for spinal cord injuries must adhere to the state’s statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim, as outlined in California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. This timeline applies to cases involving accidents such as vehicle collisions, slip and falls, or workplace injuries.

However, specific exceptions can extend or shorten this deadline. For example:

  • Minors: If the victim is under 18, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach adulthood.
  • Government Entities: Claims against public entities require a formal notice to be filed within six months of the injury, per California Government Code § 911.2.

Failing to meet these deadlines can result in losing your right to seek compensation for spinal cord injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

As an experienced Sacramento spinal cord injury attorney, the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys ensures your claim complies with all legal deadlines. Whether you’re filing a spinal cord injury lawsuit or navigating complex exceptions, we are here to guide you.

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Why Choose Our Sacramento Spine Injury Lawyers?

Selecting the right legal representation is critical for maximizing your compensation. The Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys stands out as the best spinal cord injury lawyer in Sacramento, delivering exceptional results for clients navigating the complexities of spinal cord injury claims.

  1. Extensive Experience: With decades of experience in personal injury claims in Sacramento, our skilled attorneys have successfully handled cases involving spinal cord injuries, including those resulting in paraplegia, quadriplegia, and other life-altering conditions. Our legal team understands the intricate medical and legal aspects of these cases, providing you with a strategic advantage.
  2. Client-First Advocacy: We are dedicated to prioritizing your recovery and financial well-being. As your Sacramento spinal cord injury attorney, we handle every aspect of your case—from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court if necessary.
  3. Proven Track Record: Our firm has secured substantial settlements for clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Contact Our Sacramento Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, the Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys is here to help. Our Sacramento spinal cord injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for maximum compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term impact of your injury. With our proven track record and client-first approach, we ensure you receive the support and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team of experienced Sacramento spinal injury lawyers is ready to assess your case and provide expert legal guidance. Don’t wait—take the first step toward securing your future with the best legal team by your side.

Let Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve. Reach out to us today to take the first step toward resolution.

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.