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$2 Million Settlement

Semitruck Crash

The lawyers of Cronauer Law negotiate a settlement without going to trial

A father and son were driving their work truck during a snowy day. As they proceeded through an intersection, Semitruck plowed through the left side of the work truck, impacting the Father who was in the driver seat and the son who was sitting in the passenger seat. 

The semi truck swerved left and ended in the ditch on the other side of traffic

The first responders used the Jaws of life extraction tool to open up the crushed work truck so they can retrieve the father. 

Both father and son was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Location of the crash

injuries sustained

Injuries sustained by the father:

Injuries to the left side of the body
  • Fractures to various facial bones, including the nasal bone, orbital floor, zygomatic arch, and frontal bone
  • Fractures to the greater wing of the sphenoid and temporal bones
  • Depressed fractures to the left calvaria and the squamosal portion of the left temporal bone
Cognitive and neurological impairments
  • Traumatic brain injury resulting in cognitive impairments
  • Post-concussive headache
  • Traumatic subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages with loss of consciousness
  • Minimal left frontal subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Acute small left frontal parietal and left tentorial subdural hemorrhage
Thorax and lumbar injuries
  • Non-displaced right anterior rib fracture
  • Non-displaced posterior lateral left 11-12 rib fractures

Impact on the father’s personal and professional life

Long-term medical care and rehabilitation

The father’s severe injuries will require ongoing medical attention and support, which may include surgeries, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. These treatments aim to help him regain as much function and independence as possible, but the process can be lengthy, costly, and challenging. The long-term nature of his medical care and rehabilitation could place a significant financial burden on the family and impact their overall quality of life.

Loss of earning capacity due to physical and cognitive impairments

The injuries have resulted in both physical and cognitive impairments that will likely affect his ability to work and earn a living. These impairments can make it difficult for him to perform tasks and fulfill responsibilities in his job, which could lead to reduced income or the inability to work altogether. This loss of earning capacity can have a profound effect on the family’s financial stability, making it harder to meet their daily needs and plan for the future.

Emotional distress and impact on family relationships

In addition to the physical and financial tolls, the father’s injuries can cause significant emotional distress for him and his family members. The pain, discomfort, and limitations he experiences can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and anxiety. These emotions may strain family relationships as they all navigate the challenges brought on by the accident. Family members may feel overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities and stress, and the father may struggle with the changes in his role within the family. This emotional distress can further impact the overall well-being of the family unit.

Cronauer law’s Legal Strategy

Investigation and evidence gathering

Thorough analysis of images from the incident scene: Cronauer Law meticulously examined photographs from the accident site to gather crucial details about the circumstances surrounding the collision. This information helped build a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the crash, contributing to a strong case.

 Collaboration with experts

To further strengthen their case, Cronauer Law enlisted the help of experts in various fields, such as accident reconstruction, medical, and financial professionals. These experts provided invaluable insights into the factors contributing to the accident, the extent of the father’s injuries, and the long-term financial implications of his injuries.

Establishing liability and negligence

Analysis of the semi-truck driver’s actions

Cronauer Law conducted an in-depth investigation into the actions and behavior of the semi-truck driver at the time of the accident. By determining if the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to take necessary precautions given the snowy conditions, the law firm was able to assess the driver’s potential negligence and liability.

Examination of the trucking company’s policies and practices

In addition to investigating the driver’s actions, Cronauer Law scrutinized the trucking company’s policies and practices, seeking to uncover any potential violations of safety regulations or inadequate training procedures. By doing so, they aimed to establish a pattern of negligence on the part of the trucking company, which could contribute to the overall responsibility for the accident.

Applicable rules:

49 CFR 383.131 – Test Manuals

A State must provide an FMCSA pre-approved driver information manual…. The manual must be comparable to the American Association of
Motor Vehicle Administrators’ (AAMVA)… Model Commercial Driver Manual…. The manual must include…

FMCSR 383.113

(c) Safe on-road driving skills. All applicants for a CDL must possess and demostrate the following safe on-raid drivng skills for their vehicle class:

(1) Ability to use proper visual search methods