Crashes involving semis and other large trucks are often serious and can be fatal. So, a couple who collided with a semi-truck in Dalton can count themselves as lucky to have survived with injuries. Nevertheless, the driver was severely injured to the point where he had his leg below the knee surgically amputated and suffered additional injuries to his leg and hip from the crash. His wife had lesser injuries. The trial to determine fault for the 2016 crash was held in Whitfield County Superior Court over four days.
Determining fault
According to news reports, the driver hit the slow-moving semi as it entered a highway to cross traffic and turn left. The victims hit the back of the truck. The question of fault involved the driver and a spotter who was supposed to give the all clear to the driver he attempted entering traffic. The spotter claimed the driver did not wait for guidance. The driver’s legal team, on the other hand, argued that the truck was sufficiently big enough to be easily recognized as a hazard to be avoided. The driver did not help his cause by changing his story several times during the trial, which meant he had little credibility.
Truck accidents often involve large settlements
The jury deliberated for just two hours before awarding the man who lost his leg $20 million and his wife $1.6 million for her injuries. This couple’s lives are changed forever by this crash, which is why victims with catastrophic injuries need to seek damages. An experienced personal injury attorney was able to provide legal guidance to help win this case and provide a happy ending to a situation that began so tragically.
