An interstate carrier traveling well above safe speed lost control on a downhill grade and crossed into oncoming traffic, leaving a young adult with a permanent traumatic brain injury.
The collision occurred on a federal highway during daytime hours. The commercial driver was operating a fully-loaded tractor-trailer and had been on duty far longer than federal hours-of-service regulations permit. Black-box data later confirmed the vehicle was accelerating into a posted descending grade when the driver lost control and crossed the median.
Discovery showed the motor carrier had falsified electronic logs, ignored prior speeding alerts, and failed to enforce its own fatigue-management policy. The carrier's safety director admitted in deposition that internal audits had flagged the driver months earlier. Liability was further compounded by negligent retention claims supported by the driver's pre-employment record.
The plaintiff sustained a severe traumatic brain injury requiring multiple craniotomies, long-term inpatient rehabilitation, and lifelong assisted care. A life-care plan documented decades of future medical, therapeutic, and attendant-care needs. Economists projected a complete loss of earning capacity.
Following a multi-week jury trial, the jury returned a verdict of $135.0M, including compensatory damages for past and future medical care, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and a substantial punitive component tied to the carrier's pattern of regulatory violations.
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