When a commercial truck driver fails to follow basic safety rules on the road, the consequences can be life-changing. The team at Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz secured a $950,000 settlement for a client who was seriously injured when an 18-wheeler crashed into the back of his vehicle.
The Collision: A Failure to Keep a Careful Lookout
Our client was lawfully stopped in traffic due to road construction ahead when the driver of an 18-wheeler, distracted and not maintaining a proper lookout, slammed into the rear of his vehicle. This was not a minor impact. Tractor-trailers carry enormous force, and even a moment of inattention can lead to devastating injuries.
The Insurance Company Refused to Accept Responsibility
Instead of taking accountability, the truck driver’s insurance company attempted to downplay the crash and minimize our client’s injuries. They denied responsibility and refused to offer fair compensation.
That’s when our team stepped in.
The Next Steps
Recognizing the seriousness of the collision and the unfair attempts to shift blame, CBPW filed a lawsuit and moved the case forward in litigation. As the evidence mounted, the insurance carrier requested mediation before trial.
At mediation, our attorneys negotiated aggressively on our client’s behalf, ultimately securing a $950,000 settlement to help him recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the crash.
Why Trucking Cases Require Immediate and Specialized Action
Cases involving commercial trucks are very different from accidents involving only passenger vehicles. These crashes involve:
- Federal safety regulations
- Driver logbooks and electronic data
- Maintenance records
- Company safety policies
- Black box (ECM) downloads
- Immediate accident-scene investigations
Critical evidence can be lost if action isn’t taken right away. That’s why experience matters.
At Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz, we understand the complexity of these cases, and we know how to uncover the truth.
CBPW: Your Local, Trial-Ready Trucking Accident Attorneys
Our firm is deeply rooted in Southeast Missouri, and we’re known for standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. We don’t let them pressure injured people into low-ball settlements. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, and insurance companies know we don’t back down.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a commercial motor vehicle, you deserve answers and a team that fights to win.
Contact Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We’re here to protect your rights, fight for the compensation you deserve, and stand with you when life hits hardest.