In January a federal jury found Landstar Ranger Inc. and their driver liable for a truck accident that occurred on Sept. 4, 2017 when a Freightliner semi truck owned by Landstar rear-ended the GMC Envoy in which plaintiff, James Hall, was traveling.  The trucking company was found liable for the plaintiff’s injuries and past and future pain and suffering.

What Damages Were Awarded?

The jury awarded James $232,000 for past medical expenses, $750,000 for future medical expenses, $93,000 for past lost wages, $800,000 for future loss of earning capacity, $1 million for past physical pain and suffering and mental pain and suffering, $750,000 for future physical pain and suffering and mental pain and suffering, and $750,000 for past and future disability and loss of enjoyment of life, a total of $4.375 million.

According to the complaint, Hall was traveling westward on Interstate 10 in the Lake Charles metropolitan area in Louisiana when he slowed for traffic. At this time, the complaint states, he was rear-ended by a Landstar freightliner driven by Jacques Manassee, and his vehicle pushed into a light pole. Hall was released from the emergency room that day with a concussion and stapled head wound, and his complaint claims the collision resulted in “severe, crippling and disabling injuries”, specifically serious injuries to his brain, lower back, neck, shoulder, knee, hand, wrist and body as a whole. He also said that he accrued over $90,000 in medical bills and had two surgeries related to the crash by the time the complaint was filed in 2018.

The defendants denied that they or their driver were negligent or at fault, and stated that the truck accident was the sole fault of the plaintiff, James Hall., due to the plaintiff’s failing to observe the traffic conditions and maintain a proper lookout, failing to have his automobile under control, driving too slowly and/or coming to a sudden stop on the interstate, driving in a generally inattentive and careless manner, and failing to see what he should have seen and do what he should have done.

Landstar also claimed that some of the plaintiff’s injuries and conditions existed prior to the accident. Hall was struck by a drunk driver in 1994 while riding his motorcycle and suffered serious injuries.

Can I File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Recovering from serious injuries resulting from an accident is difficult and can result in crippling medical bills in addition to the physical injuries. Individuals who have been involved in a truck accident may want to speak with a qualified attorney to determine if they are eligible to file a lawsuit. If you have been injured in an accident with a truck, Top Class Actions can connect you with a lawyer who may be able to help you recover the compensation owed to you due to the negligence of other drivers.

The case is Hall v. Landstar Ranger Inc. et al., case number 6:18-cv-00410, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.