$3,404,173 For Severely Injured Son and His Father When Struck By A Speeding Tractor-Trailer in Santa Cruz County

$3,404,173 – A Peterbilt Tractor Trailer Slammed Into the Car At a High Rate of Speed. The Son Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Fractures. The Father’s Injury was Aggravation of a Pre-Existing Spinal Injury.

On April 16, 2018 on State Route 1 near Santa Cruz, California, a loaded Peterbilt tractor-trailer slammed into our client’s car at a high rate of speed.  The impact squashed the entire rear part of their Nissan Versa car.  The father and son were wearing their lap belts and shoulder harnesses.  The freeway traffic had come to a stop and our clients were stopped in traffic when the collision occurred.

We argued liability in this case was clear.  The defense argued our clients failed to stop before striking the vehicle in front of them and argued the collision did not cause the plaintiff’s disabilities.  The father, who was driving, had pre-existing back injuries that we argued were aggravated by the collision.  He did not receive much medical treatment and therefore his recovery was limited.

The 31 year old son was previously disabled from birth with epileptic seizures that increased after the collision.  He also suffered spinal fractures requiring surgery.  He was unemployed and required full time live in care by his family before the accident.  The defense argued there was little change in the son’s disabilities caused by the collision and that he required full time care before the accident.  We proved the son received a traumatic brain injury that caused increased pain, suffering and disability.

The settlement provided for the purchase of a home for the son and his father and for money put into a Special Needs Trust for the son that will take care of him the rest of his life.