It is an all too familiar tale – 2 dead in tractor trailer incident in Wythe County Virginia.
Our local interstate system, specifically 1-81 and 1-77 are notorious for life altering and ending tractor trailer accidents.
Our client was retired, traveling home to North Carolina after judging an antique car show in Kentucky. The plaintiff said he was clipped in the right rear corner of his car by the defendants’ tractor trailer, sending his car spinning out of control into the guardrail and concrete embankment on the right shoulder. Evidence would have shown the driver was checking his cell phone and following too closely when he collided with the plaintiff’s vehicle.
Plaintiff suffered catastrophic injuries including fractured ribs, spine, collapsed lungs, fractured sternum, a degloving injury of the wrist and arm, fractures of the forearm. He survived, miraculously, requiring ongoing physical and occupational therapy that will continue indefinitely in either a long term care setting, or at home with 24 hour a day nursing care.
The case resolved during mediation for $2,500,000.
Many of these drivers are violating the law every day in their 2000 lbs of steel. Their carelessness changes and ends lives, daily.
If you or your loved one has been in a terrible tractor trailer accident on 81 or 77 in Western Virginia, we would be honored to help you.
Lauren Ellerman and Dan Frith