$1.8 Million Settlement in Commercial Truck Accident Case

On November 21, 2021, a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant was heading southbound on Interstate 35 in North Kansas City, Missouri, when a catastrophic trucking crash changed her life forever. Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys (KCAIA) handled the Sergeant’s claim and secured a $1.8 million settlement that will help her as she continues to recover and reclaim her life.

Details about the crash

This devastating collision occurred when a commercial semi-tractor-trailer made an improper lane change, striking our client’s vehicle with extreme force. The impact was so violent that her vehicle became airborne, crashed through a guardrail, and finally came to rest off the roadway.

This was an entirely preventable trucking error that sadly resulted in life-altering injuries and permanent consequences for the Sergeant.

A traumatic brain injury and neurological harm

As a result of this severe crash, our client sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) with post-concussion syndrome. Since the collision, she has suffered from memory loss, cognitive difficulties, episodic seizures, and syncope (fainting episodes). Her recovery has involved ongoing neurological care, along with treatment for severe psychological and emotional damage. Our client was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder, while also experiencing long-term symptoms like anxiety, sleep terrors, and debilitating insomnia.

Severe orthopedic and physical injuries

Her physical injuries were also extensive and necessitated surgical intervention. The collision caused a rotator cuff tear, which required surgical repair. She ultimately underwent two shoulder surgeries.

Her left knee was severely damaged as well, requiring MPFL reconstruction surgery. She suffered chronic pain from these injuries and others throughout her body, resulting in long-term, persistent symptoms.

A military career cut short

Prior to this terrible crash, our client had a promising future serving in the United States Air Force. Because of the severity of her injuries, she could no longer perform her military duties.

As a result, she was medically discharged, placed on permanent disability retirement, and assigned an 80% disability rating. This caused the loss of not only current income, but also significant future military compensation and retirement benefits she had worked years to earn.

Extensive medical treatment and costs

As a result of her serious injuries, the Sergeant was forced to endure a long and costly medical journey involving:

• Emergency hospitalization immediately after the crash
• Two shoulder surgeries
• Knee reconstruction surgery
• Psychiatric treatment
• Ongoing neurological care
• Physical therapy
• Continued mental health counseling

The medical expenses that the collision led to exceeded $127,000, creating an unfair financial burden.

The $1.8 million settlement result

Through aggressive advocacy and thorough case development, KCAIA was able to secure a $1.8 million settlement for our client.

The recovery provided compensation for her:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and retirement benefits
• Pain and suffering
• The profound life impact of this preventable collision

*Note that certain case details were modified to protect client confidentiality.

Why truck crashes are complicated

Truck crashes tend to be complex for a few reasons. First, when commercial trucks are involved in collisions, the results are often severe, long-term injuries. Commercial trucks are massive, and when they cause crashes, they tend to lead to devastating injuries for anyone impacted, but especially those in smaller passenger vehicles. When injuries are more serious, they result in higher medical bills, lost income, and other losses for the victims. Insurers and truck companies may fight aggressively to reduce their liability or shift blame onto the victim because they would like to avoid having to pay out large settlements or verdicts.

Additionally, when large commercial vehicles are involved in crashes, there are several parties that might be liable. The at-fault driver is one possibility, but others include the company that owns the truck, the company that is responsible for loading cargo, manufacturers of defective parts and more. Working to achieve a positive outcome and a settlement that actually reflects the victim’s losses requires the assistance of a diligent and experienced personal injury attorney.

Contact KCAIA today to speak to an attorney

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a commercial truck accident, you deserve answers, accountability, and full compensation for what you’ve endured. Contact our experienced Kansas City truck accident attorneys today to discuss your legal options and find out how we can support you during this difficult time.