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Trucking Company Ordered to Pay $11.5 Million to Injured Woman
Posted: Mar 26, 2012 01:18 PM | Last Updated: Apr 4, 2012 04:02 PM

FRESNO, CA — Here’s a reason to make sure your loads are secure.

A California court awarded $11.5 million to a woman who was injured by a piece of iron that flew off a flatbed in Sept., 2010.
The truck was operating for Selma-CA., -based Lion Raisins and was on highway 99.

The flatbed was carrying empty wooden bins held in place by cables. At one point, the load shifted and one of the iron corners from one of the bins flew off the trailer and into the windshield of a 2009 Acura, driven by Susan Reyes, who at the time was a 41-year-old teacher.

According to local media reports, her attorney said the verdict is one of the largest he can recall in 40 years of legal work.
Court heard that Reyes has no memory of the event and has lost her driver's license and has been unable to continue her job as a special-assignment teacher.

The award was divided into money for past and future medical expenses, past and future earnings losses, and pain and suffering. The jury also awarded $350,000 to her husband, for damages.

In other recent big-money settlements, another Fresno woman was awarded $10.5 million in 2008 for brain injuries suffered after her car crashed with a dump truck whose driver later proved to be impaired.

And in 2010, two motorists who were seriously injured in a 2008 rear-end collision were awarded more than $9 million in damages.

 

 
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Anonymous

2012/07/27

at 12:16 PM

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-15
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To the last commentor,Ok the driver admitted to falling asleep. How many times does someone in a four-wheeler fall asleep and hits a truck and the trucking company still gets charge? How many four-wheelers (and you probably have done it too) cut in front of a truck as yiu're coming up to a stop light? As another comment read, reguardless of how an accident happens they only see dollar signs. Where's the story where the trucker sues the driver of the four-wheeler for their unsafe actions? You will NEVER see that story. I was hit head on in Hamiliton, Al in '97 by a four-wheeler, it was clearly obvious to everyone and the officer even wrote it up as to the fault was on the driver of the four-wheeler, which we later found out the driver had five different ID's, it wasn't her car and it was clear she fell asleep and cross the line to my side. The tractor was totaled and as well as the car, and in the end I was told she sued my company for $5 Million and won.

Anonymous

2012/07/27

at 11:45 AM

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3
55
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It a shame but things do happen I don't wish it or approve of these types of things happen but you can't prevent them all . I be been the recipient of unfortunate injuries . I have recurved perminiant injuries due to peoples willing neglect and unwilling mistakes. I have adjusted in life and found ways to make my disabilities not get in the way. People that I used to work with now that work for me are amazed that I do as well and exceed most of them in their jobs. I do believe she will never succeed by choice not injuries.

Anonymous

2012/07/27

at 11:32 AM

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10
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That is a awfull Story.but stuff happens even when your the most carefull person in the world. I move heavy equipment and check every load before transporting. I have seen stuff break that you would think possible. It's sad peoPle can't be more understanding like we are with them. Look how many times a day a 4 wheeler does something so stupid. The truth is money makes the world go round and free money is even better. 40 million is that really going to solve everything. Is it going to start being a game who can score the most from a crash? It says in the bible thou shall not sue.It's sad what this world is comming to. Ps maybe the drivers who are driving right now can show a Little patience and courtesy it might just make the freeways little more tolerable. Hint hint containers those south of the border lol.Not all but 99.9%

Anonymous

2012/05/27

at 3:02 PM

Rating
7
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What happened to your wife and children is tragic and sadly totally preventable. I am so sorry for your loss, and can only offer my personal commitment to being a safe professional on our nations roadways. God Bless.

Anonymous

2012/03/26

at 11:38 PM

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-13
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that is why they don't want to change anything these people get around trucks and all they can see is dollar signs so they have no incentive to drive like they should yes we are the professionals but why do we have to take responciblity for everyone elses actions

Anonymous

2012/03/26

at 5:09 PM

Rating
4
59
55
The trucking company that killed my wife and injured both of our children paid $40.8 million in an out of court settlement. The driver admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. This occurred on August 16th, 2010.

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