Trucker/Trucking Company Held to Account For Negligent Operation and Mainetenance of Tractor Trailer
1/15/2008
Case Type: Personal Injury - Commercial Motor Vehicle
Background:
-York County, Maine
Client was severely and permanently injured when her vehicle was rear-ended in a construction zone on the Maine Turnpike by a tractor trailer rig. Client's injuries had caused her to lose her job, her home, and left her in a very precarious position. Client's damages were great. Client's claim had been with another law firm for several years, and they had been unable to make any progress towards trial or settlement.
Result:
Once client came to The Hallett Law Firm, Attorney Weyrens, who has handled a number of trucking negligence cases, recognized that significant pressure could be brought upon the trucking company and the driver by investigating the maintanence records of the truck, as well as the log book and driving history of the driver. The Firm immediately initiated suite. Through extensive investigation, and the use of a commercial trucking regulation and safety expert, Attorney Weyrens was able to establish that the tractor trailer was over the legal weight limit at the time it rear-ended client's vehicle. Adding to the dangerousness of the truck & trailer was the fact that its brakes failed to meet State regulatory standards on multiple wheels. Additionally, the truck driver had a dubious driving record, with a history of multiple accidents and moving violation convictions.
Once the case was properly investigated, it was clear that the negligence of the defendant was much greater than the insurnace company had previously acknowledged. At mediation prior to trial the case was resolved with a very significant, confidential, settlement received by client.
