Steve* was driving in traffic, just like any other day. The healthy, active 34-year-old was on I-26 East near Ashley Phosphate Road when traffic began to slow. As he eased to a stop, he barely had time to react before disaster struck.
A tractor-trailer barreled toward him, unable—or unwilling—to stop in time. The force of the impact slammed Steve’s car into the vehicle ahead, trapping him in a violent chain reaction. In a matter of seconds, his life was forever changed.
Extensive Medical Treatment and Lasting Effects
Steve was immediately transported by EMS to an Emergency Room where he presented with neck, back, and shoulder pain. Following his release from the hospital, Steve faced a long and challenging road to recovery, particularly due to the severity of his neck injury. He committed to an intensive treatment regimen, attending physical therapy twice a week in an effort to regain mobility and alleviate his pain. Despite these efforts, his pain persisted, requiring more advanced interventions. He underwent a medial nerve block and a cervical radiofrequency procedure to manage his pain. When these treatments proved insufficient, neck surgery became his only option to address the excruciating effects of the crash. Our client underwent a discectomy and total disc replacement in his cervical spine at C5-C6.
In addition to his neck injury, Steve also suffered a tear in his shoulder, a condition which was deemed inoperable. In what should have been the prime of his life, with little to no history of prior injuries, the grave impact on his future health was undeniable. The injuries sustained through no fault of his own, forced him to change careers and give up activities he once enjoyed.
Strategic Legal Approach Secures Maximum Compensation
When Steve came to Joye Law Firm, he needed more than legal help—he needed someone to fight for his future. Attorney Brent Arant took on the case, ensuring that the trucking company and its insurers fully understood the gravity of Steve’s injuries.
Attorney Arant’s approach in handling the case was meticulous and strategic – knowing this wasn’t just about present suffering, it was about securing long-term care. He ensured that the trucking company and its insurers had full access to medical records, making clear the life-long impact of these injuries were caused by their insured. To further strengthen the case, Attorney Arant hired a life care planner to document future medical needs and their associated costs. The life care planner estimated Steve would need over $1 million to cover his future medical costs, which included a future spinal fusion surgery and ongoing treatment. This was in addition to the $200,000+ in surgical and medical costs he’d already incurred since the wreck.
Holding Multiple Insurance Companies Accountable
The trucking company that the at-fault driver worked for had multiple layers of insurance coverage. Shockingly, the at-fault driver had a horrendous driving record, including a prior crash years earlier while driving a tractor-trailer—where he fled the scene. Despite this troubling history, he was still entrusted to operate a massive commercial vehicle, putting others at serious risk.
Attorney Arant successfully secured the first insurer’s $1,000,000 policy limits after making it clear how severe Steve’s injuries and future care needs were. When the $1 million demand was met, the trucking company revealed an additional layer of insurance coverage. Through litigation, Attorney Arant obtained another $943,000 from the second insurer, bringing Steve’s total settlement to $1.943 million—ensuring his financial security moving forward.
Life Forever Changed, but a Future Secured
No amount of money can undo what happened to our client. He had to change careers, give up hobbies he held dear, and adjust to the limitations of his new reality. Through strategic legal action, Joye Law Firm secured a substantial settlement that ensures our client has the financial resources needed for his future and his medical care. His resilience throughout the process was commendable, and while his injuries altered his life, this result provides a sense of security as he moves forward.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, Joye Law Firm is here to fight for you. Contact us today for a free case review.
Note: To protect their identity, our client’s names have been changed for this article.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
