BWH’s Team Won a Client $27 Million After a Major Car Wreck
When a commercial box truck ran an elderly woman off the road and caused extensive personal injury, BWH’s Steven McNeel fought to win her a $27 million verdict.
Illegal Maneuvers on U.S. Route 129
One day in 2020, while traveling along U.S. Route 129 in Middle Georgia, an 83-year-old woman was forced off the road because of a box-truck driver’s reckless actions. While texting and driving, he decided to make an illegal pass around a tractor on a blind curve. The woman had no choice but to swerve to the right to avoid a collision.
She landed in a ditch. The driver fled the scene.
Extensive Injuries
As a result of the incident, the woman received numerous injuries, including:
- Spinal fractures
- Broken ribs
- Broken sternum
- Wrist fracture
- Cracked kneecaps
- Collapsed lung
When responders were able to reach her, she was found alive but unconscious. She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where providers began immediate treatment. Her recovery ultimately required several surgeries, as well as lengthy hospitalization and rehabilitation.
Steven Geared Up for a Major Fight With the Driver’s Company and Insurance
Even though the driver fled the scene, witnesses were able to help police locate him and determine the company he worked for. After a thorough investigation, the driver was found to be at fault for the accident and was charged with causing the wreck, texting while driving, and fleeing the scene. He was also found to have been inadequately trained as a driver by his employer.
However, his company denied responsibility, primarily claiming it was a case of “mistaken identity.” Neither the company nor its insurance carrier was willing to accept liability.
Steven and his team gave the company several opportunities to settle outside of court, but their steadfast denial caused the case to go to trial fairly quickly—roughly one and a half years after the incident—due to the victim’s age and her injuries.
The Results
Steven’s presentation in court was so powerful that it led to a $27 million verdict for the victim. Most of the amount served as punitive damages to punish the driver’s carelessness on the road, as well as the employer’s failure to provide proper training and take accountability.
Today, the woman is able to cover her medical bills and any future medical needs. Plus, she is secure with a life care plan that will keep her financially supported for the rest of her life.
It was a hard fight to reach a $27 million settlement, but Steven’s diligence only reflects the deliberate care that the team at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill shows to all our clients. People’s personal injuries are personal to us, and our fight for their support proves it.
Additional Success Stories
- BWH Got a Nurse the Workers’ Comp Benefits She Deserved
- How BWH Fought on Behalf of a Teen in a Work-Related Accident
- A Dog Bite in Irwin County Turned into a Fight for Justice
- A Negligent Security Case in Macon Led to a $750K Settlement
