William P. Moore recently obtained at $5.55 million settlement on behalf of his client, who was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, due to the negligence of a tractor-trailer operator.
Tractor-Trailer Accident
Mr. Moore’s client, who was a professional tree-trimmer at the time of the accident, was the passenger in a car that was taking him to work. The automobile, which was traveling on a highway in a rural community in Western New York, was being closely followed by a commercial tractor-trailer. As the victim’s vehicle slowed for a roadway condition, the tractor-trailer operator, who was not maintaining a proper distance, rear-ended the automobile. The force of the impact was so great that it propelled the victim’s vehicle nearly thirty feet and scattered debris along the roadway.
Accident Victim’s Injuries
As a result of the impact, Mr. Moore’s client suffered significant and disabling injuries to his spine which required surgical intervention. Unfortunately, he is left with chronic pain and is permanently disabled.
$5.55 Million Settlement
Mr. Moore and his team at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria, worked with multiple experts to analyze the victim’s damages as a result of the collision. Those damages included past and future lost wages and benefits; future lifecare costs; and damages associated with the victim’s pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. As the matter proceeded towards trial, Mr. Moore mediated the case and successfully negotiated a $5.55 million settlement for his client.
Following Too Closely
Several federal agencies have addressed the dangers of vehicles that follow too closely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines following too closely as “situations in which one vehicle is following another vehicle so closely that even if the following driver is attentive to the actions of the vehicle ahead he/she could not avoid a collision in the circumstance when the driver in front brakes suddenly.”
When a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is involved, additional precautions are necessary. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that large trucks need additional space between vehicles to allow for safe braking and unexpected actions. According to the FMCSA, five percent of truck crashes can be attributed to when the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver follows a lead vehicle too closely.
It is clear that all vehicles, particularly CMVs, that follow too closely present a significant danger to fellow drivers on the road.
For More Information
If you would like more information regarding roadway safety, motor vehicle accidents, or other injuries caused by the negligence of others, click here to contact attorney William Moore.
