This is a list of our firm's case results in Virginia (VA) and beyond. We can't guarantee you'll receive the same results, but we can guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf and try to obtain the jury verdict or settlement you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

$3.5 Million Settlement for Truck Accident Victim

Settlement Amount: $3.5 Million plus mediation costs

Firm Attorneys Who Handled the Case: Randall E. Appleton and John C.

Date: November 16, 2010


What Happened:
A commercial driver in a tractor-trailer rear ended a passenger vehicle on Interstate 64 (I-64) in Norfolk, Virginia (VA). Our client was a passenger in a car driven by a friend who was driving slowly after a tire problem. The two vehicles caught on fire. Our client, a 25-year-old man, was trapped in the passenger vehicle and lost his life. 

The trucker in deposition admitted that he did not see the passenger vehicle until a few seconds before he hit the car. We also established that the story given by the truck driver to the state troopers was inaccurate.

The defense argued that the driver caused the crash by going 25 mph on the highway at night without hazards on. An independent witness indicated that the car was going extremely slowly and that he was barely able to avoid hitting it himself.

The tractor trailer operator, however, violated several safety rules from the Virginia CDL Manual.  We also uncovered evidence of poorly controlled diabetes which the trucker had failed to adequately treat prior to the crash by not following doctor's orders and not taking his medication properly.  Defendant contested whether the diabetes was a cause of the crash.

Outcome:
Our client, from Portsmouth, VA, was a gainfully employed and responsible person who voluntarily sent child support to his five-year-old daughter. He and the child's mother had never been married, and did not live together at the time of the wreck. The economic losses were limited to the likely child support and health insurance benefits through age 22 for the child. This led to the $3.5 million settlement plus the cost of mediation.

Awarded: $3.5 Million plus Mediation Costs

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have experience handling truck wreck cases. Check out our truck accident case results and our free consumer guide on what to do if you get involved in an accident with a commercial truck.

We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Newport News, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been named to the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009 and included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Jim and Rick have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of practicing lawyers receive this honor.

In addition, our VA injury law firm was the first in the commonwealth to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms, and we have the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization. The rating indicates we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential consultations. Call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a message so we can get back to you.