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.

Collision Between Two Big Rigs Creates Fireball

HSC&L STAFF: John C., Attorney Rosalyn Hughes, Paralegal Vera Spurrier, Legal Assistant CASE DESCRIPTION: Collision Between Two Big Rigs Creates Fireball COURT/DATE: Brunswick County Circuit Court, Virginia, February, 2007 OUTCOME: Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the liability insurer, Travelers Insurance Co., plus additional monies from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer WHAT HAPPENED: Tractor-trailer from Massachusetts was parked at night on Interstate 85, mostly on the shoulder but partly in the right-hand lane. Our client, driving a big rig with double trailers, clipped the left rear corner of the stopped vehicle, because there was a third truck passing him in the left-hand lane at the same time. A huge fireball resulted and our client was ejected from his rig. Our client, J.T., suffered various broken bones and had significant gastroentrological and urological problems as a result of the wreck. J.T., age 43, was not able to return to his old job as a truck driver. KEY LEGAL STRATEGY: One of the main problems with this case was that the insurer tried to blame our client for contributing to cause the accident by running into a vehicle in front of him. We retained an expert with many years as a trucking safety director to explain the challenges to a big rig driver coming across this dangerous circumstance to try to show that J.T. was not contributorily negligent. The Defendant had an accident reconstructionist providing opinions to try to prove that the Defendant was completely in the shoulder and not in J.T.’s lane of travel at the time of impact. We were able to show that the accident reconstructionist was doing junk science because his opinions were not based upon sufficient foundation like physical evidence from the scene. By getting the court, before trial, to strike this accident reconstruction testimony, we put the client’s case in a position to be resolved on the basis of J.T.’s word versus the out-of-state trucker. THE RESULTS: Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the parked truck’s insurance, plus additional monies and concessions from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer

Awarded: Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the parked truck’s insurance, plus additional monies and concessions from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer

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.