When Mary* was hit in a multi-vehicle crash involving a commercial 18-wheeler, she never expected to be accused of causing her own injuries. But that’s exactly what happened.
The trucking company and its insurer tried to dodge responsibility by blaming a third driver, pointing to Mary’s prior health issues, and claiming the impact wasn’t strong enough to hurt her.
Crosley Law didn’t let them get away with it.
After extensive litigation, expert testimony, and witness interviews, our firm secured a $600,000 settlement for Mary—a result that far exceeded what the defense ever thought they’d have to pay.
* Name changed to protect client privacy.
The crash: a chain reaction triggered by negligence
Mary was driving her minivan in the far left-hand lane of I-35 in San Antonio when a commercial tractor-trailer suddenly veered out of its middle lane and sideswiped another car that was in the right lane. The smaller vehicle spun out around the front of the tractor-trailer and hit Mary’s minivan.
Mary suffered cervical and lumbar disc herniations, and chronic pain that disrupted her daily life. Her medical bills amounted to about $70,000.
Despite clear fault by the truck driver, the defense team insisted that the crash’s “low delta-v” (change in velocity) meant Mary’s injuries couldn’t be serious.
The trucking company also tried to blame the third vehicle involved in the crash, and the company further suggested that Mary’s pain was due to pre-existing conditions from her time in the military.
The defense’s denial tactics
The trucking company’s lawyers argued that:
- A third driver—not their client—caused the collision.
- Mary’s preexisting spinal conditions explained her symptoms.
- The crash had a “low impact” and couldn’t have caused lasting harm.
In other words, they claimed her case wasn’t worth much.
Crosley Law knew better.
Building the case to counter frivolous claims
Our attorneys and litigation team worked relentlessly to expose the truth. We:
- Deposed multiple witnesses, including before-and-after witnesses who described Mary’s health, energy, and lifestyle before the crash.
- Cross-examined the truck driver and safety representatives to establish clear liability.
- Hired the right experts to prove the medical, biomechanical, and human consequences of the crash.
RELATED: Why “before and after” witness testimony can make or break a personal injury case
Our team included:
- A crash reconstructionist to demonstrate how the 18-wheeler’s unsafe lane change caused the chain reaction.
- A biomechanical engineer to explain how even a low- to moderate-speed collision can cause serious spinal trauma.
- Pain management specialists and neurosurgical experts to detail Mary’s injuries, injections, and long-term care needs.
- A radiologist to interpret MRIs .
- A life-care planner and economist to quantify Mary’s future medical and economic losses.
RELATED: What is a life care plan and why does it matter in personal injury cases?
Through meticulous depositions and expert analysis, we dismantled the defense’s “low-impact” narrative.
During depositions, our attorneys are known for using precise, straightforward questioning about the rules of the road to lead witnesses into clear “yes” answers. Occasionally, a witness becomes defensive and resists these simple questions, which often backfires on them.
In this case, some of the most damaging testimony came from the trucking company’s own “safety” representative. The company’s safety director took several indefensible positions, refusing to agree with even the most basic safety principles. One particularly revealing exchange—her refusal to affirm the commonsense statement below—was so striking that it was marked as an exhibit to her deposition.
The result: a $600,000 settlement
After discovery made the strength of our evidence undeniable, the defense finally agreed to a $600,000 settlement. It was a strong result given the alleged “minor” collision and disputed liability.
Mary finally received the closure and resources she needed to move forward with her life.
You don’t have to accept an insurer’s decisions
Insurance companies love to argue that low-speed crashes or prior health problems make claims less valuable. Mary’s case proves that’s not true. With the right evidence, preparation, and experts, Crosley Law turns “low-impact” cases into high-value recoveries.
If you’ve been injured in a crash—even one the insurance company calls “minor”—call Crosley Law at 210-529-3000 or contact us online. We’ll uncover the truth and fight for full justice.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
