A dangerous driver, a serious crash, and a $700,000 settlement for our client

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Accident victims often face uphill battles against reckless drivers and negligent companies, all while having to deal with injuries and other life-changing complications. Crosley Law is proud to stand for our clients, working for them to get the justice they deserve as they try to restore their daily lives.

We helped Danica*, secure a $700,000 settlement after a devastating collision caused by a dangerous commercial truck driver with a long history of misconduct.

*Client name changed to protect privacy

A routine stoplight turns into a nightmare

On May 16, 2023, Danica was on her way home, driving in the rain. She had stopped at a red light on FM 1516 in Bexar County when a massive Mack garbage truck slammed into the back of her vehicle.

The impact was violent, causing Danica’s car to lurch forward. The force was so severe that her chest struck the steering wheel and she immediately felt sharp pain in her neck and back.

What followed was almost as shocking as the collision itself: the truck driver attempted to flee the scene. Thanks to Danica’s quick thinking and multiple 911 calls, the driver was stopped, but he audaciously denied causing the crash.

The truck driver’s history of dangerous behavior

We dug into the garbage truck driver’s record and what we found was staggering. He was employed by a local waste disposal company but had a long and troubling history.

We discovered that the truck driver:

  • Was involved in at least five collisions while driving a commercial garbage truck
  • Had fled the scene from a motor vehicle collision on more than one occasion
  • Had multiple traffic violations, including speeding and ignoring traffic signals
  • Had a record of dishonesty and perjury during legal proceedings

Despite this disturbing pattern, he continued to drive a heavy-duty commercial vehicle through our community, endangering countless lives.

Our client suffers life-changing injuries

a diagram of a percutaneous discectomy

Danica’s injuries from the vehicle accident were severe and life-altering. She sustained damage to her cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, pelvis, and right shoulder. Her treatment included:

  • Multiple chiropractic treatments and spinal injections
  • Surgery to remove part of a herniated disc
  • Ongoing pain management for compressed nerves

Danica’s pain persisted even after extensive medical care. Everyday tasks like walking down stairs, cooking, and playing with her young grandchildren now caused discomfort. She also struggled with anxiety, particularly when driving. Her pain and impairments affected most aspects of her life.

We came prepared to fight for our client

the cover of a commercial motor vehicle drivers handbook for the state of Texas from the Department of Public Safety

Our team gathered extensive evidence surrounding the case, including consulting with a collision reconstruction expert and medical specialists. The evidence was clear: the driver’s negligence, reckless driving, and attempts to flee the scene caused Danica’s injuries.

What made the case even more compelling was the driver’s blatant disregard for safety. He admitted in his deposition that he wasn’t familiar with basic commercial driving standards, including safe following distances in wet conditions. His employer continued to allow him behind the wheel despite multiple prior wrecks and lawsuits.

RELATED: How lawyers prove fault in car and truck accidents

A negligent driver is held accountable

After a hard-fought negotiation, Crosley Law secured a $700,000 settlement for Danica. This compensation will help cover her medical expenses, future treatments—including a planned spinal surgery—and the daily hardships she faces.

While no amount of money can erase her pain, this settlement provides security and accountability. We are proud to have helped Danica obtain justice and send a clear message: reckless commercial drivers and the companies that enable them must be held responsible.

Crosley Law Is here to help

What might have looked like a simple rear-end collision at first glance ended up having life-changing consequences for our client.

These types of crashes happen all the time and can have layers of complexity beneath the surface. From reckless driving habits to dishonest conduct and a history of prior incidents, there’s often much more than meets the eye. That’s why it’s crucial to dig deeper and uncover the full story. At Crosley Law, we do exactly that.

RELATED: 5 reasons you should always talk to a commercial accident lawyer after a crash

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a law firm that will fight tirelessly on your behalf. At Crosley Law, we take on tough cases and win. Our record of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements speaks for itself, and we bring the same passion and dedication to every client.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Call 210-LAW-3000 or visit www.crosleylaw.com.