Case Facts

One morning in September 2021, our client was driving a 2014 Honda CR-V eastbound on US-90A in Escambia County, Florida. She was traveling straight through an intersection at around 9:35 a.m. on a dry road under cloudy, daylight skies. Her normal morning commute was suddenly cut short by a commercial semi-truck.

The other driver was operating a 2017 Freightliner semi-truck with a large trailer and was attempting to turn left at the intersection. The driver had been stopped at a stop sign but pulled out to make the turn, failing to yield the right-of-way to our oncoming client. The driver pulled directly into our client's path, causing a violent collision.

The impact crushed our client's SUV, leaving her trapped inside the driver's seat. Emergency rescue crews arrived at the scene and had to use heavy specialized tools to cut through the vehicle's structural pillars and push the dashboard forward to free her. Once extricated, emergency medical teams immediately placed her in spinal precautions and rushed her to the hospital.

Injuries

When a commercial semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the physical damage to the human body can be devastating. As a result of the crash, our client sustained serious injuries that changed the way she moves, sleeps, and lives. Her medical care included extensive emergency treatment, surgeries, inpatient rehabilitation, and long-term support.

• Traumatic brain injury (a serious head injury that caused immediate confusion and reduced mental alertness)
• Multiple severe bone fractures (broken bones throughout her body, including a broken upper arm near the shoulder, a broken forearm, a broken hand, and a broken kneecap)
• Pelvic and spinal fractures (broken bones in her pelvis and a broken sacrum, which is the bone at the base of the spine)
• Internal organ trauma (a bruised and cut kidney that resulted in internal bleeding and blood in her urine)
• Severe mobility limitations (widespread muscle weakness, a lack of physical coordination, and severe trouble walking safely)
  

Lasting Impacts

Before the crash, our client led a highly active and productive life. She had built a dedicated forty-year career providing financial services for the United States Military and was currently enjoying her time working part-time in a local sewing business. The injuries she suffered left her unable to return to work.

After the crash, even the simplest household movements became a painful challenge. Her lower-back pain became severe if she stood long enough to simply cook dinner or if she sat in a chair for a prolonged period. She experienced constant leg pain, severe weakness, and unsteadiness, requiring her to rely on a cane, a walker, and a mobility scooter to get around.

The pain reshaped her daily personal independence. While she still tried to walk her dog, the shooting leg pain severely limited her distance and forced her to use a walker whenever she stepped outside. Because she lives alone, she could no longer manage her small yard and had to hire outside help for basic tasks.

Our Steps

When David Holt of Smith Law Center and our legal team took on this case, we immediately sent out formal notices to protect key evidence from the scene. This quick action made sure that important crash records and data were saved before they could be lost or changed.

Our team then gathered her medical records and worked with experts to map out her true long-term needs. We built a clear breakdown showing exactly what she would require for physical therapy, doctor visits, and daily help at home.

As the claim moved forward, the Smith Law Center prepared to hold the trucking company fully responsible. This careful preparation showed the defense that our team was ready to keep pushing the case to protect our client.

Settlement

Our client’s case resolved for a total recovery of $1,000,000. Through the settlement process, our firm successfully secured the full liability insurance policy limits of $1,000,000 from the commercial truck's insurance carrier, ensuring our client received the maximum financial resource available from that policy to support her lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.

You do not have to handle a serious injury claim alone. When you need someone to stand up for you, we hit back. Contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation.