Truck Accident

ST. LOUIS CITY

2000

AUTO/TRACTOR TRAILER

Client v.Bee Line Trucking Co., John T. Dunman

Cause: #972-10020A, Division #7, Judge Hom. John J. Riley

Plaintiff’s Attorney: Robert H. Pedroli, Jr.

Type of Claim: three vehicle collision, two autos and a tractor trailer truck; Plaintiff, about 19 years old at the time, alleged that she was westbound on I-40/64, just east of the I-170 interchange when defendant Dunman lost control of his tractor trailer truck cab, which was not carrying a trailer at the time, and pushed two cars into the median. Plaintiff was in the second car. Plaintiff claimed defendant failed to keep a careful lookout before changing lanes and was following the vehicle in front of him to closely.

Defendant disputed the nature and extent of plaintiff’s alleged injuries. Defendant asserted that plaintiff’s medical treatments were minimal and she did not recieve any medical treatments related to this accident for about two and a half years before trial. The driver of the other car involved in the accident settled before suit was filed.

Damages/Injuries Alleged: soft tissue neck, laceration to face, resulting scar under eyebrow and small scar on forehead, burn to arm, healed without scarring, bulging disc in neck at C4-5, not operated, continuing neck pain, future surgery needed; medical scpecials: about $3,000 to date of trail + about $11,000 – $12,000 for future surgery; wage loss: about $1,500 property damage: vehicle declared a total loss, figure unavailable..

Plaintiffs Expert: Dr. Peter Mirkin, Orthopedic Surgeon, treating doctor from St. Louis, MO, by video deposition.

Last Demand: $85,00 before trial, according to Plaintiffs attorney.

Last Offer: $25,00 before and during trial.

Verdict: Returned January 13, 2000 for plaintiff $76,000 against both defendants; no post-trial motions; judgement satisfied