Edward Ciarimboli · Jay Vaughn
Learn how to try a tractor trailer hazardous weather case. Zero offer, $1,600,000 verdict using rules for snow and ice driving
January 27, 2023 6:30 PM||TLU n Demand
On January 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm, Chris Hood, was active duty Army. Chris was in his early 20’s and driving on Route 81 north in Cortland, NY when the driver’s side of his car was broadsided by a tractor trailer. Chris suffered permanent injuries from head to toe. On that night, Chris was driving an Acura with less than stellar tires on a snowy road. He was also driving too fast for the conditions. He was driving in the left lane and passed the tractor trailer being driven by Terrance Sellers of Cassidy Transfer who was admittedly driving 55-60mph in the snow and ice. After Chris passed the tractor trailer, he tried to move back into the right lane and ultimately lost control due to the snow and ice. He came to stop perpendicular to the road when Sellers broadsided him.
The case went to trial in the Middle District of PA on both vicarious liability theories as well as negligent hiring, supervision and training theories against Cassidy Transfer. Very simply, we alleged that had Sellers been trained appropriately he would have been driving consistent with “extreme caution” of 392.14 of the FMCSR and the crash would not have occurred. The jury agreed with us and ultimately awarded Chris over $1,600,000.
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