Confidential – Tractor-Trailer & Wrongful Death

Settlement: Confidential

Attorneys: Gene Riddle and Adam Smith

We successfully resolved a claim for the family of a woman who died after her car was struck by a tractor-trailer in Duplin County. Although two independent witnesses testified that the truck driver ran through a red light, the truck driver claimed that he entered the intersection under a yellow light. The insurance company also claimed that the victim’s windows were illegally tinted, such that she could not see their vehicle, under the doctrine of contributory negligence.

We retained expert witnesses, including an accident reconstructionist to download the black box data, a trucking specialist to inspect the truck and trailer for violations, and an economist. We also worked with the District Attorney’s office to ensure charges were brought and eventually pled to by the truck driver. We filed suit on the claim and determined in discovery that there was additional insurance coverage on the trailer that had not been disclosed to us, despite specific requests. The claim settled at mediation for a confidential amount.

If you’ve lost a loved one due to another’s negligence, a North Carolina wrongful death lawyer can help you fight for justice and recover compensation.