When a commercial truck driver violates the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations and causes an accident, they are likely to be held accountable for the damage and/or injuries they cause. Perhaps that is why a jury recently decided to award Derrick Franklin with a $3.5 million verdict after he sustained severe and permanent injuries in a 2016 trucking accident.
According to WLBT, Franklin had been operating an 18-wheeler heading east on Interstate 20 back on August 11, 2016 “when out of the darkness, he collided with another semi driver.” That driver was identified at Zewdie Dugda of Skymile Logistics. Apparently, Dugda had been driving without his lights on which was one violation of the law and was traveling at about 30 mph, which was another. The minimum speed limit on the interstate where Dudga was driving was 40 mph. When Franklin collided into the back on the truck, both men proceeded to pull their vehicles off the roadway, however, Dudga “stopped before reaching [the shoulder], blocking Franklin from maneuvering off the road.
This put Franklin in a very dangerous position.
After seconds passed, another 18-wheeler came up from behind and crashed into Franklin’s truck. The accident left Franklin with a broken hip and arm, and he was confined to a wheelchair. His accrued nearly $300,000 in medical bills and is now unable to walk without assistance.
After waiting two years, Franklin finally received the justice he deserved.
The jury who was assigned to the case deliberated for almost four hours and came back with a 7-0 unanimous decision finding Dudga 100% liable for the injuries Franklin sustained. Although the hefty award Franklin is expected to receive isn’t going to mend the injuries he sustained, it will help cover the medical bills he accrued and allow him to receive the medical treatment he needs, which can be costly and unavailable to those who simply cannot afford it.
Were you involved in a wreck that left you permanently disabled? Are you looking to hold a driver liable for covering your damages? If so, Jackson, MS truck crash attorney William E. Ballard is available to help you.
If a truck accident has left you suffering from severe or even permanent injuries and you are wanting to find out how you can recover the compensation you are due for the damage that has been caused, contact Jackson, MS truck accident lawyer William E. Ballard. As you can see from the case cited above, thee cases can take a significant amount of time before they settle and a victim is awarded for the injuries they sustained. Therefore, it is best you allow our office to get the legal paperwork filed immediately so that your case is initiated and we can work with you to prove to the courts why you deserve the compensation you are demanding be paid.
Ballard Law, PLLC. is located at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
