Woman Hit by Tractor Trailer Awarded $2 Million

By Merylee Robbins

Published on October 14, 2005

The accident occurred when the driver of the tractor-trailer was forced to cross the double yellow line to avoid hitting a state plow truck, which was parked partially in the road in an area with restricted visibility. The truck then hit Allison who was driving in the opposite direction.

After the collision, Allison was trapped inside of her minivan with a traumatic brain injury and a shattered leg and hip until she was airlifted to a nearby hospital. Presently, Allison suffers from short-term memory loss and has difficulty problem solving as a result of her brain injury. Her orthopedic injuries have made it difficult for her to walk and she is still unable to run. She also has a hard time managing a full-time job, as she tires easily.

The jury's decision in the case found the tractor-trailer driver, the State Department of Transportation (responsible for the plow truck), and Allison all partially liable for the accident. The original award of $2 million was reduced by $220,000 due to Allison's 11 percent liability for not avoiding the crash. The state was assigned 71 percent liability and the trucking company ordered to pay $350,000 in damages.

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