Monday, February 25, 2008

LOS ANGELES CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY RUNAWAY TRAILER THAT CAME DETACHED FROM A TRUCK RESULTS IN WRONGFUL DEATH




February 22, 2008

LOS ANGELES CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY RUNAWAY TRAILER THAT CAME DETACHED FROM A TRUCK RESULTS IN WRONGFUL DEATH

Common tow-trailers that are hitched to the back of passenger cars, SUVs, and trucks pose extremely hazardous risks when not secured properly. In Los Angeles, an unsecured trailer that came unhitched on the Sierra Highway caused the wrongful death of a man. When the trailer broke lose from the Chevy Suburban that was towing it, the driver of a Ford Expedition driving behind had to serve unexpectedly to avoid hitting it. Tragically, the SUV swerved across the median and slammed directly into an oncoming Dodge pickup, killing the driver of the truck instantly. The cause of the runaway trailer was a worn latch in the locking device. The widow of the man and their children were only able to recover $312,500 from their wrongful death suit.



A little known fact is that runaway trailers are responsible for a sizeable number of harmful accidents across the country. Trailers are used for a variety of purposes such as hauling household appliances, cars, boats, gardening materials, etc. When not used for commercial purposes, these trailers are often owned by individuals who are not properly trained to properly connect and secure them the towing vehicle. A study conducted by Master Lock found that most owners of trailers lacked basic safety and handling knowledge of the towing devices. In addition, more than half failed to attach safety chains to their trailers.

The risk of runaway trailers grows even greater, considering the lack of state and federal regulations governing private trailers and hauling devices. While some states require the use of safety chains, the safety requirements and regulations are not uniform or widespread. Although the California Highway Patrol posts very rudimentary towing and hauling guidelines on its website, there exists no formal training program or requirement for individuals prior to using a tow-trailer.


The remedies that can be sought after an accident involving a runaway trailer are, for the most part, limited to common law claims such as negligence, wrongful death, pain & suffering, etc. However, there seems to be a growing recognition of the dangers involved with towing. The state of Washington recently implemented a law that criminalizes the failure to secure a load when it results in bodily injury. The law, named “Maria’s Law,” was inspired by a tragic accident where debris from a U-Haul truck flew into the windshield of a woman driving behind the truck, causing her permanent blindness and disfigurement.

Tips for Safe Towing
Preparing a Trailer• Hook up the electric cable for trailer lights and make sure to check that the lights work.
• Tie the load down securely if you are using an open trailer,.
• You will need to look at your owner's manual to check the maximum weight the vehicle can safely tow. A general rule is to make sure that the vehicle is heavier than the trailer.
• Organize slightly more of the weight in the front half to ensure stability when loading the trailer,. When a trailer has been loaded correctly, approximately 10% of its total weight will be sitting on the trailer tongue.
• If you have a trailer with electric brakes, make sure the battery for the emergency breakaway system is charged and that the power cable is attached.
• Confirm before you leave that your tires are in good condition and are inflated the proper amount.

Towing a trailer• If you are in a situation where the trailer sways, hold the wheel straight and do not apply the brakes on the tow vehicle. If you brake or steer to counter the swaying, it can lead to loss of control of your vehicle. Stop when it is safe to do so and be sure the trailer is loaded properly.
• When towing a trailer, be sure to drive slowly, especially down hills. Avoid sudden stops and lane changes whenever possible.
• Avoid towing in windy, wet, or icy conditions.

If you or a family member has been involved in a truck accident, you could be eligible for compensation. If you have been injured as the result of a collision with a truck, which was not your fault or if a family member has been killed through a truck accident, you should contact a lawyer. If the accident occurred in California, please call us at Greenberg & Rudman LLC for a free and private consultation. We are experienced attorneys who can help guide you at this difficult time.

Monday, February 18, 2008

trailer comes loose from truck: Collision: Wrongful deaths: Settlement: Postverdict settlement.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3898/is_200303/ai_n9221849

trailer comes loose from truck: Collision: Wrongful deaths: Settlement: Postverdict settlement.

Ferguson v. Ritchie Tractor Co., Tenn., Knox County Cir. Ct., No. 2-60-01, Nov. 15, 2002.

Ferguson, 57, was driving on a roadway. A utility trailer came loose from a pickup truck and veered into Ferguson's lane, striking his vehicle head-on. He suffered fatal injuries. He had been the president of a security company earning approximately $100,000 annually. Ferguson is survived by his wife and two adult children.

Ferguson's wife sued the trailer manufacturer, alleging negligence in the design and manufacture of the trailer. Plaintiff also sued the company that owned and operated the trailer, alleging failure to adequately secure it, in violation of state law requiring safety chains.
The trailer manufacturer settled during trial for a confidential amount. The jury then awarded $5 million, finding the owner of the trailer 60 percent liable, and the manufacturer, 40 percent liable. Plaintiff then settled with the trailer owner for a confidential amount.
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Plaintiff's experts were Robert Lott, mechanical engineering, Nashville, Tenn., and Robert Bohm, economics, Knoxville, Tenn. Defendant's expert was Tyler Kress, mechanical engineering, Knoxville, Tenn.

Plaintiffs Counsel

*Sidney Gilreath, Knoxville, Tenn.

*Chris Gilreath, Knoxville, Tenn.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Woman Hits Loose Trailer on I-40 A settlement was reached for the amount of $500,000.

Woman Hits Loose Trailer on I-40

Woman Hits Loose Trailer on I-40

In August of 1997, Joni Walley was traveling down Interstate 40 in Nashville when she came across a trailer that had come free of the truck that was hauling it. The trailer was stopped in her lane, and Ms. Walley hit it head-on. Moments later, another vehicle struck her car from behind. Ms. Walley's car was a total loss.

She was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition and underwent several surgeries. She suffered from a serious liver laceration and major bleeding. Her initial prognosis was "extremely grave."

Fortunately, Ms. Walley survived. She had numerous follow-up visits to various doctors and was evaluated for post-traumatic stress syndrome. Her medical expenses exceeded $133,000.

On Ms. Walley's behalf, our office brought suit against the trucking company responsible for the unnattached trailer. A settlement was reached for the amount of $500,000.

Ms. Joni Seron Walley v. Hyun Dae Trucking & Shipping, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of TN, Case No. 200411, Robert L. Whitaker and Bart Durham, attorneys for Ms. Walley.

Woman Hits Loose Trailer on I-40

Woman Hits Loose Trailer on I-40

Woman Hits Loose Trailer on I-40

In August of 1997, Joni Walley was traveling down Interstate 40 in Nashville when she came across a trailer that had come free of the truck that was hauling it. The trailer was stopped in her lane, and Ms. Walley hit it head-on. Moments later, another vehicle struck her car from behind. Ms. Walley's car was a total loss.

She was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition and underwent several surgeries. She suffered from a serious liver laceration and major bleeding. Her initial prognosis was "extremely grave."

Fortunately, Ms. Walley survived. She had numerous follow-up visits to various doctors and was evaluated for post-traumatic stress syndrome. Her medical expenses exceeded $133,000.

On Ms. Walley's behalf, our office brought suit against the trucking company responsible for the unnattached trailer. A settlement was reached for the amount of $500,000.

Ms. Joni Seron Walley v. Hyun Dae Trucking & Shipping, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of TN, Case No. 200411, Robert L. Whitaker and Bart Durham, attorneys for Ms. Walley.

Trailer breaks loose from crane truck and strikes girl: Inadequate securing of trailer: Head injuries: Structured settlement

Trailer breaks loose from crane truck and strikes girl: Inadequate securing of trailer: Head injuries: Structured settlement

Leavesley v. Doe, Fla., St. Lucie County Cir. Ct., No. 99107 CA-10, Aug. 30, 2000.

Leavesley, 4, was in her front yard when a mobile crane truck pulling a trailer with two large funnels passed by. The trailer broke loose, rolled into the yard, and struck her, throwing her about 70 feet.

Leavesley was in a coma for almost two weeks. Her injuries included three skull fractures, multiple facial lacerations, and a fractured pelvis. She also had a brain disorder known as left-sided hemiparesis. Leavesley had difficulty speaking for some time after the accident and had to relearn many tasks she had previously mastered. Her family incurred medical expenses exceeding $600,000. Because of her diminished capacity, she had to repeat her year in kindergarten. Her treating physician stated that Leavesley will probably not be employable except in a structured setting, and that she will not be able to live on her own. An economist estimated the present value cost of her life care plan to be about $6.6 million.

Leavesley and her parents sued the owner of the crane truck, alleging negligence in the securing of the trailer.


Defendant contended that with therapy and tutoring, Leavesley would eventually be able to function as an adult with no restrictions.

After mediation, the parties reached a structured settlement with a present value of $950,000. Plaintiffs' counsel estimates that if Leaves(ey lives to her full life expectancy the total payout will exceed $25 million.

Plaintiffs' experts were Theodore Wasserman, neuropsychology, West Palm Beach, Fla; Robert G. Kamholtz, neuroradiology, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Sharon Griffin, vocational rehabilitation, Stuart, Fla.; and Bernard F. Pettingill, economics, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Defendant's experts were John M. Williams, vocational rehabilitation, Coral Springs, Fla.; Anthony J. Dorto, physiatry, Miami, Fla.; and Michael S. Duchowny, neurology, Miami, Fla.

Plaintiffs' Counsel

*Robert E. Gordon, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

*Adam S. Doner, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

An asterisk (*) appearing beside the name of plaintiff's counsel indicates that the attorney is an ATLA member. To obtain additional information about a case report, contact counsel through your ATLA membership directory.

Copyright Association of Trial Lawyers of America Feb 2001
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved



Trailer comes loose from truck: Collision: Wrongful deaths: Settlement: Postverdict settlement

Trailer comes loose from truck: Collision: Wrongful deaths: Settlement: Postverdict settlement.

Ferguson v. Ritchie Tractor Co., Tenn., Knox County Cir. Ct., No. 2-60-01, Nov. 15, 2002.

Ferguson, 57, was driving on a roadway. A utility trailer came loose from a pickup truck and veered into Ferguson's lane, striking his vehicle head-on. He suffered fatal injuries. He had been the president of a security company earning approximately $100,000 annually. Ferguson is survived by his wife and two adult children.

Ferguson's wife sued the trailer manufacturer, alleging negligence in the design and manufacture of the trailer. Plaintiff also sued the company that owned and operated the trailer, alleging failure to adequately secure it, in violation of state law requiring safety chains.

The trailer manufacturer settled during trial for a confidential amount. The jury then awarded $5 million, finding the owner of the trailer 60 percent liable, and the manufacturer, 40 percent liable. Plaintiff then settled with the trailer owner for a confidential amount.

Bryan man found guilty of criminally negligent homicide

Bryan man found guilty of criminally negligent homicide

By LAURA HIPP
Eagle Staff Writer


A Bryan man whose trailer came loose from his truck and killed a woman was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide Tuesday by a Brazos County jury.

The eight-woman, four-man panel took more than four hours to convict John Guzman Tello after a two-day trial in the 361st District Court.

Tello, 32, did not properly hitch a 16-foot trailer to his pickup on Oct. 16. The trailer came loose from the truck and struck Pat Supak as she was walking along Copperfield Drive.

Supak, a former Bryan teacher, died later that day at St. Joseph Regional Health Center.

Brazos County District Attorney Bill Turner said the jury sent a message with its verdict that care must be exercised.

“We appreciate the jury struggling with a difficult issue, and hopefully this will raise awareness and ultimately save lives,” Turner said.

Judge Steve Smith will sentence Tello for the state jail felony in the next 30 days. He faces up to two years in prison or five years of probation and a possible $10,000 fine.

In his closing arguments, Turner said Tello’s actions were “convenient to him but dangerous to the public at large.”

The trailer was not connected to the truck by chains — as required by law, Turner said. The trailer was loaded toward the back, placing pressure on the hitch, he said.

Turner asked jurors to consider the “common good” a guilty verdict would bring so a “tragedy like that wouldn’t happen again.”

John Quinn, Tello’s attorney, reiterated his message to jurors on the first day of the trial that “not every accident is a crime.”

Quinn said Tello’s actions — driving 20 mph that day —show he was not being lax.

Tello also immediately called 911 and “griped” when emergency crews were not on the scene immediately, Quinn said.

Quinn called on Lane Thibodeaux, a personal injury lawyer, to give expert testimony regarding the legal definitions of negligence. But Judge Steve Smith did not allow Thibodeaux’s testimony because he believed the jury understood the charge against Tello.

Quinn presented no other witnesses, and Tello did not take the stand.

On Monday, Turner called Supak’s husband, a neighbor, two police officers and a paramedic to testify.


Laura Hipp’s e-mail address is lhipp@theeagle.com

©

Man’s trial begins in teacher’s death

Man’s trial begins in teacher’s death

By LAURA HIPP
Eagle Staff Writer


Brazos County District Attorney Bill Turner on Monday told jurors that a driver whose trailer came loose from his truck and killed a woman had chosen convenience over safety by not properly securing the trailer.

Turner, on the first day of John Guzman Tello’s felony trial, said the 32-year-old is criminally negligent for unsafely hitching the trailer to his pickup.

The trailer struck Pat Supak, a former teacher at Bowen Elementary School in Bryan who was walking along Copperfield Drive on Oct. 16, 2001. She died later that day at St. Joseph Regional Health Center.

John Quinn, who is representing Tello, said in his opening statement that Supak’s death was simply an accident.

Not every accident is a crime, he said, and Tello should not be convicted.

Tello is charged with criminally negligent homicide, a state jail felony. If found guilty, he faces up to two years in prison or five years of probation and a possible $10,000 fine.

Turner told jurors that Tello’s 16-foot trailer was not loaded properly. All the weight was toward the back of the trailer, placing undue pressure on the hitch, he said.

The trailer was not secured to the pickup with chains, which is required by law, Turner said, adding that the hitch had been altered to make it easier to latch but it would not lock.

Supak’s husband, James, testified that his wife regularly walked along Copperfield Drive for exercise. He said he was out of town that autumn day, and she had stayed behind to make dresses for their grandchildren.

“She was in good spirits and looked forward to being with the kids,” Supak said.

Turner also called Ray Murphy, the Supaks’ neighbor, and emergency workers to detail the wreck for the eight-woman, four-man jury.

Testimony is expected to resume at 8:45 a.m. Tuesday in the 361st District Court in the Brazos County Courthouse, 300 E. 26th St., in Bryan.
lhipp@theeagle.com

Friday, February 8, 2008

$475,000 recovered when a runaway trailer hit a pedestrian.

$475,000 recovered when a runaway trailer hit a pedestrian.

The law firm is in California:

http://216.239.51.104/search?q=cache:M29MEtv0gqEJ:www.carldbarnes.com/CM/Custom/TOCVerdictsandSettlements.asp+runaway+trailer+accident&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=84&gl=us

$4,000,000.00 VERDICT

$4,000,000.00 VERDICT – MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION
$4 million jury verdict in favor of an individual whose leg was amputated following a collision with a trailer that came loose from a pickup truck.
http://www.kemptonrussell.com/contact.html

ADDRESS
P.O. Box 815
114 E. 5th Street
Sedalia, Missouri 65302

PHONE
660-827-0314
660-827-1200 fax

E-MAIL
Mark Kempton
Bob Russell
Rob Russell
Spencer Eisenmenger

trailer comes loose from truck LOOSE UTILITY TRAILER

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3898/is_200303/ai_n9221849

trailer comes loose from truck: Collision: Wrongful deaths: Settlement: Postverdict settlement.

Ferguson v. Ritchie Tractor Co., Tenn., Knox County Cir. Ct., No. 2-60-01, Nov. 15, 2002.

Ferguson, 57, was driving on a roadway. A utility trailer came loose from a pickup truck and veered into Ferguson's lane, striking his vehicle head-on. He suffered fatal injuries. He had been the president of a security company earning approximately $100,000 annually. Ferguson is survived by his wife and two adult children.

Ferguson's wife sued the trailer manufacturer, alleging negligence in the design and manufacture of the trailer. Plaintiff also sued the company that owned and operated the trailer, alleging failure to adequately secure it, in violation of state law requiring safety chains.

The trailer manufacturer settled during trial for a confidential amount. The jury then awarded $5 million, finding the owner of the trailer 60 percent liable, and the manufacturer, 40 percent liable. Plaintiff then settled with the trailer owner for a confidential amount.