Facts of the Case
Managing Partner David C. Shay represented our client after a devastating crash on October 23, 2021. That morning, a tractor-trailer operated by a commercial trucking company attempted to merge onto northbound State Route 99 near the Avenue 152 overcrossing in Tulare County. Rather than yielding to traffic, the driver accelerated directly into the active lanes of travel, creating an immediate hazard.
At that moment, a passenger vehicle lawfully traveling in the number one lane was forced to swerve sharply to avoid the trailer. This sudden maneuver pushed the vehicle into the adjacent lane, where it was violently rear-ended by another car that had no chance to stop in time.
The chain-reaction impact caused both occupants of the passenger vehicle to suffer serious trauma to the spine, shoulders, and head; injuries that would ultimately require extensive medical care and ongoing treatment.
Investigators later confirmed that the truck driver’s unsafe entry violated California Vehicle Code § 22107, which prohibits hazardous lane movements. This violation was determined to be the sole cause of the collision.
Treatment
Following the collision, both injured occupants were transported from the scene for emergency evaluation. Imaging studies confirmed trauma to the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as damage to the shoulders and musculoskeletal system. The immediate focus was stabilization, pain control, and ruling out life-threatening complications.
In the weeks and months after the crash, their recovery involved a broad spectrum of care. Specialists prescribed diagnostic imaging, chiropractic treatment, and structured physical therapy programs aimed at regaining mobility. Pain management became a central part of the treatment plan, with one individual requiring multiple spinal injections to address inflammation and nerve irritation. Orthopedic consultations led to extended rehabilitation regimens, as the injuries continued to interfere with daily function.
The medical costs from these interventions quickly mounted, totaling several hundred thousand dollars. Despite their commitment to following through with treatment, both individuals continue to experience chronic pain and functional limitations. These lingering effects have impaired their ability to work, restricted their independence, and significantly altered their quality of life.
Legal Strategy
From the outset, the defense denied liability for the crash. The trucking company and its insurers attempted to shift blame onto other drivers and minimize the seriousness of the injuries sustained. This forced our legal team to pursue a vigorous litigation strategy to uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Our attorneys worked with accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how the tractor-trailer’s unsafe maneuver directly created an immediate hazard in violation of California traffic law. By mapping the sequence of events, from the truck entering the lane to the chain-reaction collision that followed, we established beyond dispute that the trucking company’s driver was the sole cause of the crash.
At the same time, we partnered with medical experts and life-care planners to outline the full scope of the injuries. Their testimony documented not only the emergency and ongoing care but also the permanent limitations and financial impact that would remain long after the case concluded.
Through aggressive discovery, including interrogatories and depositions, our team dismantled the defense’s attempts to dispute liability or minimize damages. By preparing the case as if it would go to trial, we built the leverage necessary to secure a resolution that truly reflected the harm suffered.
Pursuing Justice
After extensive litigation, the case resolved with a combined $3,000,000 settlement, including $2,000,000 for one plaintiff and $1,000,000 for the other. This recovery provides critical financial resources to cover past medical expenses, fund future treatment, and compensate for the permanent impact of the crash on their lives.
Beyond the financial relief, this result stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability in the trucking industry. Large commercial vehicles pose extraordinary risks when drivers and companies fail to follow basic safety rules. Without strong legal representation, victims of these crashes are often left with devastating injuries and no means to rebuild their lives.
At Vaziri Law Group, we remain steadfast in our mission to protect the rights of accident victims across California. This settlement not only delivered justice to those harmed in this collision but also reinforced the principle that negligent corporations cannot place profits over public safety without consequence.