I handled a truck accident case that happened just west of Toledo. It was on the turnpike. Traffic was slowed for construction. There were several vehicles stopped in front of our client, who had to stop because of the vehicles in front of him. He was on his way to a National Guard meeting. The trucker—it was at night—there were large signs out there that said, ‘Construction Ahead, Slow.’ He didn’t pay any attention.
And after the accident occurred, when he drove into the back of our client’s car, it killed him. He told the highway patrol in a written statement that he didn’t notice the other vehicles until he looked up from his cell phone. We were very happy to get the family a good settlement on that case, but it took a long time. We filed it in federal court, and it was one of the nicest families I’ve ever had a chance to meet. He was a spectacular individual—all killed because somebody was looking at his cell phone.
You think truck drivers are professionals—and most of them are. One second: 80,000 lbs into the back of someone’s car. It was a terrible accident.