Large Verdict in Indiana Moving Van Case
In this case, a family of four was stopped at a red light at the ramp to the toll road in Gary, Indiana, when a fully-loaded moving van ran over their vehicle. The moving van driver, employed by Bekins Van Lines, was apparently distracted by smoke coming from the trailer of his vehicle and didn’t notice the vehicle stopped ahead of him.
One woman in the car was killed instantly, while her daughter suffered brain injuries and her infant grandson was seriously injured when thrown from the vehicle. The moving van also struck another car, injuring two more people. Subsequent investigation by the state police revealed mechanical problems with his vehicle that should have put the vehicle out of service. The driver of the truck had 21 moving violations on his record.
At trial, considering only the injuries to the survivors (the wrongful death matter was resolved elsewhere), the jury reached a $16,145,000 verdict: $1,020,000 for the woman with brain injuries, $25,000 for the injured child, $100,000 for the husband for loss of his wife’s companionship, and $15,000,000 in punitive damages. (The punitive damages award was later overturned by an appellate court).
If you would like to discuss your legal rights and options after a catastrophic injury or the sudden wrongful death of a loved one, you can call South Carolina injury attorney Michael Jeffcoat for confidential answers to all of your questions.
Bookmark: 
