‍Lead Attorney: Jeff Beaird
Second Chair: William Pate
Case Type: Commercial Transportation Collision
Verdict: $215,000.00
Location: Athens-Clarke County, Georgia

‍

When our client boarded a non-emergency medical transportation van, she trusted the driver and the companies responsible for her safety. Instead, the defendant driver backed the van into a parked ice truck, shattering the rear window and leaving our client with injuries that would require years of treatment. Although the defendants ultimately admitted fault, they continued to minimize both the crash and its impact on our client, asking the jury to award just $25,000. After a two-and-a-half-day trial, Witherite Law Group attorneys Jeff Beaird and William Pate secured a $215,000 verdict on her behalf.

‍

The Collision

The wreck occurred in October 2019 while our client was riding as a passenger in a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) van.

According to testimony presented at trial, the defendant driver had stopped at a convenience store during the route. After returning to the van, the driver placed the vehicle in reverse and backed into a parked ice truck behind her. The impact shattered the rear window, threw our client around inside the vehicle, and immediately caused pain, particularly in her right knee.  

Our client described the collision as "a very big crash" and testified that the impact jerked her body and left her feeling dizzy and disoriented.  

Rather than waiting for law enforcement to arrive, the driver exchanged information, left the scene, drove to the company's headquarters to cover the shattered rear window with plastic, and then continued transporting passengers. Our client testified that another passenger was picked up before she was even taken home.  

‍

Building the Case

Although liability was eventually admitted, the trial focused heavily on the failures of the transportation company and broker responsible for supervising the driver.

Attorney Jeff Beaird presented evidence showing that the defendant's driver had been involved in multiple driving incidents before this crash. Testimony revealed that she had previously backed a company vehicle into another object and had received a citation while operating a company vehicle. Despite these incidents, there was little evidence of meaningful corrective action, additional training, or increased supervision.  

The evidence also exposed communication gaps between the transportation company and transportation broker. Representatives from both companies acknowledged they were unaware of some of the defendant driver's prior incidents, raising questions about how driver's performance was monitored and evaluated.  

At trial, the defense attempted to minimize the crash, with the defendant driver referring to it as a "bump-in." However, Witherite Law Group successfully used the defendants' own testimony and records to demonstrate that the collision and its aftermath were far more serious than the defense suggested.

‍

The Impact on Our Client

The collision left our client dealing with persistent pain and physical limitations that affected her daily life for years.

Shortly after the wreck, she sought emergency medical treatment and then continued with extensive follow-up care. Over time, her treatment included therapy, diagnostic testing, injections, specialist care, and ultimately knee surgery after conservative treatment failed to provide lasting relief.

The injuries also affected her ability to care for her special-needs son and manage everyday responsibilities. According to the evidence, she struggled with mobility, daily activities, and ongoing knee pain long after the collision occurred. Witnesses and medical providers described how the injuries continued to affect her quality-of-life years later.  

A treating orthopedic surgeon provided compelling testimony regarding the progression of her knee injury, the need for surgery, and the lasting effects she would continue to experience moving forward. The jury ultimately found that testimony more persuasive than the opinions offered by the defense expert, who had never personally treated or examined our client.

‍

Trial and Verdict

Before trial, the defense continued to challenge the value of our client's damages.

While Witherite Law Group argued that the evidence demonstrated significant and lasting harm, the defense asked the jury to return a verdict of only $25,000.

Attorneys Jeff Beaird and William Pate responded by presenting a detailed timeline of the collision, the defendants' failures, the progression of our client's medical treatment, and the impact the injuries had on her daily life. They also successfully limited portions of the defense expert testimony and highlighted inconsistencies in the defense's case through effective cross-examination.

After deliberating, the jury rejected the defense's valuation and returned a verdict of $215,000, recognizing the seriousness of our client's injuries and the lasting effects of the crash.

‍

A Commitment to Our Clients

At Witherite Law Group, we believe transportation companies have a responsibility to protect the passengers who rely on them. When those companies fail to properly train, supervise, or monitor drivers, the consequences can be devastating.

This verdict demonstrates the value of thorough preparation, strong medical evidence, and a willingness to take a case to trial when defendants refuse to fully acknowledge the harm caused by their actions. Through their advocacy and trial strategy, attorneys Jeff Beaird and William Pate secured a result that reflected the impact this collision had on our client's life.