Lead Attorney: Mitch Miers

Second Chair: Miguel Cazarez

Case Type: Commercial  

Verdict: $323,699.75

Location: Tarrant County, Texas

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When a commercial driver rear-ended our client's vehicle, the insurance company valued the case at just $100,000 before trial. Rather than accepting that offer, Witherite Law Group attorneys Mitch Miers and Miguel Cazarez took the case to a Tarrant County jury. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned a verdict of $323,699.75, more than three times the insurer's pre-trial offer.  

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The Collision

The wreck occurred on July 25, 2023, in Tarrant County, Texas. Our client was traveling on Interstate 20 when traffic ahead began to slow. As she reduced her speed, a commercial pickup truck failed to slow down and struck the rear of her vehicle. According to our client, the defendant driver later apologized and admitted he had been looking away from the roadway immediately before the crash.  

Evidence showed our client was maintaining her lane and slowing with traffic when the collision occurred. Data recovered from her vehicle confirmed she was braking and coming to a stop before impact. The evidence concluded that she was simply was simply slowing for traffic when the commercial vehicle crashed into her from behind.  

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Building the Case

Although liability appeared straightforward, the defense challenged the extent of our client's injuries and attempted to limit the value of her claim.

During trial, attorney Mitch Miers established that the defendant driver had not been truthful about portions of his driving history. Through cross-examination, he obtained admissions that contradicted statements the driver had previously made regarding prior traffic-related issues.

The defendant driver ultimately admitted fault for the collision. In one of the most powerful moments of the trial, he also acknowledged that it was not fair that our client continued to suffer because of the crash.

Additional testimony revealed gaps in the company's safety practices. Evidence showed the company failed to adequately review the driver's history, lacked meaningful driver safety procedures, and did not provide sufficient safety training before allowing him to operate a company vehicle.

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The Impact on Our Client

The collision left our client dealing with ongoing pain and limitations that affected many aspects of her daily life. She sought treatment shortly after the crash and underwent extensive medical care over the following months. Her treatment included diagnostic testing, therapy, pain management procedures, and other specialized care.  

Friends and family members testified about the changes they observed after the collision.  One longtime friend described a milestone trip taken just months after the wreck. According to her testimony, our client struggled with pain throughout the trip and was unable to fully participate in activities she had once enjoyed. Other witnesses testified that she was no longer as active as she had been before the collision and continued dealing with limitations that affected her daily life.

Her daughter also described how the crash affected her mother's independence and ability to participate in family activities. Together, the testimony painted a clear picture of how the collision continued to impact our client's quality of life long after the wreck itself.

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Trial and Verdict

Before trial, the insurance company offered $100,000 to resolve the case.

Persistent in the strength of the evidence, Mitch Miers and Miguel Cazarez proceeded to trial in Tarrant County. The defense attempted to challenge both the nature of our client's injuries and her future medical needs. However, Witherite Law Group presented compelling testimony from treating providers, expert witnesses, friends, family members, and our client herself.

The jury ultimately accepted the evidence presented by the Witherite Law Group team. Jurors awarded the full amount requested for future medical care and returned a verdict totaling $323,699.75, delivering a result more than three times greater than the insurance company's final settlement offer.

A Commitment to Our Clients

At Witherite Law Group, we understand that the effects of a crash extend well beyond the day of the collision. Injuries can impact a person's health, independence, relationships, and ability to enjoy everyday life.

This verdict demonstrates the value of preparation, persistence, and a willingness to take a case to trial when an insurance company refuses to fully compensate an injured client.

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