At Witherite Law Group, we believe every client deserves a voice and every case deserves relentless preparation. In the Northern District of Texas, our trial team faced a complex case involving prior injuries, low property damage, and a seasoned defense. Through strategy and teamwork, we delivered a verdict that speaks volumes.

From Low Damage to High Impact: A $260,000.00 Federal Court Victory

This case involved a collision on I-35 in Dallas when an 18-wheeler veered into our client’s lane and kept driving. Our client, a long-time truck driver, managed to capture photos of the truck, but the driver claimed he didn’t even know the wreck occurred. With minimal property damage and a history of severe prior injuries, the defense believed this case was worth little. The jury disagreed.

The Challenges

  • Low Property Damage: Only minor damage to the mirror and fender.
  • Prior Injuries: Client had a spinal injection and surgical recommendation just nine months before this crash.
  • Defense Experts: Biomechanics, billing experts, and an orthopedic specialist aimed to minimize causation and damages.

The Strategy That Worked

  • Owning the Bad Facts: Miguel tackled prior injuries head-on during direct, framing the case around aggravation rather than concealment.
  • Expert Testimony:  
    - Dr. Flores explained facet joint injuries and causations.
    - Dr. Ziejewski (biomechanics) dismantled defense claims about low-impact forces.
  • Corporate Negligence: Victor Rodriguez secured key admissions from the trucking company about lax supervision and ignored safety warnings.
  • Polarizing the Issues: Miguel empowered jurors to reject the defense’s narrative that prior injuries erase accountability.

Trial Highlights

  • Voir Dire: Miguel focused on bias around low property damage and non-economic damage.
  • Opening & Closing: Miguel delivered a compelling story of responsibility and the value of health taken.
  • Cross-Examination: Defense experts were neutralized, especially the billing expert who admitted her comparisons were “apples to oranges.”
  • Client Testimony: Our client told his story authentically, helping jurors understand how this crash worsened his chronic pain.

The Outcome

After four days of trial before Magistrate Judge Toliver, the jury awarded:

  • Past Medicals: $30,000
  • Future Medicals: $90,000
  • Non-Economic Damages: The remainder, bringing the total to $260,000.00 over 4x the defense’s final offer.

This verdict reflects what sets Witherite Law Group apart: preparation, teamwork, and fearless advocacy. Every client matter, and every case deserves our full commitment.

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