From Catastrophic Injury to Powerful Recovery: A $3.75M Interstate Collision Settlement

At Witherite Law Group, we approach every case with relentless preparation, creativity, and compassion. Recently, William Pate’s team secured a $3.75 million settlement for our client in a complex interstate trucking collision in Fulton County, Georgia. This result reflects not just the strength of the facts, but the strength of our advocacy.

From Catastrophic Injuries to a $3.75 Million Settlement
This case stemmed from a highspeed rearend collision on Interstate 85 when an 18wheeler, traveling at 56 mph on cruise control, struck our client’s disabled vehicle in broad daylight. Despite having a clear view for an extended distance, the truck driver failed to notice her, take evasive action, or brake before impact. Dashcam and engine control module data made the driver’s inattention undeniable.

But the case wasn’t without its challenges. Serious comparative negligence issues loomed large.
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The Challenges

  • Comparative Negligence:
    Our client’s vehicle had run out of gas and remained disabled in an active interstate lane for over 30 minutes. The defense argued aggressively that she should have exited the vehicle, and that her failure to do so created the hazard.
  • Defense Narrative:
    They emphasized the argument that while the truck driver caused the impact, our client’s failure to maintain operable fuel levels and move out of the travel lane initiated the chain of events.
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The Facts That Mattered

  • Dashcam footage showed the truck had ample time to see and avoid the collision.
  • Bodycam and 911 communications confirmed that authorities were already in route to the disabled vehicle when the crash occurred.
  • The truck driver lied to the investigating officer at the scene, claiming another vehicle cut him off, before later admitting the statement was false.
  • The trucking company performed no internal investigation and had no objective safety oversight, relying solely on subjective judgment from one safety supervisor.
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The Damages

Our client suffered catastrophic injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness
  • Emergency L2–L4 fusion surgery
  • Bilateral rib fractures requiring surgical plating
  • Lung collapse
  • Neurologic injury
  • Chronic pain

Her 23-day hospitalization generated nearly $1 million in medical bills.  

Even without retaining experts, our team established future care needs and permanency through treating physicians, ensuring the jury and mediator understood the lifelong impact of these injuries.
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The Client Care Team
Behind every case the Client Care team is making sure the client gets the medical care and support that they need.  

Cynthia Brinson and Ashley Jackson tirelessly worked to manage the complexities of our client’s treatment. Their steady communication, patience, and organization kept our client engaged in her treatment, despite her overwhelming pain and challenges of her recovery.  

Their work was essential to the value of the case and supporting our client physically and emotionally throughout her case.
 

The Mediation
The case was mediated in the Northern District of Georgia – Atlanta Division.

The defense leaned heavily on comparative negligence. But our team’s preparation, and the compelling day in the life video created by our Crash RASH Team, shifted the narrative. Glenn Ingram’s experience and guidance at mediation were instrumental in pushing past the resistance and securing a top-tier result "In the life" video created by our Crash Team.
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The Outcome
The case settled for $3.75 million.
Our client will recover over $2 million and expressed her gratitude for the representation she received.  

This settlement represents more than a number; it represents accountability, advocacy, and a life changed for the better. At Witherite Law Group, we are proud to stand with clients whose lives are forever altered by preventable tragedies, and we will continue to fight for justice at every turn.

Want to learn more about how we drive results in complex trucking cases? Read our full case stories and follow us for ongoing updates.