Last week, the trial began in Judge Wilkinson’s courtroom—14th District Court, TarrantCounty—where Witherite Law Group had the privilege of representing a client whose lifewas upended by a preventable crash involving a commercial tractor-trailer.From the moment jury selection began Tuesday afternoon, with Mitch Miers as first chair,Victor Rodriguez as second, and Eddie Gaytan as third, they had one goal: to prove thetruth. Mitch led a dynamic voir dire, engaging the panel in meaningful dialogue about thedangers posed by unsafe trucking practices. The jury selection reflected a thoughtfulcross-section of professionals, including a petroleum engineer and a nurse from CookChildren’s Hospital.

‍The Crash: A Preventable Mistake

The crash occurred when our client, driving an Infiniti, was in the outside left-turn lane ofthe service road, next to an 18-wheeler in the inside left-turn lane. When the light turnedgreen, both vehicles began their left turn. However, instead of staying in his lane, the truckdriver veered wide, crossing into our client’s lane and striking her vehicle as she was mid-turn. The impact damaged the driver’s side of her car. Both vehicles came to a stop on TrialLake Drive.An eyewitness who observed the crash confirmed that the truck driver made an improperturn and was at fault. This account aligned with the physical evidence and the defendant’sown admission at the scene.

Exposing the Truth in CourtThe defense driver required a Mongolian translator. Under direct examination, our teamrevealed multiple violations, including an expired CDL and false claims about a temporarylicense. The driver’s record contradicted his statements, and he admitted that he expectedthe jury to “take his word for it.” Evidence showed that his application had beenbackdated, likely manufactured for litigation.The responding officer confirmed the driver admitted, at the scene, to turning from thewrong lane and driving without a valid license. Mitch’s directing of our client’s treatingphysician, Dr. D, was compelling, and Eddie’s examination of our client’s family andfriends painted a clear picture of the impact this crash had on her life.

Expert Testimony and Cross-Examinations

Our team presented expert testimony from a neurologist, a life care planner, an economist,and biomechanical experts. On Tuesday, the defense presented its experts, including aneurosurgeon and a biomechanist. Mitch’s cross of their biotech was surgical, allowing theexpert to unravel his own credibility. Victor followed with a cross of Dr. Jason Taub, thedefense neurosurgeon, and was able to show that our client’s spinal cord compressionsymptoms only appeared after the crash, making the surgery not only necessary butdirectly tied to the incident.

Verdict: Justice Delivered

The defense’s top offer before trial was $50,000.00. After hearing the full scope ofevidence, the jury returned a verdict of $776,144.00—a powerful statement thataccountability matters and that our client’s suffering could not be dismissed.

Final Thoughts

Mitch, Victor, and Eddie embodied a deep commitment to holding negligent truckingcompanies accountable.Mitch’s closing was powerful. He walked the jury through the evidence with precision andpassion, highlighting how the defendants’ reckless conduct stole years from our client’slife. The defense leaned on inconsistencies and conspiracy theories but lackedsubstantive evidence.Eddie was instrumental throughout the trial, helping with arguments, briefings, andcountering the defense’s appellate tactics.At Witherite Law Group, we don’t just try cases—we fight for justice. This trial was atestament to that mission.

Expertise Matters. You Matter.