Last week, the trial began in Judge Wilkinson’s courtroom—14th District Court, Tarrant

County—where Witherite Law Group had the privilege of representing a client whose life

was 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 the

truth. Mitch led a dynamic voir dire, engaging the panel in meaningful dialogue about the

dangers posed by unsafe trucking practices. The jury selection reflected a thoughtful

cross-section of professionals, including a petroleum engineer and a nurse from Cook

Children’s Hospital.

The Crash: A Preventable Mistake

The crash occurred when our client, driving an Infiniti, was in the outside left-turn lane of

the service road, next to an 18-wheeler in the inside left-turn lane. When the light turned

green, both vehicles began their left turn. However, instead of staying in his lane, the truck

driver 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 Trial

Lake Drive.

An eyewitness who observed the crash confirmed that the truck driver made an improper

turn and was at fault. This account aligned with the physical evidence and the defendant’s

own admission at the scene.

Exposing the Truth in Court

The defense driver required a Mongolian translator. Under direct examination, our team

revealed multiple violations, including an expired CDL and false claims about a temporary

license. The driver’s record contradicted his statements, and he admitted that he expected

the jury to “take his word for it.” Evidence showed that his application had been

backdated, likely manufactured for litigation.

The responding officer confirmed the driver admitted, at the scene, to turning from the

wrong lane and driving without a valid license. Mitch’s directing of our client’s treating

physician, Dr. D, was compelling, and Eddie’s examination of our client’s family and

friends 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 a

neurosurgeon and a biomechanist. Mitch’s cross of their biotech was surgical, allowing the

expert to unravel his own credibility. Victor followed with a cross of Dr. Jason Taub, the

defense neurosurgeon, and was able to show that our client’s spinal cord compression

symptoms only appeared after the crash, making the surgery not only necessary but

directly tied to the incident.

Verdict: Justice Delivered

The defense’s top offer before trial was $50,000.00. After hearing the full scope of

evidence, the jury returned a verdict of $776,144.00—a powerful statement that

accountability matters and that our client’s suffering could not be dismissed.

Final Thoughts

Mitch, Victor, and Eddie embodied a deep commitment to holding negligent trucking

companies accountable.

Mitch’s closing was powerful. He walked the jury through the evidence with precision and

passion, highlighting how the defendants’ reckless conduct stole years from our client’s

life. The defense leaned on inconsistencies and conspiracy theories but lacked

substantive evidence.

Eddie was instrumental throughout the trial, helping with arguments, briefings, and

countering the defense’s appellate tactics.

At Witherite Law Group, we don’t just try cases—we fight for justice. This trial was a

testament to that mission.

Expertise Matters. You Matter.

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