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Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. Secures Landmark Victory in a Phoenix Truck Accident Lawsuit

Imagine you’re a professional truck driver navigating the open road. Suddenly, another driver recklessly changes lanes, causing a collision. You sustain injuries, including a concussion, that impact your ability to work and live your life.

This was the reality for Joseph “Andy” Lucero. But Andy received justice thanks to the tenacious legal team at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C.

Our dedicated team, led by attorneys James Tawney and Alex Acosta, achieved a remarkable legal victory by securing a $2.25 million verdict for Andy.

This case, heard by a jury in an Arizona federal court, recognized the severe impact of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) Andy suffered due to another driver’s unsafe lane change.

The Accident and Its Aftermath

Alexander Kim of STI Trucking Inc. was driving a truck when it struck Andy, a dedicated driver for ABF Freight. Kim’s unsafe maneuver caused a collision that damaged Andy’s truck and left Andy with various injuries. The most significant was a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), a condition that often goes underestimated.

Despite the evident cause of the accident, Andy faced significant challenges in securing fair compensation for his injuries.

Initial emergency room records downplayed the severity of Andy’s head injury, focusing on more visible wounds, like an injury to his eye. This, coupled with the lack of detailed evidence from the scene due to the initial shock, presented a challenge.

Andy’s Road to Recovery: Uphill Battle from the Start

The impact of the crash extended far beyond the accident scene. Andy embarked on a long and difficult road of medical treatment for his mTBI and other related injuries.

The crash led to blurred vision in his left eye, which ultimately forced him to retire from his truck driving career. He also underwent treatment for neck and back injuries sustained during the collision.

The opposing party seized upon the limited evidence, wielding a seemingly minor dashcam video and the initial medical records.

They offered a mere $250,000 settlement—a fraction of what Andy truly deserved. The court dismissed some legal claims and denied a specific questioning process during jury selection.

We Fight for Justice

Undeterred, the team at Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. assembled a team of experts. Neurologists, a brain injury specialist, and an economist meticulously documented the long-term effects of Andy’s mTBI on his life and career.

The expert witnesses, explained the lasting effects of Andy’s mTBI. They introduced advanced DTI MRI results to demonstrate the brain injury, challenging the defense’s assertion of normal initial MRI findings.

The Jury Delivers a Strong Verdict

In response, the defense brought in their own experts, who argued that Andy’s symptoms were due to a pre-existing condition and that the accident lacked the force to induce a concussion.

However, the jury saw through these arguments. Following thorough deliberation, the jury reached a strong verdict in favor of Andy, awarding him $2.25 million. This victory validated Andy’s injuries and challenges and highlighted the importance of comprehensive medical assessments in personal injury cases.

Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. Fights for Injured Truck Drivers

Our firm recognizes the distinct obstacles encountered by truck drivers while on the road. We are dedicated to protecting their rights and ensuring they receive fair compensation for injuries caused by another driver’s negligence.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Phoenix truck accident attorneys. Our services include assertive legal representation tailored to your individual needs.

Contact Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. today to schedule a free and confidential consultation to review your case.

Author Photo

Daisy Chaparro

Daisy Chaparro was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. A graduate from El Dorado High School in 2008 and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from St. Mary’s University in 2012. Daisy then obtained her Juris Doctorate (magna cum laude) from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2015.

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