Gallman, Mississippi Jury Awards $77,758 in Tractor-Trailer Collision
One driver was traveling north on a highway in foggy conditions when another northbound driver rear-ended his tractor-trailer. The second driver's cab caught fire, and that driver sustained fatal injuries. The first driver claimed neck, knee, and back injuries. The case involved claims of reduced speed due to fog and a failure to maintain a proper lookout.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $77,758
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Rear-end
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On November 29, 2012, a tractor-trailer driver was involved in a collision on Highway 55 in Gallman, Mississippi. The plaintiff, driving a truck owned by a Houston-based corporation, alleged he was rear-ended by a northbound tractor-trailer owned and operated by an employee of Griffin Industries in foggy conditions. The driver of the Griffin Industries vehicle sustained fatal injuries. The plaintiff claimed neck, knee, and back injuries, including a torn meniscus in his left knee and cervical and lumbar strains. He stated these injuries prevented him from exercising and participating in physical activities, leading to weight gain and an inability to play football with his son.
The plaintiff sued Griffin Industries, alleging its driver operated the vehicle at a speed too great for the foggy conditions, failed to maintain a proper lookout, and rear-ended the plaintiff's vehicle, which had reduced speed. Griffin Industries stipulated to liability for the accident. The plaintiff had initially sued the owner of his tractor-trailer, alleging a defective seat belt, but these claims were dismissed prior to trial. Griffin Industries' counterclaim against the owner also settled before trial. The plaintiff sought damages for past medical expenses, and past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment. The defendant's orthopedic surgery expert testified that the plaintiff's back injuries were pre-existing and degenerative conditions.
After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for 3.5 hours and returned a verdict for the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $77,758. This amount included $17,758 for past medical costs, $50,000 for past physical impairment, and $10,000 for past pain and suffering.
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