When our client moved from Maryland to Jacksonville to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren, he was excited to begin a new chapter of his life. Having spent many years as a truck driver, he was no stranger to hard work. He quickly found a new role working for his son-in-law’s successful company as a field supervisor, and he loved it. But one tragic day would change everything, threatening not only his health but also his ability to provide for his family and enjoy the retirement he had worked toward his entire life.
A Catastrophic Collision
While driving his work vehicle in typical heavy traffic on I-295 South, our client was struck from behind by a pickup truck towing a large cargo trailer traveling nearly 65 miles per hour. The impact was so forceful that his vehicle was pushed into the one ahead of him. The at-fault driver, who had no commercial license and little to no experience hauling goods with a heavy-duty tow-behind trailer, had just left a weekend at the Daytona 500 and was en route home when the crash occurred.
The aftermath left him with extensive injuries to his back, shoulder, knee, and neck. His back, in particular, caused him chronic pain and ultimately required a trial of a spinal cord stimulator, a medical device similar to a pacemaker that sends electric signals to the spinal cord, to determine whether long-term pain management could be achieved. The device offered some relief, but the permanent damage was already done.
A Life Transformed by Injury
Our client’s injuries prevented him from continuing in the job he loved. A man who had dedicated his life to hard work and supporting his family was suddenly sidelined, unsure if he’d ever return to a life of normalcy. To make matters worse, he was also battling several unrelated health issues—including a rare form of cancer, multiple heart and kidney surgeries, and a series of complicated treatments that made his recovery from the crash even more difficult.
Personal Injury Attorney Larry Huttman, who has been practicing law for 28 years, 14 of those with Farah & Farah, took on his case with compassion and determination. “I’ve never seen a grown man cry like he did when he realized he couldn’t work anymore,” Larry said. “He was truly heartbroken.”
Protecting a Hardworking Client’s Financial Future
The financial impact of the accident was profound. Although our client had planned to retire in about five years, the loss of income from those years totaled nearly half a million dollars. His medical expenses, while partially covered by insurance, left him responsible for significant co-pays and deductibles. He also needed a plan for future care.
Larry worked diligently to make certain the case could be resolved in a timeline that would allow this client to take care of his medical bills and maintain his health insurance until he is eligible for Medicare. This allowed him to manage his ongoing treatment needs while protecting his financial stability.
Strategic Advocacy for a Just Resolution
From the beginning, Larry knew that the client’s case would be complex. Three different parties were involved: the at-fault driver, the transport company, and our client’s own insurance provider. While his insurance company settled its portion of the claim and exited the case quickly, the negligent driver made the choice to accept responsibility. This allowed him to take a settlement offer that kept him from paying his legal fees.
Larry and his team pressed forward with their case against the transport company, preparing for trial and conducting extensive case work. Just before a significant phase of expert depositions and right before their April 2024 trial date, they were able to negotiate a full settlement on our client’s behalf.
Moving Forward With Hope and Dignity
Through every step of this challenging case, Farah & Farah stood firmly by our client’s side, not just as his legal advocates but as his support system. From the very beginning, Larry recognized that the client’s needs extended far beyond a courtroom verdict. “It was important to me that he knew he would be protected physically, financially, and emotionally,” Larry shared. “He had already been through so much. He needed more than a legal win. He needed peace of mind.”
Despite the devastating crash and his unrelated health battles, our client is now on a promising path to recovery. And while we were proud to fight for the compensation he deserved, we’re even prouder to have stood with him when he needed it most. At Farah & Farah, we don’t just represent our clients, we champion them, every step of the way.
“I just saw him two days ago,” Larry said. “He’s doing well, he’s grateful, and he’s moving forward.”
Let Farah & Farah Help You Reclaim Your Life
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering injury due to someone else’s negligence, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Farah & Farah, we believe in fighting for justice with compassion, honesty, and relentless advocacy. Let us help you put the pieces back together.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your story matters, and we’re here to help you take the next step toward healing and hope.
