For our client, trucking was more than a job. It was how he provided for his family and built a career over many years. As an experienced truck driver, he spent countless hours on the road and took pride in the work he did every day.
That changed when another semi truck slammed into the back of his rig during slow-moving traffic on a bridge. What began as a routine day on the road became the start of a long recovery, a difficult legal battle, and a fight for fair compensation. Through persistence and years of hard work, South Carolina truck accident attorney Alex Fadoul ultimately secured an $806,000 settlement on his behalf.
A Semi Driver Failed To Stop, Rear-Ending Our Client on a Bridge
Our client was driving his semi truck when traffic ahead began to slow. As he reduced his speed, another semi driver failed to stop in time and crashed into the back of his rig, leaving him with serious injuries that would affect him long after the wreck occurred. The force of the impact caused a chain-reaction collision involving several vehicles. Dashcam footage captured the crash and helped establish what happened. While there was little question about who caused the wreck, obtaining fair compensation would prove far more difficult than determining fault.
Serious Lower Back Injuries That Required Surgery After the Truck Accident
Our client suffered a serious lower back injury in the crash. The pain continued long after the accident and made it difficult for him to perform many of the physical tasks required by his job. He had spent years building a career as a truck driver, which he depended on to support himself and his family. Now, this injury created uncertainty about whether he would ever be able to return to the road and earn a living.
Over time, he tried several forms of treatment in an effort to relieve his pain and improve his condition. That treatment included pain management and injections. However, because his condition didn’t improve, doctors determined that surgery was required. The need for this major procedure left no doubt just how severe the damage to his lower back truly was. Even with the surgery, the injury raised serious questions about whether he would ever be able to go back to the work he knew best.
Tracking Down the Truck Driver Who Caused the Crash
After the crash, Alex had a hard time locating the other truck driver. The situation became even more complicated when the at-fault driver appeared to actively avoid being served with legal papers. He even went so far as to shut down his business that was involved with the crash.
Despite those obstacles, Alex refused to let the case stall. It took more than a dozen attempts before the other driver was finally served with the lawsuit.
Refusing To Accept a Low Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company
Even after the full extent of our client’s injuries became clear, the insurance company was not willing to offer what Alex believed the case was worth. The company’s initial settlement offer was approximately $130,000, an amount that barely exceeded the cost of his medical treatment and didn’t reflect the seriousness of the injury or its impact on his future.
Rather than encouraging his client to accept the offer, Alex continued pushing the case forward. He believed the evidence supported a much stronger result and was prepared to prove it. That decision would ultimately become one of the most important turning points in the case.
Preparing for Trial and Demanding Full Policy Limits
After filing the lawsuit, Alex continued gathering the evidence needed to prove the full value of the case. He worked with experts, updated the client’s records, and prepared the case as though it would ultimately be decided by a jury. Every step was focused on showing the true impact the injury had on our client’s life and future.
Alex remained firm that the case was worth far more than what the insurance company was offering. He gathered expert opinions for testimony and pushed for compensation that reflected the seriousness of the injury, ultimately demanding the policy limits. By the time the case was approaching trial, he had made it clear he was prepared to pursue every dollar that was available under the insurance policy.
After Years of Fighting, the Insurance Company Paid in Full
Faced with an opponent ready to take the case to trial, the insurance company agreed to pay the full limits that remained under the policy. The case took about three years to resolve. Part of this delay was because the at-fault driver avoided contact, and part of it was the time our client needed to treat his injuries. Ultimately, that extra time helped show the full picture of the damage. The long-term impact on his ability to work became clear, and the final settlement reflected it.
Why the Insurance Company’s First Offer Isn't Always the Best Option
Insurance companies often make early offers before the full picture of a case has been developed. In serious injury cases, important information can continue to emerge as treatment progresses and the long-term effects of an injury become clearer.
This case is a reminder that patience can matter. What began with an offer of approximately $130,000 ultimately resulted in a settlement of approximately $806,000. The outcome reflected years of persistence, continued treatment, and a willingness to keep moving forward when an early resolution would not have fairly addressed the harm caused by the crash.
Talk To Farah & Farah After a Truck Accident
Every truck accident case is different, and the first offer from an insurance company does not always reflect the full impact of an injury. If you have been hurt in a commercial truck accident, you should know all of your options before you make any decisions about your claim.
The attorneys at Farah & Farah have helped injured clients throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina pursue the compensation they deserve after serious accidents. If you have questions about your case, contact Farah & Farah for a free consultation to learn how we may be able to help.
