Jury Awards Two Men $1.5 Million For 18-Wheeler Wreck

A jury in Ellis County, Texas awarded two men from Austin, Texas $1.5 million for the personal injuries they sustained in an 18-wheeler wreck in 2006, according to their attorneys.

On July 2, 2006, 37-year-old Ronny Martinez and 50-year-old Kenneth O’Neal were driving north when a northbound 18-wheeler veered into their lane, colliding with their vehicle and causing it to roll multiple times.

As a result of the collision, O’Neal suffered a serious injury to his right knee, requiring multiple reconstructive surgeries. He also sustained a mild traumatic brain injury and collarbone damage.

The men filed suit against Celadon Trucking Services Inc., which is based out of Indianapolis, Indiana and operated the tractor trailer, and Michael Wade, the driver. The suit alleged negligence on the part of both. The company was negligent for hiring Wade and Wade was negligent in causing the crash. The jury awarded O’Neal and Martinez $750,000 for medical bills and another $750,000 in damages including pain and suffering, physical impairment and disfigurement.