Miller v. CDS Lines
In September 1999, 45-year-old Michael Miller had just completed truck driving school with his son, and they had purchased a tractor-trailer truck which they intended to drive together. The Millers had been driving for about a month when they were rear-ended on the freeway while driving a load through Nebraska. Another truck driver had fallen asleep in a truck behind them, and that vehicle sped forward at a high rate of speed, crashing into the back of the Miller truck. The impact was tremendous with the significant whiplash effect made worse by Mr. Miller’s seat belt straps.
Once the Millers were able to leave the accident scene, the Millers headed for Denver, where they both received medical treatment. Mr. Miller was diagnosed with multiple strains, was told not to do any commercial driving, and the Millers were forced to leave the truck and return home to Washington State by rental car. Mr. Miller was treated for headaches, shoulder and low back and hip pain for many months, and was unable to work during this time. Most of Mr. Miller’s injuries resolved, but fifteen months after the accident, Mr. Miller was forced to undergo complete left hip replacement surgery. Following his rehabilitation, he was left with continuing lifting restrictions, and a likely future additional hip replacement.
Marler Clark assisted Mr. Miller with a thorough accident investigation. The law firm also worked with Mr. Miller and his employer and care providers to ensure that he got the employment benefits and medical care he deserved while he was incapacitated, during the long period until his medical condition stabilized. Once Mr. Miller had returned to his maximum level of health, the case was settled for $187,500.