California Truck Accident Lawsuit Results in $49M Verdict for Brain Injury

A lawsuit filed over a California truck accident that caused a college student to suffer a traumatic brain injury resulted in a $49 million jury award last month.

A Santa Clara County Superior Court jury awarded Drew Bianchi $3.4 million for past medical expenses, $27.6 million in future medical expenses, $4.5 million for future lost wages and $13.5 million in general damages in what is likely the largest single-plaintiff personal injury award for that court in at least the last 10 years, according to The Recorder.

The verdict stems from a May 2007 accident in California, in which Bianchi suffered a traumatic brain injury when his Toyota Avalon was struck after two tractor trailers crashed. As a result of the auto accident injury, Bianchi now requires 24-hour medical care.

The jury found that Samuel Bimbela, the driver of a Peterbilt truck, was 60% at fault in the accident. It also found Gordon Trucking and the other truck driver, Michael Demma, were 35% at fault and the state of California was 5% at fault.

Several defendants settled out-of-court before the trial. The state of California settled for $10 million and Salazar Equipment, Bimbela’s employer, settled for $2 million.

Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability world wide, with 1.4 million people suffering a traumatic brain injury each year. Such injuries often result in a victim requiring extensive medical treatment and permanent around-the-clock care. About 20% of the cases are caused by automobile accidents head injuries.