Jury awards $101 million in truck accident lawsuit

[KDog Trucking]

A jury has awarded $101 million to a man who was injured when an oil field truck rear-ended him. Reports indicate that this could be the largest civil penalty ever for a large truck accident.

Joshua Patterson was driving home from church one day in 2013 when he was rear-ended by an FTS International Truck. FTS is an oil services company that hauls sand and other materials to and from oil fields.

The accident did not initially seem too major. Patterson told the authorities that he was not injured and left. But then Patterson underwent multiple medical procedures including surgery on discs in his upper spine. After that, Patterson was unable to return to work.

One of Patterson’s attorney, John Hull, claims that they attempted to reach an agreement with the company before going to trial. Instead, FTS was ordered by a jury to pay $101 million. Of that, $75 million is punitive damages.

According to Hull, the reason for the huge sum was the negligence of the company in hiring and continuing to employ the driver who rear-ended Patterson.

William Acker, the FTS driver, tested positive for both marijuana and methamphetamines after the crash. According to Hull, Acker admitted to using both drugs about three times a week.

Based off of the company’s own rules, Acker should never have been hired in the first place. Before he was hired, he had at least three moving violations within 36 months. Acker allegedly lied on his application and left off two violation. FTS never bothered to check.

Acker also was apparently on probation with the company over other accidents he had been in. But instead of firing him, the lawsuit filed against them claims that the company was planning on promoting him to become a trainer.

While FTS will be responsible for the lion’s share of the payment, Acker has been ordered to personally pay $50,000.

It is expected that the judgment will be appealed.

[Mack Technician]

Makes you wonder if Acker was Union? Shouldn’t matter, if I test positive the Union has nothing to say. A Union would, however, try negotiate this fool off the road to a lesser trainer position. 

[Freightrain]

Friend was killed by drunk oil field pickup.   Don't recall widow getting anything like this!

[Ezrider]

i think the jury was on as more drugs than the driver with that dollar amount. 

[davehummell]

You think that is a crazy amount maybe it is but what about that guy trying to return home from church. Pattersons  lawyer with suck up a lot of the settlement if it is ever handed out ?  Now I can tell you from my own personal experience no money is worth what you lose after getting injured. I had to retire early over screwing up my back at work now I have to watch what I do every day it puts me right down for at least two weeks I can't do anything and every time it goes that way it takes longer for me to get back on my feet. i'm not looking for sympathy  just you have to think about what it would mean to you if you got injured on the job or any place else. every one has to make a living.

[carlotpilot]

what if the injured person was hit by a state police car running 80 mph? he`s hurt just as bad but have you ever heard an insane settlement like that against a state or municipality or anyone else except trucking co`s

[Hobert62]

On August 3, 2018 at 8:57 AM, kamp_dogg said:

William Acker, the FTS driver, tested positive for both marijuana and methamphetamines after the crash. According to Hull, Acker admitted to using both drugs about three times a week.

I never took anyone to court, and don't agree with a lot of the lawsuits I hear about. Knowing the above statement, and if it was true about becoming a trainer I prob. would have done the same thing.   If companies aren't held responsible for the peice of shit people they put behind the wheel of their trucks they'll just keep doing it.  

[Hayseed]

On 8/3/2018 at 10:57 PM, kamp_dogg said:

It is expected that the judgment will be appealed.

It Took 5 years to get to Court in the First place..Given the inevitable Appeal. it will be years & years before Mr Patterson Sees any $$$$.

 

On 8/3/2018 at 10:57 PM, kamp_dogg said:

William Acker, the FTS driver, tested positive for both marijuana and methamphetamines after the crash. According to Hull, Acker admitted to using both drugs about three times a week.

If You're gunna employ the Dregs of Society? You'll have expect these type things to happen..