A professional truck driver suffered serious neck injuries after his truck ran over a motorcycle at approximately 40 mph. Despite more than $100,000 in medical bills and a cervical fusion surgery, the defendant’s insurer offered only $1,500. After trial and expert testimony from three physicians, a jury returned a $300,000 verdict.
Roane Law recently secured a $300,000 jury verdict in a case that underscores how devastating truck and motorcycle collisions can be and how aggressively insurance companies may attempt to minimize legitimate injury claims.
While much of the public conversation around motorcycle accidents focuses on injured riders, this case highlights a less discussed reality. Truck drivers can also suffer severe, life altering injuries when a motorcycle collision causes a loss of vehicle control. The legal and medical issues that follow are often complex, especially when insurers refuse to negotiate in good faith.
What Happened in the Collision
The collision occurred when a truck struck and ran over a motorcycle traveling at highway speed. At approximately 40 miles per hour, the truck passed over the motorcycle, causing the rear of the truck to violently bounce along the roadway. That sudden force transferred directly into the cab, resulting in a significant neck injury to the truck driver.
Medical evaluation revealed damage severe enough to require cervical fusion surgery. Over time, medical expenses exceeded $100,000, not including lost income, pain, suffering, and long term limitations related to the injury.
Cases involving truck and motorcycle crashes often involve unique dynamics. The size difference between vehicles, shifting weight, and unexpected impacts can cause injuries even when the truck driver appears to walk away from the scene initially.
The Insurance Company’s Response
Despite clear evidence of injury, surgery, and substantial medical bills, the defendant’s insurance company offered just $1,500 to resolve the claim. That offer was not a starting point for negotiation. It was presented as final, with the insurer refusing to engage in any further settlement discussions.
Even more troubling, the truck driver’s own underinsured motorist coverage declined to make any offer at all. This scenario is unfortunately common in serious injury cases, where insurers calculate that forcing a trial may discourage injured people from pursuing full compensation.
According to national data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle crashes often involve severe forces that can lead to catastrophic injuries for all parties involved, not just riders. Yet insurers frequently downplay these realities when evaluating claims.
Why This Case Went to Trial
With no meaningful settlement offers on the table, Roane Law prepared the case for trial. The legal team focused on clear, credible medical evidence and expert testimony to explain how the collision caused the truck driver’s injuries.
Three physicians testified by video deposition, walking the jury through the mechanics of the crash, the resulting neck trauma, and the necessity of spinal fusion surgery. This testimony was critical in countering the insurance company’s attempt to minimize the severity of the injuries.
Jurors ultimately returned a $300,000 verdict, sending a clear message that serious injuries deserve serious consideration, regardless of which vehicle occupant was hurt.
Understanding Injuries in Truck and Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle related crashes often result in complex injury patterns due to the sudden transfer of force and lack of protection for riders. When a truck becomes involved, the risks increase significantly for everyone on the road.
Common injuries in these cases include:
Neck and spinal injuries requiring fusion surgery
Traumatic brain injuries from violent motion or impact
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule, which can completely bar recovery if an injured person is found even slightly at fault. Insurance companies frequently rely on this rule to deny claims or justify low settlement offers.
In motorcycle related cases, insurers may attempt to shift blame onto the rider or argue that another driver’s actions were unavoidable. Understanding how contributory negligence works is critical, which is why we break it down in detail in our guide on North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule and motorcycle accident claims.
This case demonstrates that even in a challenging legal environment, thorough preparation and expert testimony can overcome insurer resistance.
Why Experience Matters in Serious Collision Cases
Truck and motorcycle accident claims are rarely straightforward. They often involve multiple insurance policies, expert reconstruction, and aggressive defense strategies.
For additional context on how commercial vehicle crashes impact injury outcomes, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides extensive research on large truck collisions and roadway safety.
Looking Ahead
This $300,000 verdict is more than a number. It reflects the real cost of serious injury, the importance of standing up to unreasonable insurance practices, and the value of presenting clear medical evidence to a jury.
Roane Law remains committed to advocating for injured individuals across North Carolina, whether the case involves a motorcycle, a commercial truck, or complex insurance disputes.
