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This case arose from a freeway collision involving a passenger vehicle and a commercial construction truck. At the time of the incident, the plaintiff was traveling in the left lane of the highway and, upon realizing she was about to miss her intended exit, attempted to move across multiple lanes of traffic to exit the roadway. During that maneuver, her vehicle was rear-ended by the defendant truck.
Liability was sharply contested. The defendants asserted that the plaintiff’s sudden lane changes at a reduced speed created an unavoidable hazard and that the commercial driver lacked sufficient time or distance to avoid the collision. Comparative fault was a central issue throughout the case, and the defendants maintained that the plaintiff bore primary responsibility for how the crash occurred.
The plaintiff presented evidence focusing on the commercial driver’s failure to maintain a safe following distance and to take appropriate action despite clear roadway conditions. Police findings, physical evidence from the scene, and expert accident reconstruction were relied upon to support the plaintiff’s position. The plaintiff also asserted that the motor carrier failed to implement adequate training, supervision, and safety oversight for the operation of a heavy and specialized vehicle, which the defendants disputed.
Damages were likewise highly contested. Although the plaintiff alleged a traumatic brain injury and ongoing cognitive and physical impairments, the defendants emphasized that she initially returned to work and challenged both causation and the extent and permanence of the claimed injuries.
The matter was resolved following extensive discovery and pre-trial proceedings.
Plaintiff’s counsel submitted the case information.
Action: Motor vehicle negligence
Injuries alleged: Traumatic brain injury and chronic pain disorder
Case name: Withheld (case number withheld)
Court/case no.: Withheld
Judge: Withheld (settled)
Amount: $1.6 million
Date: Dec. 19, 2025
Attorneys for plaintiff: Alexander J. Kay, Jonathan R. Marko and John T. Eads III, Marko Law, Detroit
