Sherri* was sitting in traffic on a notorious stretch of I-26 Westbound in Charleston when everything changed in an instant. Just as she was preparing to exit the highway on the Ashley Phosphate Road exit, a tow truck, traveling too fast for conditions, slammed into her vehicle. The terrifying force of the impact triggered a violent chain reaction. Her car was pushed into another, and then into a third vehicle before finally coming to a stop. This resulted in a 4-vehicle rear-end collision.
In the aftermath of this life-altering crash, Sherri turned to Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers and Charleston injury attorney Robert Howell for help navigating the uncertainty ahead.
Serious Injuries After a Multi-Vehicle Crash on I-26
The force of the impacts left Sherri with painful injuries to her neck, back, hips, and shoulders. Diagnostic testing revealed spinal disc herniations at C2-3 and C4-5, along with a closed head injury.
She underwent extensive medical treatment, including injections to manage pain, and was evaluated for a C3-4 arthroplasty surgery.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Sherri was tough as nails. She never let an obstacle stand in her way and showed dogged determination in everything she did, including in service to her country. After this crash, however, she found herself fighting a new battle. One that could overwhelm even the toughest among us. The physical pain, constant medical appointments, and recovery demands began to take a toll on every aspect of her life.
In another blow, Sherri was fired from her job for missing work to attend her necessary medical treatment. This compounded the financial and emotional strain caused by the accident. Despite the stress and uncertainty, Sherri trusted Joye Law Firm and leaned on her legal team for support. Knowing Sherri’s future was in our hands, we worked tirelessly to ensure that her medical care was documented and her long-term needs were fully addressed by setting up a life care plan.
Investigation Reveals Tow Truck Caused Preventable Crash
As the case developed, it became clear that this crash was not simply an accident caused by a careless driver. It was the preventable result of multiple levels of negligence, including those of the Tow Truck Company
The tow-truck driver had a troubling driving history, which included multiple incidents and even prior hit-and-runs. He also had a pretty hefty arrest record, which might show that he would not be the best witness at trial. Despite this shaky driving record and criminal history, he was placed behind the wheel of a 30,000+ lb. commercial vehicle because the company that hired him failed to conduct a proper background check. By shirking their responsibility, the company unleashed a danger onto our Lowcountry roadways and completely derailed a young woman’s life.
Atty. Howell knew that because the driver was operating within the scope of his employment, the tow-truck company could be held responsible for negligent hiring, negligent entrustment, and supervision. With a commercial insurance policy of $1 million, Howell knew the stakes were high and was prepared to rise to the occasion. During his exhaustive investigation, he uncovered critical details that shifted the focus from a simple rear-end crash to a broader pattern of negligence that put the public at risk.
Building Leverage Through Early Legal Action
Where some lawyers would take a wait-and-see approach, Attorney Robert Howell recognized early on that this case required an aggressive and strategic approach.
Rather than waiting, he filed a lawsuit just months after the crash, well before the statute of limitations deadline. This decision was intentional. By moving quickly, he shifted the case out of the hands of insurance adjusters and into the legal arena, where the defense would be forced to take the claim seriously and pay more money than an insurance adjuster would have
Filing early also allowed attorney Howell to begin uncovering critical evidence, including the driver’s horrendous driving history and the company’s failure to properly vet him. That information became a powerful tool. Attorney Howell also made sure to depose the owner of the company through a 30(b)(6) deposition, as well as the Defendant Tow Truck Driver.
Knowing the driver’s record would not hold up well under scrutiny in court, Robert used it to build leverage in negotiations. The company’s exposure to liability and the risk of a jury seeing the full picture put pressure on the defense to resolve the case for maximum value.
A $500,000 Rear-end Crash Settlement and Accountability
Through careful preparation and strategic litigation, the case ultimately resolved with a $500,000 settlement, which was nearly 10-times the amount of Sherri’s medical bills.
While no amount of compensation can undo the pain, disruption, and long-term impact Sherri experienced, the result provided meaningful financial support for her ongoing medical care and future needs.
Just as importantly, the case held the responsible parties accountable, not only the driver, but the company that violated the law by failing to take the most basic steps to protect others on the road. Joye Law Firm’s commitment to pursuing every angle of liability helped ensure the outcome reflected the full scope of what Sherri endured.
Call Joye When It Matters Most
This case is a reminder that serious accidents often involve more than what appears on the surface. Having the right legal team can make all the difference in uncovering the full story and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our team can help you transform your narrative from one of victimhood to one of strength and resilience.
You don’t have to navigate the process alone—Just Call Joye for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
*The client’s name has been changed to protect their identity.
