When Speed and Negligence Collide

It was still dark, pre-dawn, as two welders in their 30s pulled out onto LA Highway 384 for their morning commute. They had barely traveled 122 feet when their lives were violently upended. A Ford F150 truck, traveling at a terrifying 86 mph, slammed into their rear, actually accelerating to 96 mph at the point of impact. The force was so immense it propelled their truck over 200 feet forward, rolled it over multiple times, and left it a mangled wreck in a ditch. The injuries were severe and life-altering. The driver suffered a Grade 3 splenic laceration, multiple spinal fractures, and severe bruising. His passenger endured even more catastrophic damage over sixteen days in the hospital: lacerations to his scalp and face, and multiple fractures across his skull, sternum, jaw, shoulder blade, leg, and arm. Both men were resilient, ultimately returning to their demanding work, but they faced a future forever marked by this sudden, brutal collision.

Fighting the Truth Hidden in the Data

Imagine surviving such a horrific crash, only to find the investigating State Trooper had cited you—the victim—for failure to yield. While the other driver was cited for careless operation, this initial finding created an immediate and devastating hurdle to justice, compounding the stress of crushing medical bills and lasting pain. At Broussard Knoll Law Firm, we knew the truth lay hidden in the data, not just the initial report. While the official document attempted to shift blame, our investigation focused on the scientific evidence. We secured a download of the crash data recorder (CDR), or “black box,” from the defendant’s F150. That data told a chillingly different story: the defendant was traveling at excessive speed and, crucially, accelerated just before impact. This irrefutable CDR evidence completely contradicted the initial finding and became the central pillar of our fight.

Relentless Advocacy Secures Full Recovery

Our team, including Steven Broussard, Aaron Broussard, and Randall E. Hart, immediately went to work. We compiled undeniable evidence and obtained a Motion for Summary Judgment on liability, meaning the court initially agreed the defendant was at fault. However, the legal battle was far from over when the Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed this decision. We were undeterred. While our writ application was pending at the Louisiana Supreme Court, poised for another hard-fought appellate battle, the mounting evidence and our relentless advocacy finally pressured Allstate. The case settled for the available policy limits and legal interest, totaling a substantial $1,543,969.18. This significant recovery not only relieved our clients from the immense burden of their incurred medical bills but also provided the crucial financial security needed to mitigate the long-term impact of their serious injuries and secure the quality of life they deserved.

“I remember my first meeting with these clients clearly. Even though they were busted up from head-to-toe, all they were worried about was getting back to work and taking care of their families. That’s the kind of people we like to help.”

Aaron Broussard
Partner & Trial Lawyer