“I don’t think the result would have been anywhere near what we got without Chuck’s two days of structure”
– Brian Crockett
Brian Crockett won a $700,000 verdict on Friday, March 6, 2020 “thanks to Chuck Bennett and Trial Structure.” This was a car wreck case involving multiple gaps in treatments, conflicting evidence, and difficult attempts for betrayal. To make matters worse, following the crash, the Defendants actually gave our client a ride home because they lived in the same apartment complex.
On July 23, 2016, Plaintiff was driving home from the car wash when Defendant Driver pulled out from the private drive / 7-11 gas station directly in front of Plaintiff causing a car wreck. The crash photographs showed moderate damage. Defendant Driver claimed the car had stalled and upon restarting it the car lunged out in to the road. The owner of the car, who was also in the passenger seat, was also in the car and confirmed that the car did stall, but this was the first time it lunged in to the road.
Maintenance records from Defendant’s FIAT did not show any history of maintenance problems. Both Defendants claimed that the crash was a result of mechanical issue and both claimed it was a freak accident. The investigating police officer believed the Defendants’ story and prepared the police report stating that it was caused by mechanical issue. The police officer did not cite the Defendant driver for failing to yield the right of way. The police office also testified that Plaintiff and Defendants all confirmed they were not hurt and that if any of them had any injuries, dizziness etc… he would have put down possible injury.
After the crash, Defendants’ roommate came to pick them up and they gave Plaintiff a ride home to his apartment, which happened to be the same apartment complex that Defendants lived at.
Following the crash, Plaintiff developed a severe headache, nausea and vomited several time. Plaintiff sought treatment on Monday, July 25, 2016 and was diagnosed with sprain strain and concussion.
Case was tried under Judge Howell in the 200th Judicial District. The trial lasted 9 days, with closing on day 10. The jury came back after deliberating 7 hours with:
- Negligence – Defendant Driver only.
Damages:
- Past Pain and Suffering – $25,000
- Future Pain and Suffering – $12,500
- Past Physical Impairment – $283,500
- Future Physical Impairment – $250,000
- Future Medical – $100,000.
Total judgment should be north of $700,000. Highest offer from Geico was $300,000. Case was defended by Germer’s Paul Miller and Bob Burns. Throughout trial Miller and Burns’ witnesses “accidentally” violated motions in limine. Including statements like Defendants had to hire a lawyer, Defendant was served while helping his mother in to the house after her chemotherapy treatment, and Plaintiff had dropped his lost wage claim. Defense counsel, Miller, also tried to sneak in exhibits and habitually mischaracterized witness testimony.