Our elderly client was leaving a parking lot in Hahnville, Louisiana, when he pulled onto River Road and was hit almost immediately. A dump truck traveling down the highway struck the rear of his vehicle, forcing it off the road, into a ditch, and into a light pole.
A Violent Impact Leads to Lasting Pain and Limited Treatment Options
Shaken by the crash, our client sought medical care. Imaging revealed a positive MRI, and doctors recommended spinal injections to help control his pain. Due to pre-existing health conditions, however, he was not medically cleared for those procedures, leaving him with ongoing pain and fewer options for relief.
Dash Cam Footage Raises Serious Questions During the Investigation
The dump truck was equipped with a dash cam system, which initially appeared to support the defense. During our investigation, we discovered the interior-facing camera had been covered at the time of the crash.
A Deposition Reveals Intentional Interference With Evidence
In deposition, the truck driver admitted he had taped over the interior camera and stated this was common practice among company drivers. When the truck was later inspected, the tape was gone, and the camera was unobstructed, raising serious concerns about missing evidence.
A Spoliation Claim Shifts the Direction of the Case
Our Hahnville car accident lawyers promptly notified the defense of the altered evidence and made clear our intent to pursue a spoliation claim. Evidence does not disappear without consequence, and we were prepared to hold the company accountable for what had been hidden.
An Offer of Judgment Provides Financial Relief and Accountability
Not long after, the defense extended an offer of judgment. The resolution provided our client with the financial support he needed to manage his pain and maintain dignity despite his medical limitations.
Justice Secured Even When Medical Treatment Was Limited
Although our client could not pursue the treatment his doctors initially recommended, he did not walk away empty-handed. He walked away with accountability, financial security, and the ability to move forward after a serious crash.
