The Incident
Two young fathers lost their lives in a devastating underride accident when their vehicle slid under the back of a Wabash-manufactured trailer. The tragic crash highlighted serious safety concerns in trailer design, leading to a legal battle against the manufacturer. The families sought justice and accountability, knowing that their loss could help prevent future tragedies on the road.
Unique Case Challenges
This case presented significant legal hurdles. Wabash, a major trailer manufacturer, had extensive legal resources and denied responsibility for the accident. Proving liability required in-depth investigation, expert testimony, and a compelling argument that the trailer’s lack of proper underride protection contributed to the fatalities. Additionally, the defense fought aggressively to minimize damages and avoid accountability.
Strategic Legal Action
The trial team—Brian Winebright of Cantor Injury Law, alongside John Simon, Johnny Simon, and Lisa Tsacoumangos—built a powerful case, exposing critical design failures and advocating for safer industry practices. They demonstrated how improved underride guards could have prevented the crash, holding Wabash accountable for prioritizing profits over safety. The legal team fought tirelessly through pre-trial motions, expert witness cross-examinations, and an aggressive defense strategy from Wabash’s attorneys.
The Outcome
After a hard-fought trial, the jury returned a historic $462 million verdict—believed to be the largest punitive damages award ever against a trailer manufacturer. The ruling not only secured justice for the victims’ families but also sent a powerful message to the industry about the importance of trailer safety improvements. This verdict has the potential to influence future regulations and push manufacturers to implement better underride protection to prevent similar tragedies.
How Cantor Injury Law Can Help You
At Cantor Injury Law, we are committed to holding corporations accountable when their negligence leads to devastating accidents. Our firm has the resources, experience, and determination to take on large manufacturers and insurance companies to fight for the justice our clients deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a defective product or preventable accident, contact Cantor Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help ensure that no other family has to endure the same loss.
📞 Call (314) 628-9999 – You Can Count on Cantor.
