The Incident
Our client was traveling through Missouri on his motorcycle in June 2020 when he was struck by a City of Cuba employee who ran a stop sign. The collision caused severe injuries and upended his journey and life. In the immediate aftermath, the defendant admitted to police that he hadn’t seen the motorcycle. However, as the case progressed, the defense attempted to alter the narrative, introducing new claims and denying liability.
The Challenges
From the outset, the defense presented significant obstacles. They initially refused to make any settlement offers, forcing our client to endure the uncertainty of a prolonged legal battle. Even during the trial, the defense only offered a $400,000 motorcycle accident settlement, a figure far below what we believed was just.
Additionally, the defense attempted to discredit critical evidence, including the police report, and introduced inconsistent testimony to shift blame away from their negligence.
Our Strategy and Advocacy
Mark Cantor and David Poe meticulously built a case that dismantled the defense’s arguments and highlighted the clear liability of the City of Cuba and its employee.
- Key Testimonies:
- Mark Cantor led the charge in presenting the case, conducting voir dire, delivering the opening statement, and skillfully handling our client’s direct examination.
- David Poe’s cross-examination of the defendant proved to be a turning point. By exposing inconsistencies in the defendant’s story, particularly regarding a purported obstruction by a “mysterious truck,” David’s questioning ultimately led the defendant to admit liability during the trial.
- Evidence and Storytelling:
- We secured the admission of crucial evidence, including the business-record certification of the police report, which detailed the defendant’s initial admission of failing to see the motorcycle.
- The emotional testimony of our client and a videotaped deposition from his longtime friend added authenticity and depth, portraying the profound impact the accident had on his life.
- Closing Argument: Mark Cantor’s closing argument tied the case together, emphasizing the responsibility of the City of Cuba and its employee to ensure the safety of others. His compelling narrative resonated with the jury, framing the case as a clear injustice that demanded accountability.
The Outcome
After a hard-fought trial, the jury awarded our client a $700,000 motorcycle accident settlement, a figure that Mark Cantor believes is the largest jury verdict ever awarded in Crawford County in a collision case. This amount far exceeded the defense’s highest settlement offer of $400,000 and represented a significant victory for our client.
This verdict provided our client with the financial resources to cover his medical expenses, compensate for his pain and suffering, and rebuild his life after the accident. Feedback from one juror indicated that the only hesitation during deliberations was a belief that the award should have been higher—further validation of the strength of our case
“David did an excellent job cross-examining the defendant during his deposition and trial. His efforts were so impactful that the Defendant admitted liability during the trial!”
How Cantor Injury Law Can Help You
This case demonstrates the value of having a dedicated and skilled legal team ready to take cases to trial. At Cantor Injury Law, we are committed to fighting for justice, even in the face of significant resistance from defendants and their insurers. Our thorough preparation, strategic advocacy, and courtroom expertise ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Cantor Injury Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and deliver the justice you deserve.
