$15 Million Jury Verdict in Rear-End Crash Caused by Tractor-Trailer Driver

Jorge Amparo was traveling on an interstate highway in rainy conditions during heavy traffic. Evans Delivery Co. driver Jose Ayala was operating an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer in the roadway’s middle or left lane while he was talking on his cellphone.

As Amparo stopped for traffic in the left lane, Ayala’s tractor-trailer rear-ended his vehicle, causing it collide with another vehicle in front of him.

Emergency workers used the Jaws of Life to extract Amparo who was taken to a nearby hospital. He underwent a discectomy to treat a herniation at L5-S1 and required physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Despite treatment, Amparo had been diagnosed as having failed back syndrome, necessitating physical therapy and epidural injections. He also suffers from post-concussion syndrome, which affects his ability to concentrate or continue working as a forklift operator. Amparo was earning $70,000 per year. His medical expenses were almost $302,000.

Amparo, 45, and his wife sued Ayala, Evans Delivery Co. and truck owners Daniel E. Matos and V. Matos Transport Inc., alleging that Ayala had been following too close behind Amparo and was distracted by using his cellphone at the time of the crash.

The Amparos also claimed that Ayala had either entered the left lane or lost control of the tractor-trailer before rear-ending Amparo’s vehicle.

The jury signed a verdict for approximately $15 million, including more than $727,500 to Amparo’s wife for loss of consortium.

The attorneys successfully representing the Amparo family in this case were Brenden P. Leydon, Nicholas E. Wocl and Todd Miller.

At trial, the Amparo lawyers presented experts in cognitive psychology, accident reconstruction, life care planning, truck industry, psychiatry, neurosurgery and economics. The defendants presented experts in orthopedics and trucking.

Amparo v. Ayala, No. FST-CV-16-6029461-S (Conn. Jud. Dist. Stamford/Norwalk).

Kreisman Law Offices has been handling truck accident lawsuits, rear-end crash cases, motorcycle accident lawsuits, bicycle accident cases, and nursing home injury lawsuits for individuals, families and loved ones who have been injured, harmed or killed by the carelessness or negligence of another for more than 40 years in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas, including Cicero, Berwyn, Burbank, Bedford Park, Countryside, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Wheaton, Lisle, Aurora, Oak Lawn, Crestwood, Midlothian, Homewood, Highwood, Mokena, Olympia Fields, Chicago Heights, Niles, Chicago (Avondale, Albany Park, Norwood Park, Bronzeville, Little Italy, East Garfield Park, South Loop, Greek Town, Back of the Yards, Pullman, Pilsen, Chicago Lawn, Marquette Park, Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing, Woodlawn, South Shore, Calumet Heights, Washington Heights, Beverly), Palatine, Palos Hills, Oak Park and South Barrington, Ill.

Robert D. Kreisman has been an active member of the Illinois and Missouri bars since 1976.