Settlement Holds Global Logistics Company Accountable Despite Protections Under Illinois Law
Central Illinois — Meyers & Flowers has secured a $3 million settlement on behalf of the family of a young man who was tragically killed in a commercial trucking collision. Attorneys Jonathan P. Mincieli and Thomas M. Connelly represented the family in the matter, achieving a result that holds both the trucking company and a leading global logistics company accountable for their roles in the fatal crash.
The collision occurred in May 2022 at a rural intersection in Central Illinois, when a tractor-trailer traveling northbound failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the intersection, striking the vehicle driven by the young man, who had the right of way. He was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries.
At the time of the crash, the tractor-trailer driver was employed by a large freight company that had been retained by a global logistics company to transport a shipment from Alabama to Illinois.
The case presented significant legal challenges. Under Illinois law, logistics companies are shielded from liability except for certain exceptions and establishing liability against them is very difficult. Despite these hurdles, Meyers & Flowers successfully defeated the logistics company’s motion for summary judgment subjecting it to responsibility for the failures that contributed to the fatal collision
“This was a heartbreaking case involving a young man with his entire life ahead of him,” said Jonathan Mincieli, Partner at Meyers & Flowers. “No settlement can ever make up for the loss his family has endured. But holding all responsible parties accountable was critical. This result sends a message that companies involved in the transportation chain cannot simply distance themselves when preventable tragedies occur.”
The victim was a high school junior, described by his family as a bright, loving and compassionate young man. Those who knew him recall his kindness, selflessness and generosity of spirit and that his smile would light up a room. His sudden death left a profound impact on his family, friends, and community.
Meyers & Flowers handled the matter with a focus on accountability, care, and respect for the family’s privacy while pursuing justice on their behalf.
Meyers & Flowers remains committed to representing families affected by catastrophic trucking crashes and to holding corporations accountable when negligence leads to the loss of life.
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About Meyers & Flowers
Led by Illinois Top 100 Super Lawyer and former President of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Peter J. Flowers, the Meyers & Flowers’ team of experienced trial attorneys routinely take on large challenges and succeed. For more than two decades, the firm has represented clients both locally in Chicago and nationally in a full spectrum of cases involving catastrophic personal injuries, sexual abuse, medical malpractice, product liability and corporate litigation.
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