Motorcycle Strikes Trailer Pulled Into Its Path
On May 30, 2013, CSCS’s client was riding a motorcycle when a minivan driver pulled from a stop sign in front of him while towing a trailer loaded with yard debris. The motorcycle struck the trailer, and the rider was thrown approximately 72 feet before landing on a driveway.
Catastrophic Orthopedic and Neurologic Injuries
The client, age 24 at the time of the crash, suffered numerous catastrophic injuries, including a left-leg fracture with arterial and nerve injury, a left shoulder fracture and dislocation, a thoracic compression fracture, a right ankle fracture, and additional serious trauma described in the firm’s newsletter. His injuries prevented him from returning to gainful employment and created extensive future medical needs.
CSCS Defeats a Contributory-Negligence Defense
Because Maryland follows contributory-negligence rules, the defense argued that the motorcyclist’s speed contributed to the collision. Joseph Cammarata and Allan M. Siegel developed the position that the minivan driver failed to see the motorcycle, which was there to be seen, and that the driver’s failure to yield caused the crash.
Maximum Available Insurance Paid
The case was resolved at mediation for $4.8 million, which CSCS reported was the maximum amount of available insurance.
Case Result Summary
| Settlement | $4.8 million |
| Case type | Motorcycle / trailer collision |
| Attorneys | Joseph Cammarata and Allan M. Siegel |
| Client | 24-year-old motorcyclist at time of crash |
| Injuries | Multiple catastrophic fractures plus arterial and nerve injury |
| Liability issue | Maryland contributory-negligence / alleged speed |
| Damages | Unable to return to gainful employment; extensive future medical expenses |
| Resolution | Mediation; maximum available insurance |
