After surviving a devastating crash that left her with a serious brain injury, our client faced not only a long recovery but also the shocking reality that the trucking company’s insurance coverage fell far below what federal law required.
The collision occurred when a logging truck ran a stoplight and struck a van carrying eight people. Most were injured, and tragically, one lost their life. The trucking company claimed it carried only a limited insurance policy – far less than the $750,000 minimum mandated under federal motor carrier law.
Unsure of where to turn, our client came to us for help. It wasn’t their fault the driver lacked proper insurance, and the amount offered by the insurer was nowhere near the damages suffered. With determination, our client chose to fight back rather than accept that answer. We were hired to challenge the validity of the policy, and together we fought to have it reformed to meet the legal minimum.
During our investigation, we uncovered something astonishing: the insurer used a computer system that generated instant quotes, known internally as the “Presto Machine.” Employees followed a script, entering data quickly – but the shortcut produced policies that failed to meet federal requirements.
Because our client refused to give up, the policy was reformed to $750,000. That recovery was divided among the victims, providing meaningful support for long-term medical care and rehabilitation. While no settlement could erase the harm, our client’s courage and persistence turned an inadequate offer into meaningful compensation.
This case is proof that victims don’t have to accept the first answer from an insurance company. By standing up for their rights, our client transformed a low settlement into a fair recovery – and reminded us all that diligence and accountability matter.