Detroit Truck Accident Lawyer Secures $12 Million Verdict After I-75 Crash

Subheading: Attorney John Marshall wins landmark judgment for family of construction worker, highlighting industry negligence and prompting calls for stricter safety protocols.

Lead Detroit attorney John Marshall secured a $12 million verdict today for the family of a 61-year-old construction worker killed in a dump-truck collision on I-75 in 2022, after proving the driver’s drug use and systemic safety failures contributed to the fatal crash.

Nut Graf The landmark ruling, delivered by Wayne County Circuit Court, underscores the profound impact of trucking-company negligence on public safety and sets a precedent for holding carriers accountable for driver drug screenings, maintenance protocols and training practices.

Main Part Marshall’s suit revealed the dump-truck driver tested positive for cocaine and THC on the day of the crash but continued working, a failure attributed to the company’s negligent drug-testing policies and spotty equipment inspections.

Key evidence included eyewitness testimony, trucking black-box data, and internal logs showing the driver’s violation of federal hours-of-service regulations. Investigators also found the backup alarm was improperly installed and a designated spotter was distracted on his cell phone when the collision occurred.

During trial, Marshall argued that had the carrier adhered to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules-conducting pre-shift drug tests and routine equipment maintenance-the accident could have been prevented. The jury agreed, awarding compensatory damages for wrongful death, lost income and pain and suffering, plus punitive damages to deter future violations.

In response to the verdict, Marshall called on local and federal regulators to tighten enforcement of drug-screening policies and mandate real-time monitoring of large-truck systems. “This case shows the lethal consequences of unchecked corporate negligence,” he said.

The trucking company has 30 days to file an appeal. Meanwhile, Marshall’s victory is expected to encourage other victims of commercial-vehicle crashes to pursue litigation against carriers and drivers who flout safety regulations.