Wabash Faces $462 Million Verdict in Truck-Trailer Crash

Transportation equipment manufacturer Wabash National is facing a substantial $462 million jury verdict in a lawsuit brought by the families of two men who died when their car collided with the rear of a trailer produced by the company. The lawsuit alleges that the trailer’s rear-impact guard was insufficiently designed to prevent the fatalities.

Case Details
The crash occurred in 2019 near downtown St. Louis when the men’s car struck the back of a nearly stopped tractor-trailer traveling at 55 miles per hour. The Missouri state circuit court jury in St. Louis found Wabash liable for the design of the rear-impact guard, resulting in a verdict of $6 million in compensatory damages for each family and $450 million in punitive damages.

Wabash contends that the trailer, manufactured in 2004, met all regulatory standards at the time and argues that the 2019 crash would not have been survivable regardless of the rear-impact guard’s design. The company also highlighted that the jury did not hear evidence about the driver’s blood alcohol level being over the legal limit or that neither of the men was wearing a seat belt.

Experts Weigh In
Industry experts shared their views on the substantial verdict. Matthew Leffler, known as Armchair Attorney, argued, "The trailer was made in 2004, with standards of that time. Adjusting punitive damages on appeal is crucial. Expecting the trucking industry to recall millions of trailers or ban older models is unrealistic."

Image: Matthew Leffler, Armchair Attorney, X.

IndieTrucker suggested, "If this verdict stands, manufacturers may add reinforced underride protection, which could reduce trailer capacity."

Image: IndieTrucker, X

Molson remarked, "A drunk driver crashes into a nearly stopped truck, and five years later, a $462 million verdict against the manufacturer. How can trucking companies operate with such verdicts possible?"

Image: Molson_Hart, X.