Trucking Trial Success

Elisban Bazan v. Elite Fleet Hauling LLC & Eric Gonser

Cass County, Nebraska

Judge Michael Smith

CI 22-31

 Last week, Matt Quandt and Tom Culhane defended a trucking company and driver at trial in Cass County, Nebraska. The rearend accident occurred on Interstate 80 in January 2020.

 Plaintiff Bazan was represented by Pesek Law LLC. In discovery, they alleged $12,509,424 in total damages. They alleged a traumatic brain injury, chronic post-traumatic headaches, and a permanent neck injury. One week before trial, they proposed a $3,500,000-1,500,000 high-low agreement. At trial, Plaintiff’s counsel put on over two days of evidence, including four fact witnesses and three medical experts, and asked for over $2,010,000 million in closing.

 One week before trial, defendants offered $70,000. At trial, Matt and Tom admitted liability, put on less than two hours of evidence, and suggested $45,000.

 After only two hours of deliberation, the unanimous jury returned a verdict for only $100,000.

Erickson | Sederstrom represented at the Trucking Industry Defense Association’s annual meeting

Erickson | Sederstrom partner Matthew D. Quandt recently attended TIDA’s Annual Seminar in Philadelphia, PA.  The Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) is a nonprofit association that is devoted to sharing knowledge/resources for defense of the trucking industry and committed to reducing the cost of claims and lawsuits. This year’s seminar featured presentations regarding the state of the industry, accident reconstruction experts, orthopedic experts, fraudulent claims, fleet management, jury psychology, and more.

 From the initial accident investigation, following a rapid response team call in the middle of the night, to pre-suit negotiations and litigation of catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases through discovery and trial, Matt handles all aspects of trucking and transportation litigation. He is committed to making sure his clients are comfortable with the litigation process and emphasizes early resolution of all claims in an efficient, cost-effective manner whenever possible.

Matthew D. Quandt accepted into TIDA (the Trucking Industry Defense Association), one of only six attorney members in Nebraska/Iowa.

The Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) is a nonprofit association with members devoted to sharing knowledge and resources for defense of the trucking industry. Founded in 1993, TIDA has become the organization of choice for over 1,600 motor carriers, trucking insurers, defense attorneys and claims servicing companies. The organization is committed to reducing the cost of claims and lawsuits against the trucking industry. Members work to develop strategies and share knowledge to defend the trucking industry in personal injury, property damage, workers' compensation and cargo claims. TIDA members advocate on behalf of the industry’s interests.

As part of his trucking defense practice, Mr. Quandt offers 24-hour rapid response: facilitate on-scene investigation, organize applicable post-crash testing, collect driver and company documents, take steps to maintain confidentiality and expert work product, ensure FMCSR compliance, etc.