A federal jury in Charleston awarded $17 million to the relatives of a Canadian family tragically killed in a fiery truck crash involving a tractor-trailer. This verdict marked the conclusion of a nearly three-year legal battle filled with numerous motions and complex litigation.
In 2015, Timothy Groshans, the truck driver, was traveling with the cruise control set at 70 mph when his 18-wheeler, weighing 40,000 pounds, sped past warning signs about upcoming construction on Interstate 95 near Florence. Groshans’ truck collided with a Honda CR-V, carrying Jeremiah Cross, 34, Crystal Cross, 32, and their 7-month-old son, Graysen, who were returning from a Florida vacation. The collision resulted in an explosion that sent Graysen, still strapped into his car seat, flying 175 feet down the road. Crystal, seated in the back, died instantly, while Jeremiah perished moments later inside the burning vehicle.
A lawsuit was filed against Groshans, his employer XPO Express, and its parent company, XPO Logistics. The lawsuit asserted that XPO Express was a shell entity created to shield XPO Logistics from liability, a claim XPO vigorously contested. However, meticulous review of discovery documents revealed that many driver logs bore the XPO Logistics name, indicating the parent company’s control over safety.
At trial, Mark Bringardner and a team of lawyers representing the Estate of Jeremiah and Graysen, believed that Groshans might have been drinking before the crash. Evidence included a bottle of liquor found in the truck’s cab and testimony from the co-driver about removing a second liquor bottle. No post-accident alcohol test was conducted on Groshans, which was required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. That violation raised further suspicions of drunk driving. Attorneys for XPO countered that there was no evidence of alcohol impairment.
Ultimately, the jury awarded a total of $17 million to the family. The verdict underscored the jury’s recognition of the defendants’ negligence that destroyed a family and caused grief and heartache for grandparents, siblings, and others in their extended family.
At Bringardner Injury Law, we are dedicated to securing justice for families affected by tragic and preventable accidents. Our team is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and obtaining the compensation our clients deserve. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a wrongful death or serious injury, call us at 843-380-5299 or contact us online to discuss your case and explore your legal options.