$1.3 Million settlement paid by two trucking companies after a tractor trailer crash left our female client with neck and back injuries requiring two surgeries. Lou DeVoto represented RD’s client in the case.  Our client was operating an 18 wheel tractor trailer when she slowed due to traffic conditions at the merge of I-287 and Route 78 in northern New Jersey.  She was rear-ended by a tractor trailer who in turn was then rear-ended by a third tractor trailer.  Our client suffered neck and back injuries that were treated conservatively for years.  The defense contended the injuries were degenerative and not related to the crash.  Eventually, our client underwent surgery of her neck and back to relieve the pain and to allow her to regain her life.  She had a good surgical result that relieved much of her pain but she was unable to return to her career as a truck driver and had to choose alternative employment that paid her less.  The case was settled in 2017 after mediation before retired Superior Court Judge Mark Epstein.