Miami Jury Awards $150K in Dump Truck Crash Injury Case

Case Background

On the night of February 6, 2022, a violent collision at a Miami intersection set the stage for a personal injury lawsuit that reached trial more than three years later. Precious C. Baker had been driving her Hyundai Sonata northbound on NW 12th Avenue. As she crossed the intersection at NW 116th Street, a southbound commercial dump truck driven by Nancy J. Padilla turned left in front of her, cutting across her path. Padilla failed to yield the right of way, causing a direct T-bone collision that spun Baker’s car into a residential fence.

The impact caused immediate physical and emotional trauma. Padilla fled the scene without offering help or calling emergency services. Two days later, authorities located her. She admitted to fleeing and received a traffic citation for leaving the scene. Baker, burdened by mounting medical bills and emotional distress, filed a lawsuit against both Nancy Padilla and Nelson O. Padilla, who owned the dump truck.

Cause that led to the legal dispute

The crash happened because Nancy Padilla made a negligent left-hand turn without yielding. Baker had the right of way and was lawfully traveling through the intersection. Testimony showed that Padilla neither signaled nor slowed her truck before turning. Her actions violated Florida traffic laws. Baker attempted to avoid the crash, but the dump truck struck her vehicle’s side with full force. Her complaint cited Padilla’s failure to operate the truck with caution, failure to yield, and reckless disregard for other drivers on the road. Padilla’s choice to flee added weight to the charge of negligence.

Injury suffered

The collision left Baker with lasting physical and emotional injuries. She reported ongoing neck and back pain that limited her movement and daily activities. Her injuries required regular medical treatment, including follow-ups and therapy. Psychological experts linked her emotional s