Anna Dent vs. CSM Transportation, LLC

Case Background

On September 4, 2023, Plaintiff  Anna Dent filed a Truck accident lawsuit in the Shelbyville County, Tennessee Bedford Circuit Court (Case number: 14023).  Wyatt Burk presided over this case.

Cause

On the afternoon of September 17, 2021, Anna Dent, a 54-year-old special education teacher from Bedford County, was driving her SUV on Hwy 231N. Traffic was heavy, and she had stopped behind a school bus that was dropping off students. Behind her, James Soister, the driver of a tractor-trailer for CSM Transportation, was hauling 68,000 pounds of chicken parts from a Tyson chicken plant in Shelbyville to another plant in Robards, KY. Soister failed to stop in time and rear-ended Dent’s SUV at 43 mph. The impact caused Dent’s vehicle to collide with two other stopped vehicles. Afterward, Soister’s rig struck the rear of the school bus, damaging it but fortunately leaving the children on board uninjured.

Injuries

As a result of the truck accident, Anna Dent suffered several severe injuries. The most significant injury was a large cut to her head, which required ten staples to close. She also sustained a small brain bleed and a broken right foot, with fractures in six places. Dent was immediately taken to the ER where her injuries were treated, and she spent two nights in the hospital. Five days later, she experienced an electrolyte imbalance linked to her head injury, requiring an additional five days in the ICU. Despite the severity of the injuries, Dent made a remarkable recovery, although she continues to experience intermittent headaches. Her right foot is expected to suffer ongoing arthritis pain due to the fractures.

Damages

Dent’s medical expenses totaled $88,857, with an estimated $15,003 required for future care. She filed a lawsuit against Soister and CSM Transportation, seeking damages for the severe injuries she sustained in the truck accident. The claim emphasized the negligence of the trucking company and the driver, as well as the physical, emotional, and financial hardships resulting from the incident.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Anna Dent
    • Counsel for Plaintiff: Burke Keaty, II | Ken Major |  Kelli Lester
  • Defendant(s): CSM Transportation, LLC
    • Counsel for Defendants: Daniel G. Headrick | Tanner W. Yancey 

Claims

In her lawsuit, Anna Dent sought compensation for extensive medical bills, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects of her injuries. The damages included costs for her ongoing medical treatment and potential future care for her broken foot and brain injury complications. Dent’s claim also aimed to hold both Soister and CSM Transportation accountable for the severe impact on her life. She sought to address the substantial financial and physical toll caused by the truck accident. This case highlights the serious consequences of truck accidents, particularly when commercial drivers fail to maintain proper control of their vehicles. With the support of her legal team, Dent sought justice and the necessary resources to support her recovery and future well-being.

Defense

In response to the lawsuit filed by Anna Dent, Soister and CSM Transportation claimed that the truck accident was not entirely their fault. They argued that heavy traffic and the sudden stop of vehicles ahead of Soister made it difficult for him to stop his tractor-trailer in time. Soister contended that the collision was caused by a combination of factors beyond his control, including the unexpected stop of Dent’s vehicle due to the school bus.

The defense also pointed out that Soister was driving within the legal speed limit and did everything he could to avoid the crash. They further argued that the damage to the school bus was minimal and that no children were injured. This suggested that the impact was not as severe as Dent claimed.

Additionally, the defense questioned the extent of Dent’s injuries. They suggested that while she suffered a head injury and a broken foot, her recovery was faster than expected. According to the defense, this did not justify the level of damages Dent sought. They asserted that CSM Transportation and Soister were not fully responsible for the incident. They also claimed that external factors, such as the behavior of other drivers and road conditions, played a significant role in the truck accident.

Jury Verdict

On December 17, 2024, the jury awarded Anna Dent a total of $1,065,860 in damages. This amount included her medical expenses of $88,857, future medical costs of $15,003, and $12,000 for lost wages, as stipulated. When considering non-economic damages, the jury took several factors into account. Dent was awarded $500,000 for past suffering and an additional $200,000 for future suffering. For her permanent injury, the jury granted her $50,000. The jury also awarded Dent $100,000 each for past and future loss of enjoyment of life. Of the total verdict, $950,000 was allocated to non-economic damages, reflecting the significant physical, emotional, and psychological toll the truck accident had on her life.

Court Documents:

Documents are available for purchase upon request at jurimatic@exlitem.com