Trucking Company Hit with $17 Million Verdict in Fatal Auto v. Truck Case

Auto v. Truck

Lethesia Guzman, et al. v. Morning Star Company, Inc and Morning Star Trucking Company, LLC, et al (Sacramento County Super Ct. No. 34-2018-00226841): On December 6, 2024 a jury entered a $17 million verdict in favor of plaintiffs and against defendants Morning Star Company Inc. and Morning Star Trucking Company, LLC in a fatal truck v auto case. Plaintiff Lethesia Guzman’s vehicle was disabled in the third lane of Highway 80 after she was involved in an unrelated accident. Plaintiff and her husband David Miranda exited the disabled vehicle and were standing on the edge of the road calling 911 for assistance. A truck carrying two full loads of tomato tubs driven by Eduardo Marquez did not see plaintiff’s disabled vehicle and sideswiped it, then veered out of control striking plaintiff and her husband, throwing them 30 feet below where they were standing. David Miranda was killed from the impact, and Guzman suffered catastrophic injuries to her legs, vertebrae and feet. Plaintiff alleged that Maquez was negligent in his operation of the truck, and that he was a joint employee of both companies. Defendants contended that plaintiff was 100 percent responsible for the accident and that she had recovered from her injuries. After an 11 week trial the jury found rendered their verdict in favor of plaintiff. Plaintiff was represented by The Dolan Law Firm. Defendants were represented by Horton, Oberrecht & Kirkpatrick and Matheny, Sears, Linkert & Jaime LLP.