$15 Million Awarded in Fatal DUI Truck & Car Crash

The fatal crash occurred in 2005 when an intoxicated truck driver, who admitted to causing the crash, hit a slow moving vehicle as they approached a construction area on the Indiana Toll Road by Bristol, Indiana. At the time of the collision, the tractor-trailer rig was loaded with food, and police affidavits revealed that after the truck struck the first car, it unfortunately caused a chain reaction crash resulting in four deaths. The victims were Beverly and Phillip Zinsmaster (Sherwood, Michigan), Joan Auburt (San Gabriel, California), and Dimitry Karpov (Mayfield Heights, Ohio).

According to court documents, Stanislaw Gil (Fox Lake, Illinois) was operating the truck under the influence of alcohol; and Net Trucking, the company he worked for, doctored its log books in order to conceal the fact its employee was driving much longer than he was permitted to under Federal Law. U.S. District Court Judge Theresa L. Springmann also found that the truck company engaged in fraudulent conveyance, that is, the truck company officials were hiding assets and conveying property a few months following the fatal crash. Judge Springmann further found that defendant Net Trucking was in default after it failed to make a single motion or pleading after its lawyer withdrew in the summer of 2009. Finally, the trucking company failed to appear at subsequent hearings, including a July hearing to determine damages.

Federal Court Judge Springmann awarded approximately $6.7 million as compensatory damages for Dimitry Karpov’s wrongful death, $2.1 million as compensatory damages for Margarita Karpov’s personal injuries and $6.3 million in punitive damages. Gil, the intoxicated truck driver, was sentenced to serve 14 years in prison and 10 years probation.

Gray and White Law has helped many Kentucky families whose loved ones were the victims of crashes, wrecks, collisions or freak incidents through no fault of their own. If you, or someone you love, suffered severe or life threatening injuries that resulted from an accident or catastrophe relating to vehicles and/or premise, then you should contact our team of experienced and respected personal injury lawyers immediately. For decades, Gray and White Law has successfully obtained millions of dollars on behalf of its clients by way of settlements and verdicts. Our law firm is ready to learn more about your case and to help you with any questions or concerns you might have.  Simply contact us at any time for your free legal consultation via confidential e-mail or toll-free call at 1-800-634-8767.