Trucking accidents are rarely just “accidents.” Most result from failures to follow basic safety rules meant to protect everyone on the road. The Griffin v. Whiteline Express, Ltd. case, handled by Joseph A. Power, Jr. and James I. Power at Power Rogers, is a clear example. A $25 million settlement resolved the matter, showing the serious consequences when trucking companies and drivers fail to meet their safety obligations.
This case demonstrates how lapses in basic safety procedures can turn routine incidents into devastating accidents, especially when large commercial vehicles are involved.
What Happened?
On the I-57 bridge over the Kankakee River, Michael Crist was operating a tractor-trailer for Whiteline Express, Ltd., hauling a load for Plastipak Packaging, when the trailer experienced a mechanical failure. Instead of immediately securing the vehicle, Crist stopped in the right travel lane of the bridge, creating a dangerous obstruction for other drivers.
Christopher Griffin, a UPS truck driver, was traveling along I-57 when he encountered the stopped trailer. With little warning and no time to avoid the obstruction, he collided with the rear of the tractor-trailer. The crash caused Mr. Griffin severe brain injuries and functional quadriplegia. He remained in a critically impaired state for nearly a year until his death.
What Went Wrong?
The investigation revealed several preventable safety failures that combined to create a highly dangerous roadway situation.
Each issue on its own increased risk, but together they turned a mechanical problem into a life-threatening hazard.
Warning Triangles
Federal regulations require tractor-trailers to carry three reflective warning triangles and place them behind a disabled vehicle at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet. In this case, despite the police report reflecting the placement of three triangles, the evidence at the scene demonstrated the placement of only two triangles, that were placed at approximately 45 feet and 95 feet behind the trailer and along the center dividing line between lanes rather than in the proper lane. Despite Defense Counsel’s best efforts to establish the existence of a third triangle, the attorneys at Power Rogers, LLP casted significant doubt on the existence of this third triangle. In addition, the placement of the two triangles reduced their effectiveness and left approaching drivers with inadequate warning of the upcoming hazard.
Hazard Warning Lights
During his deposition, the Defendant Driver, Michael Crist, testified that the hazard lights on his tractor-trailer were properly functioning at the time of his pre-trip inspection. The attorneys at Power Rogers, LLP discovered evidence suggesting that the truck’s hazard lights were not fully functional at the time of the collision. Properly working hazard lights are critical for alerting drivers in low-visibility or high-speed conditions. Without them, motorists had even less time to see the obstruction and react safely.
Delayed Notification
Crist did not promptly contact authorities after stopping. A Good Samaritan called 911 before the crash to report the disabled truck and note the malfunctioning lights. Prompt notification allows law enforcement or emergency services to provide traffic control and additional warnings, but the delay left the hazard unaddressed for far too long.
Trailer Location
The trailer protruded into the active travel lane. Any vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic creates immediate risk, and that risk is magnified when warning devices are missing, improperly placed, or ineffective.
What Was the Outcome?
The case identified multiple parties responsible for the crash. Liability extended beyond the driver, Michael Crist, to Whiteline Express, Ltd., and Plastipak Packaging, which were involved in the truck’s operation. Power Rogers handled the case, and it ultimately resolved with a $25 million settlement.
The settlement reflected the severity of Mr. Griffin’s injuries and the losses his family suffered, including medical expenses and other damages resulting from the crash.
Why This Matters for Truck Accident Victims
The Griffin v. Whiteline Express, Ltd. case highlights some important lessons for anyone affected by a trucking accident. Seemingly small safety failures, such as improperly placed warning triangles, delayed reporting, disabled vehicles encroaching into travel lanes, and malfunctioning safety equipment, can combine to create deadly situations. What might seem like minor oversights can quickly turn a routine roadside incident into a catastrophic crash.
When these failures occur, multiple parties involved in the transportation chain can be held responsible. Liability is not limited to the driver behind the wheel. Companies that operate, load, or manage the shipment also have a duty to ensure safety, and the law allows families to hold all responsible parties accountable.
The case also shows that families facing serious accidents can have hope even against large corporate defendants.
The $25 million settlement for the family of Mr. Griffin demonstrates that preventable negligence has real consequences. While no amount of money can undo the harm, this outcome shows that victims and their families can pursue justice and ensure that negligent parties are held accountable.
Power Rogers Can Help You Hold Trucking Companies Responsible
Truck accident cases require careful investigation, attention to regulatory requirements, and the resources to pursue claims against large corporate defendants. At Power Rogers, we help injured individuals and families hold trucking companies accountable when safety rules are ignored.
Our team has recovered over $6 billion for our clients, and we offer free consultations to those who need guidance after a serious trucking accident. We focus on identifying safety violations, identifying responsible parties, and pursuing outcomes that reflect the full impact of the harm.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you do not have to face the process alone. We are here to help you understand your options and take meaningful steps toward accountability. Contact us to learn more about how our legal team can help.
