Trial Magazine

Michaela Matthews-Bell was driving on an interstate highway when a van in front of her stopped to avoid striking an animal on the roadway. Matthews-Bell, in turn, brought her vehicle to a controlled stop. Jagdip Bhullar, who was operating a tractor-trailer owned by Jawala Mukhi Transport, Inc., rear-ended Matthews-Bell’s vehicle, causing her to collide with the van.

Matthews-Bell suffered injuries to her head, neck, and back. She has undergone extensive medical treatment, including neck surgery, and anticipates future surgery on her cervical spine. Her medical expenses exceeded $100,000.

Matthews-Bell sued Jawala Mukhi Transport and Bhullar, alleging liability for Bhullar’s failure to keep a proper lookout and maintain control of the tractor-trailer. The plaintiff argued that Bhullar had been looking at police activity on the shoulder of the northbound lanes and was too close to Matthews-Bell’s vehicle when he returned his eyes to the roadway.

The jury awarded $1.5 million.

Citation: Matthews-Bell v. Jawala Mukhi Transport, Inc., No. 17-cv-192-AL (E.D. Mo. June 13, 2019).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Brent A. Sumner and Andrew Martin, both of St. Louis; and Daniel J. Grimm, Cape Girardeau, Mo.