What began as a relaxing vacation quickly became a traumatic, life-altering ordeal for Tamara Smith. While returning to Los Angeles from New Mexico with passengers Brittnei Richardson and Steven Moten, Ms. Smith’s vehicle was violently sideswiped by a commercial big rig traveling at an unsafe speed. The truck abruptly changed lanes on the freeway, causing her car to veer off the road, slam into a median, and roll over multiple times before resting upside down.

Ms. Smith lost consciousness during the crash but awoke moments later, disoriented, in pain, and still trapped inside the overturned vehicle. She managed to escape with sheer adrenaline and determination and was rushed to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital.

Serious Injuries with Long-Term Impact

Ms. Smith sustained multiple injuries to her neck, chest, lower back, right knee, and hand. In addition to the physical trauma, she developed insomnia, emotional distress, and limited mobility, making it difficult to return to her daily routine. Her recovery required extensive treatment, including physical therapy, pain management, spinal injections, and eventually, surgery.

Despite her efforts, Ms. Smith continues to suffer from chronic pain, especially in her neck, shoulder, knee, and lower back, which affects her quality of life to this day.

How Maximus Law Helped

When Ms. Smith reached out to Maximus Law, she was overwhelmed by her injuries, medical bills, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Our team immediately provided compassionate, comprehensive legal support from day one.

We coordinated medical care with specialists like Dr. Eldringhoff in Sherman Oaks, managed all communications with insurance companies, and negotiated wage loss recovery. Our legal team also worked tirelessly to reduce her medical expenses and ensure her ongoing treatment would be supported financially.

Justice Delivered: A $785K Settlement

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Maximus Law team, Ms. Smith received a $330K settlement to help her rebuild her life. In addition, Brittnei Richardson received $330K and Steven Mote received $125K in settlements through the firm’s diligent efforts, bringing the total to $785K secured for their clients. In addition to financial compensation, we secured reduced medical costs and ensured Ms. Smith had access to the care she still needs.

This case powerfully reminds us how quickly life can change and how critical it is to have the right legal team. At Maximus Law, we go beyond the courtroom. We advocate for peace of mind, long-term recovery, and justice that endures.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, don’t wait. Contact Maximus Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most: healing.