Originally published at: Trailer manufacturer Wabash’s nuclear verdict lawsuit settled - FreightWaves
The nuclear verdict against trailer maker Wabash National has been settled out of court In a recent filing with the SEC, Wabash (NYSE: WNC) said it had settled the Missouri case that when the verdict first came down last year left the trailer manufacturer looking at a judgement of more than $460 million. That initial…
Another ■■■■■■■■ verdict from activist, judges
Wabash has always had safety issues with their trailers. In the late 90s all 60 brand new step decks my company bought had to go back to Wabash due to the side rail metal being so soft is would bend, the stake pockets and chain divets would break the welds when loads were secured. So i have no doubt the DOT bumper on the trailer in question wasn’t up to standards
This looks like Wabash chose expediency over long term exposure. They built a trailer to regulatory specifications 20 years before the accident occurred, which was struck in the rear by a legally ■■■■■ driver cruising at highway speeds, with the DUI part withheld from the jury. Wabash has deep enough pockets to have continued with appeals. There is no way this judgment could have survived the full appellate process. There is not an underride guard made that could have withstood that type of impact without having the same effect as hitting concreate wall. Now the personal injury attorneys are going to see Wabash as a winnable target in the future when the trucking company doesn’t have deep enough pockets to cover their demand.