In a landmark victory for victims of trucking negligence, Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers recently secured a $21,253,467 jury verdict on behalf of Asia and Sarah Morgan. The two women were seriously injured when an 18-wheeler rear-ended their vehicle on a New Mexico highway, forever altering the course of their lives.
The verdict reflects not only the gravity of their injuries but also the jury’s recognition of the life-altering harm caused by distracted driving.
The Collision
The crash occurred back in 2017 on a highway in New Mexico. The Morgans’ vehicle was rear-ended by a commercial truck operated by FBM Group Corporation. According to the plaintiffs, the truck driver, Leilei Chen, became distracted after dropping a water bottle in the cab and took his eyes off the road. That moment of inattention had catastrophic consequences.
Both Asia and Sarah suffered serious traumatic brain injuries. In the years following the crash, they faced ongoing medical challenges and disruption to their daily lives. What began as a typical day ended in trauma, leaving lasting physical and emotional scars.
The Legal Battle
The Morgans filed a negligence lawsuit, naming both FBM Group Corporation and the driver as defendants. The case was tried in a California state court, despite the crash taking place in New Mexico, adding another layer of complexity for the legal teams involved.
The trial began on June 22 and stretched over several weeks. With liability hotly contested, expert testimony played a central role in the case. Much of the dispute centered on differing accounts from accident reconstruction experts, each offering a distinct interpretation of how the crash unfolded.
In the absence of dash cam footage—still uncommon in commercial trucks in 2017—jurors had to rely heavily on forensic evidence to piece together the crucial seconds before impact.
Bowen Painter, a Savannah-based firm, served as parachute trial counsel, partnering with local California attorneys from Wisner Baum. Attorney Stephen Morrison explained how his Georgia-based firm became involved in the out-of-state trial:
“Our lawyers are national trial lawyers and really leaned into ‘parachute trial counsel’ opportunities when the courts closed down during the pandemic. We’re always looking for partners to work with on cases and talented attorneys and staff to join our team.”
Despite the defense’s arguments that the Morgans were traveling too slowly and that their injuries were exaggerated, the plaintiffs’ team delivered a powerful case. Their presentation was supported by expert medical opinions, technical crash analysis, and detailed documentation of the Morgans’ ongoing suffering.
The Verdict
After carefully considering the evidence, the jury returned a verdict for the Morgans. The award—$21,253,467 in total damages—far exceeded a pre-trial settlement offer of just $50,000. This verdict underscores the strength of the plaintiffs’ case and the jury’s understanding of the lifelong consequences of the crash.
Attorney Stephen Morrison credited his team of attorneys and “rockstar paralegals” for their role in building a clear, compelling case for the jury. “This case was a lot of work, but we could not be prouder to represent the Morgans and for our small but mighty firm to try a case all the way across the country — and win,” said Morrison.
Justice Delivered
This result highlights the importance of experienced legal representation in complex injury cases, especially when large commercial carriers and their insurers work aggressively to avoid accountability. Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers brought the full weight of their resources, courtroom skill, and trial strategy to fight for the justice the Morgans deserved.
As national trial lawyers, the firm isn’t limited by geography. Whether trying a case in Georgia or stepping in as parachute counsel across the country, Bowen Painter is committed to helping injury victims rebuild their lives.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a serious truck accident, don’t wait. Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to understand your rights and take the first step toward recovery.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers in Savannah for Help Today
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
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(912) 335-1909
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