In 2009, a major personal injury case involving members of the Cojuangco made headlines in California. They are one of the Philippines’ most prominent families. While many people refer to them informally as “the Filipino royal family,” what mattered most in this case was the serious harm they suffered and the legal fight that followed.
Maria Cojuangco, et al. v. MXI Maumee Express case resulted in a $5 million settlement and demonstrates how difficult truck accident cases can be, especially when victims are from other countries and facing life-changing injuries.
What Happened in The Accident?
Members of the Cojuangco family were in California on vacation and were driving to the Bay Area following a brief Disneyland vacation. Their rented van was traveling along the Grapevine, which is one of the steepest and busiest stretches of Interstate 5.
During that drive, a commercial truck struck their vehicle. The impact was severe. The family later learned that the truck may not have been in a safe mechanical condition. This is the main issue for their legal claims.
Because the family members were visiting from the Philippines, they were suddenly dealing with injuries, hospitals, and legal processes in a country far from home. This made the situation even more stressful for them.
What are the Injuries?
Several family members suffered major spinal fractures:
- Maria Cojuangco, age 47, suffered a compression fracture at T3 and a burst fracture at T4.
- Pedro Cojuangco, age 82, had a probable fracture of the C5 lamina.
- Sari Cojuangco, age 75, suffered a T5 vertebral body fracture.
- Other passengers suffered soft tissue injuries and emotional trauma.
These injuries are painful and often require long recovery periods. For older adults, spinal fractures can be especially dangerous and life-altering.
The Result is a $5 Million Settlement
The case settled for $5 million in Kern County on December 30, 2009. While no amount of money can undo the physical and emotional harm the family suffered, the settlement helped cover:
- Medical bills
- Long-term care
- Pain and suffering
- Travel complications
- Loss of normal life activities
It also held the trucking company accountable for alleged safety failures.
Why This Case Matters?
1. It shows the dangers of unsafe commercial trucks
Truck brake failures and poor maintenance can lead to devastating crashes. The Grapevine is steep and unforgiving, making proper maintenance essential.
2. It highlights the challenges international visitors face
The family was far from home. Cases like this require a strong legal team able to coordinate across countries, insurance companies, and medical providers.
3. It proves that complex cases can still succeed
The defense strongly denied negligence and raised questions about seat belts. Yet the case resulted in a significant settlement, showing how expert analysis and strong advocacy can make a difference.
Guidance for Victims of Truck Accidents
Truck accident cases are complicated. They often involve:
- Commercial insurance companies
- Technical data from the truck
- Mechanical inspections
- Highway safety rules
- Expert testimony
If you or someone you love is injured in a truck accident, whether as a local resident or a visitor you don’t have to face the process alone.
Siegal & Richardson, LLP handles challenging and high-stakes cases including major truck accidents. If you’ve been hurt, contact our team today to learn your options and protect your rights.