$82.3 Million Verdict for I-70 Crash Victim Struck by Trucker Watching Videos on iPad

In February 2023, Beth Mayhew was traveling on Interstate 70 in Missouri when a tractor-trailer driven by Vladimir Sadovyh slammed into her vehicle from behind. Traffic ahead had slowed. Sadovyh did not stop in time. A witness, another commercial truck driver, had already called 911 to report what he saw: Sadovyh operating his rig with both feet on the dashboard while holding an iPad and watching videos.

The collision was catastrophic. Mayhew suffered a displaced comminuted femur fracture, pelvic ring fractures, a severed iliac vein, spinal compression fractures, rib fractures, and bilateral pneumothoraces. The injuries required emergency surgery, intensive care, and prolonged hospitalization. Her husband Matthew brought a derivative loss-of-consortium claim alongside hers.

Tim Dollar and Lauren Dollar of Dollar, Burns, Becker and Hershewe in Kansas City tried the case in Callaway County Circuit Court. The theory against the motor carriers, Nova First LLC and Globex Transport Inc., centered on negligent supervision and entrustment: Sadovyh was their driver and their responsibility.

On November 19, 2025, the jury returned a verdict of $82,300,000. The compensatory portion totaled $12.3 million: $11.3 million for Beth Mayhew and $1 million for Matthew Mayhew. Punitive damages reached $70 million, allocated as $20 million against Sadovyh personally, $20 million against Nova First, and $30 million against Globex Transport. The case was tried before Judge Jeff Harris.

As of the Missouri Lawyers Media report published in February 2026, a mediation between the parties had been scheduled. No court record of a remittitur or appellate reduction has been confirmed. The verdict ranked second among all Missouri plaintiffs' verdicts for 2025.