Iowa Supreme Court Upholds $26M Payout for Victim in 2020 Semi Crash

Maggie McQuillen awarded damages for severe injuries sustained in near-fatal collision.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crushed car part, such as a twisted metal frame or shattered glass, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the severe damage caused by the semi-truck collision.The devastating aftermath of a high-speed collision with a commercial vehicle serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and accountability.Des Moines Today

The Iowa Supreme Court has affirmed a district court's decision to award over $26 million in damages to Maggie McQuillen, a high school student athlete who was severely injured in a 2020 crash with a semi-truck in Anamosa, Iowa. McQuillen suffered traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and other life-threatening injuries when the truck turned left in front of her car, causing it to slide underneath the trailer. The trucking company, West Side Transport, appealed the jury's decision, but the Supreme Court denied their request for a retrial, upholding the original $26.1 million payout.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of commercial vehicle accidents and the importance of thorough investigations, fair trials, and adequate compensation for victims who suffer catastrophic injuries. The Supreme Court's decision affirms the jury's findings and sends a strong message about the responsibility of trucking companies to ensure the safety of other drivers on the road.

The details

In March 2020, Maggie McQuillen, a student athlete at Anamosa High School, was involved in a near-fatal crash with a semi-truck in Anamosa, Iowa. Court documents state that the 18-wheeler turned left and crossed Highway 151 in front of McQuillen's car, causing her vehicle to slide underneath the trailer and shear off the top of the car. When she arrived at the hospital, McQuillen was deemed medically dead, not breathing and without a pulse, but was resuscitated. Her injuries included severe traumatic brain injuries, lacerations, and around 100 skull fractures. She underwent extensive rehabilitation and faces permanent neurological difficulties.

  • The crash occurred in March 2020.
  • A jury trial was held in May and June of 2024.
  • The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed the decision in April 2026.

The players

Maggie McQuillen

A student athlete at Anamosa High School who was severely injured in the 2020 semi-truck crash.

West Side Transport

The trucking company that employed the driver involved in the crash and appealed the $26.1 million jury award.

Clifford Takes

The truck driver who was found partially at fault for the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Iowa Supreme Court's decision is final, and the $26.1 million payout to Maggie McQuillen will be upheld.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for strict safety protocols and accountability measures in the trucking industry to protect other drivers on the road. The substantial jury award and Supreme Court's affirmation send a clear message that negligence will not be tolerated, and victims of such crashes deserve fair compensation for their life-altering injuries.