Federal Trial Halted by Judge after attorney violates local rule

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) – A federal trial regarding a civil lawsuit over a deadly i-75 crash from 2015, has been halted by a federal judge. 

The crash which killed 6 people was caused by Cool Runnings Express driver Benjamin Brewer. 

Brewer was under the influence at the time of the crash and has since been sentenced to 55 years. 

The civil trial involves the trucking company and a local family that was also involved in the crash.

The trial has been pushed due to the prosecutors attorney violating a local rule. 

Last night a press release was sent to local media announcing the time of the trial and provided two statements, one from the family suing the company and one from the attorney. 

Local attorney Jacob Parker , who is not affiliated with the trial, explains why the local 83.2 rule is so important. 

“The local rule 83.2 protects one of the most important aspects of the civil system and that is keeping the jury isolated from outside influence. As trial lawyers we are advocates for our clients so many times we want to go above and beyond and tell the jury things that not necessarily a judge would allow to enter into evidence. When we make a press release or comments outside of the courtroom it could potentially interfere with the jury’s ability to make a fair and balanced decision,” says Jacob Parker, Attorney. 

There has been No word on when the new trial date will be set.