Ryan C. Johnson
Partner
A National Leader in Commercial Trucking Litigation
Ryan Johnson is a nationally recognized trial lawyer who dedicates his practice to holding negligent commercial carriers accountable and advocating for families affected by catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Currently leading commercial trucking cases across 25+ states, Ryan brings more than two decades of multistate courtroom experience to each case. In 2025, he was named a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer in the Nation by the National Trial Lawyers Association.
Ryan's unique background in engineering and safety gives him a critical edge in trucking litigation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering from Texas A&M University before obtaining his law degree magna cum laude from Baylor University School of Law, where he graduated second in his class. This technical foundation allows him to dissect complex trucking regulations, analyze electronic logging devices, scrutinize hours-of-service violations, and work with leading industry experts across the country to build compelling cases designed to secure full and fair compensation for his clients.
Advocating for Victims of Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death
Ryan has secured more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. In 2025 alone, he and Cherry Johnson Siegmund James recovered over $30 million for clients in commercial trucking cases.
Representative results include:
- $12 million jury verdict for paralysis
- $9 million settlement in a multi-death brain injury case
- Numerous other seven- and eight-figure recoveries for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death
Ryan is a seasoned trial lawyer with multistate experience handling complex commercial trucking cases across the country. He understands the life-altering consequences of 18-wheeler crashes—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, and the loss of loved ones—and prepares every case with the expectation that it may be presented to a jury.
Recognized Excellence in Trial Advocacy
Ryan's peers and the legal community have consistently recognized his excellence in trial advocacy:
- Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers Association, 2025
- Top 100 Trial Lawyer, National Trial Lawyers Association, 2023
- Super Lawyers®, Thomson Reuters, 2016–present
- Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
- Jaworski Fellow Candidate, Baylor Law School, 2024
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
- Life Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Presidential Citation for Pro Bono Work, State Bar of Texas
Nationwide Practice
Ryan is licensed in multiple state and federal courts and routinely handles commercial trucking cases across the country. Whether in state or federal court, he has the credentials, resources, and experience to pursue complex claims across jurisdictions, coordinating with local counsel when appropriate to ensure seamless representation nationwide.
Professional Leadership & Industry Involvement
Ryan is an active member of the American Association for Justice Trucking Litigation Group, where he collaborates with the nation's top trucking lawyers to share litigation strategies and stay current on federal motor carrier safety regulations. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, a select group of accomplished trial lawyers with significant jury trial experience and success.
Additionally, Ryan serves as an Adjunct Professor at Baylor Law School, where he teaches arbitration and lectures on trial preparation. He has also served on the Advisory Panel for Baylor Law's Patent Litigation Advocacy Program and regularly presents to law students on client preparation and deposition strategies.
Outside the Office
Outside of the courtroom, Ryan enjoys fishing, hunting, skiing, running, and spending time with his wife and three children.
To discuss your commercial trucking case with Ryan Johnson, contact Cherry Johnson Siegmund James today.