Corpus Christi Jury Awards $11.4M in Fatal Tractor-Trailer Crash

A fatal motor vehicle accident occurred on December 26, 2018, when a tractor-trailer reportedly crossed into an oncoming traffic lane and collided with a pickup truck, killing its driver. The plaintiff, acting on behalf of the deceased driver's minor child, subsequently filed a motor vehicle negligence lawsuit against the defendant company and the defendant driver in a U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Corpus Christi Division, on March 25, 2019.

The plaintiff alleged the defendant driver's negligence caused the crash and that the defendant employer was liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior, claiming the driver was performing duties within the scope of employment. The plaintiff also alleged the employer knew, or should have known, that the driver was operating the tractor-trailer while experiencing mental impairment and thus asserted gross negligence claims. The plaintiff claimed the decedent experienced conscious pain and suffering before death and that the minor child suffered significant losses, including parental guidance, support, and emotional distress. The decedent's parents also joined the lawsuit, seeking damages for loss of care, support, and companionship. The defendants disputed all factual allegations of the accident, including that the tractor-trailer crossed into oncoming traffic, and denied knowledge of any driver's medical impairment.

A jury awarded the plaintiff $11.4 million. The award included $5 million for the minor child for past loss of companionship and society, $5 million for future losses, and $1 million for past and future mental anguish. The decedent's mother and father each received $50,000 for past loss of companionship, $50,000 for future losses, and $50,000 for past and future mental anguish. The jury apportioned 70% liability to the defendant driver and 30% liability to the defendant employer.