Dallas County Commercial Vehicle Collision Settles for $30 Million
One driver was stopped at an intersection when another driver, operating a company truck, allegedly veered into the turn lane and collided head-on with the stopped vehicle. The driver of the stopped vehicle claimed the other driver was intoxicated and failed to maintain a lane. The company stated the driver was not working for them at the time of the crash. The injured driver sought damages for pain, medical expenses, and lost earnings. The case was settled before trial.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Spinal Cord Injury Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are among the most catastrophic outcomes of car accidents, potentially resulting in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries require extensive medical care and significantly impact quality of life.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $30,000,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2024
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Settlement Context
This settlement of $30,000,000 is near the median of $30,000,000 for spinal cord injury cases resolved by settlement. The typical range is $1,600,000 to $140,000,000, based on 8 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In November 2019, an individual stopped at an intersection in Odessa, Texas, preparing to turn left when a Ford F-150 truck, operated by a defendant employee and owned by Hunt Oil Company (HOC), allegedly veered unexpectedly into the turn lane and collided head-on with the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sustained injuries to the neck, knee, and lower back, requiring medical treatment, including spinal fusion surgery.
The plaintiff filed a complaint in August 2021 in Dallas County, Texas, against HOC and the employee. The complaint alleged the employee was driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain a single lane, and did not apply the brakes until the moment of impact. It further claimed HOC was negligent in its training, supervision, and policies related to the operation of its fleet vehicles. The plaintiff sought damages for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and exemplary damages.
HOC denied the allegations, stating the crash did not occur while the employee was working, and asserted various affirmative defenses, including lack of negligence and comparative responsibility. The defendant employee also denied the claims and filed a motion to transfer venue, arguing that venue was proper in Midland County, Texas, as the employee resided there at the time of the incident.
In September 2024, the plaintiff reached a $30 million settlement with HOC. HOC stated that although it was prepared to take the case to trial, its insurance provider opted to settle the claims.
Understanding This Case
- Spinal cord injuries are typically permanent, though some incomplete injuries may see partial recovery. Life expectancy may be reduced, and quality of life is significantly impacted.
- This case was resolved through a settlement, avoiding the uncertainty and expense of a trial. Settlements typically resolve faster and provide guaranteed compensation.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2024, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Want to check your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.
One driver sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver stopped in traffic due to construction. The other driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed ankle and back injuries. The defense argued the accident was unavoidable or that the driver acted as an ordinary and prudent driver. The jury found the second driver liable but awarded no damages.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.