Hamilton, Texas Trucking Negligence Settles for $1 Million
One driver was preparing to turn when another driver attempted to pass. The passing driver struck the front of the first vehicle. The injured driver sustained multiple injuries, including a skull fracture and a torn rotator cuff. The case focused on damages, as the injured driver could no longer perform his previous job.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Head/Brain Injury Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Car accidents are a leading cause of TBI, with effects ranging from temporary symptoms to permanent cognitive impairment.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $1,000,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Fracture, Skull, Scar And/or Disfigurement
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,000,000 is near the median of $1,893,000 for head/brain injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $93,169 to $9,140,000, based on 45 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On May 7, 2013, a delivery truck driver was involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer on State Highway 36 near Hamilton, Texas. The delivery truck driver, attempting a left turn, was struck on the front left side by the tractor-trailer, which was attempting to pass. The impact caused the delivery truck to spin 360 degrees. The delivery truck driver sustained multiple injuries, including a skull fracture, a left elbow fracture, a torn right rotator cuff, and multiple lacerations. He was transported by ambulance and helicopter for medical care in Hamilton and Temple, where he underwent stitches, staples, and was diagnosed with post-concussive syndrome. He later underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff.
The delivery truck driver sued the tractor-trailer driver and the defendant's trucking company for negligence, alleging failures to keep a proper lookout, pass safely, control speed, and take proper evasive action. The insurer initially stated it could not locate the defendant but provided a defense after an investigator found the individual.
The plaintiff claimed significant damages, including approximately $221,000 in past medical bills, a future life care plan of $273,726, and an estimated $1.15 million in future lost earnings. The plaintiff argued that his injuries prevented him from continuing his high-paying job as a truck driver, with limited comparable employment options given his educational background. The defense contended that the plaintiff would be able to find alternative work with similar compensation. Both sides engaged experts in life care planning, vocational assessment, and neuropsychology.
The case concluded in a settlement for $1 million, which represented the policy limit.
Understanding This Case
- Most mild TBIs resolve within weeks to months. Moderate to severe TBI often results in permanent impairment affecting cognition, behavior, and physical function.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Harris County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2017, 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
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