Midland, Texas Jury Awards $6.5M After Commercial Truck Wrongful Death

In May 2017, a 21-year-old handyman was driving a pickup truck in the left lane of a Midland highway. In the adjacent right lane, a commercial truck driver operated an 18-wheeler carrying an oversize load of light poles that extended approximately 18 feet from the trailer's rear. As the commercial truck driver made a right turn, the protruding poles swung into the left lane, striking the pickup truck. The poles entered the passenger-side windows, killing the pickup truck driver on impact.

The deceased driver's parents subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the commercial truck driver and his employer. They alleged that the truck driver was negligent in operating the vehicle and that the employer was vicariously liable for his actions. The defendants stipulated to liability before the trial, which then proceeded solely on the issue of damages.

During the trial, the plaintiffs sought between $17 million and $20 million for past and future loss of companionship, society, and mental anguish. Evidence presented noted that the deceased had been the primary caregiver for his father, who had suffered a stroke, and maintained a close relationship with his mother, including a weekly movie night. Defense counsel suggested a total award of $1 million, proposing $400,000 for the mother and $600,000 for the father.

After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated and returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs, awarding a total of $6.5 million. The award included $4,150,000 for the father and $2,350,000 for the mother.