Taylor County Jury Awards $980,000 in 18-Wheeler Collision

On March 18, 2015, a pickup truck towing a camper trailer lost control and spun out on Interstate 20 in Taylor County, Texas, blocking traffic lanes during a nighttime rainstorm. The pickup driver sustained injuries when an 18-wheeler subsequently collided with the disabled vehicle. Another 18-wheeler had stopped on the shoulder with activated hazard lights nearby.

The plaintiff, the pickup driver, filed a lawsuit against the 18-wheeler driver and the driver's employer, alleging negligence. The plaintiff claimed the defendant driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, drove too fast for conditions, failed to control speed, did not use high beams, and failed to brake or turn to avoid the collision. Plaintiff's experts presented engine control module data suggesting the defendant driver did not slow after seeing the parked 18-wheeler, remained at approximately 70 mph with cruise control active, and violated company policy that reportedly limited speeds to 60-65 mph. They argued the driver should have reduced speed and used high beams in wet conditions.

The defendant driver contended that he moved left and slowed, but did not see the black pickup in the dark until it was too late. Defense experts testified that the disabled pickup created a sudden emergency. While an investigating officer's initial opinion attributed the collision to the disabled vehicle, the judge later excluded some speculative statements from the officer and evidence of the plaintiff's prior felony conviction.

The plaintiff suffered severe foot injuries, including fractures, degloving, multiple surgeries, and a toe amputation, along with neck and back sprains. The plaintiff sought $2.3 million in damages. The defense argued the plaintiff had recovered and sought excessive non-economic damages. Following a four-day trial, a jury found only the defendant driver negligent and awarded the plaintiff $980,000. The defendants plan to appeal the judgment.