Texas Catastrophic Tractor-Trailer Crash Settles for $140 Million
A driver pulled out in front of another vehicle, causing a collision. The person in the first vehicle suffered severe injuries, including quadriplegia. The case involved claims of negligence against the driver and the trucking company.
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
- $140,000,000
- County
- Upshur County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Business negligence, Tractor trailer negligence
Settlement Context
This settlement of $140,000,000 is above 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
On December 12, 2017, a 39-year-old male plaintiff was operating his vehicle on a highway in Gilmer, Texas, when a tractor-trailer driver, operating a vehicle owned by a defendant company, pulled out in front of his car. The ensuing collision resulted in the plaintiff sustaining traumatic injuries, including quadriplegia.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the tractor-trailer driver and the trucking company, alleging negligence. The plaintiff contended that evidence demonstrated the driver should not have been operating the vehicle on the day of the incident and had routinely violated state and federal regulations. The plaintiff further asserted that the trucking company had knowledge of these violations but failed to take action, thereby violating its own policies and procedures. The defendants disputed liability, causation, and the extent of damages.
Following extensive discovery conducted by the plaintiff, the case concluded with a $140,000,000 settlement.
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 Upshur County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, 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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