Texas Jury Awards $89.1M in 18-Wheeler Collision Negligence

In December 2014, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 20 in Ector County, near Odessa, Texas. A pickup truck, carrying a plaintiff mother and her three children, lost control, crossed the median, and was struck by an 18-wheeler. The collision resulted in the death of one child and severe injuries to the mother and her two other children, including one who became quadriplegic with a permanent brain injury.

The surviving plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the 18-wheeler's driver and his employer, a trucking company, alleging negligence in the operation of the commercial vehicle. The plaintiffs argued that the defendant driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, control his speed, and was driving too fast for icy conditions, despite winter weather warnings. They also claimed the defendant company was negligent and grossly negligent in its training and supervision, stating the driver was inexperienced and had not completed winter weather training.

The defense denied negligence, contending that the pickup truck's driver, identified as a responsible third party, was solely at fault for driving too fast and losing control, causing the vehicle to enter the 18-wheeler's path. The defense also argued that the roads were merely damp, not icy, and that the defendant driver was in the right lane and unable to avoid the accident.

After deliberation, the jury found negligence but no gross negligence. They attributed 70 percent liability to the trucking company's employees (excluding the driver), 14 percent liability to the defendant driver, and 16 percent liability to the pickup truck's driver. The jury awarded the plaintiffs $89,687,994 in damages. The trucking company was held jointly and severally liable for the entire amount, while its driver was liable for 14 percent of the verdict. A judgment was entered for $89,190,494 after a settlement credit. The defense reportedly expressed an intention to move for a new trial.