Webb County Texas Rear-End Collision Settles for $10,000

On April 10, 2019, multiple plaintiffs, including a minor, were passengers in a private vehicle involved in a rear-end collision in Webb County, Texas. A commercial truck, operated by a defendant driver in the course of employment with a trucking company, allegedly failed to maintain proper lookout and speed, striking the plaintiffs' vehicle. The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit on June 4, 2021, alleging the driver's negligence, including failure to brake and maintain proper lookout. The trucking company was named as a defendant under the doctrine of respondeat superior, with the plaintiffs seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. The defendants filed a general denial.

The parties subsequently reached a settlement agreement through mandatory mediation. To obtain court approval for the minor plaintiff's settlement, the case proceeded as a "friendly suit." The court granted an agreed motion to waive a guardian ad litem, finding it disproportionate given the settlement amount. On January 4, 2022, the court held a Minor Settlement Hearing, approving the settlement as fair and in the best interest of the minor. An amended agreed final judgment was issued, awarding total damages of $10,000. Of this, $5,000 was deposited into the court registry for the minor's benefit, and $5,000 was allocated for attorney's fees and expenses. A post-judgment agreement was later filed to address Medicaid claims.