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August 3, 2018 by Greg
A Texas jury recently found that a trucking company is liable for an accident and must pay $101 million to the injured driver. The lawsuit stemmed from an accident that occurred in 2013. According to reports, a truck driver, an employee of FTS International Services, LLC, rear-ended a passenger vehicle driven by Joshua Patterson. Patterson sued the trucking company, a Fort Worth-based oil and gas shipping company, for their driver’s actions. The truck driver was driving an 18-wheeler.
According to court documents, the truck driver was tested after the accident and was found to be under the influence of marijuana and methamphetamines at the time of the crash. Patterson’s attorney argued that the trucking company (FTS) and the driver were negligent. FTS was reportedly negligent because they did not follow proper hiring and employment practices protocols.
In this case, the jury found that the truck driver was 70% liable for the accident, and FTS was 30% liable. The jury decided to award Patterson $75 million from FTS and $50,000 from the truck driver.
As with any accident, those injured in a truck accident may file a lawsuit against the negligent party. This case shows that negligence may be spread amongst more than one party. For example, the driver was negligent because he got behind the wheel while impaired. The trucking company was negligent because they failed to ensure that their driver was not impaired. Negligent entrustment cases can be difficult in Texas. Getting the best 18-wheeler accident lawyer is recommended.
Truck accident claims can be complicated. The first step is to meet with an experienced Houston truck accident attorney. Your lawyer will evaluate the case and determine the best way to proceed. The negligent party should be held responsible for payment of all medical costs and other damages caused by the crash. Determining negligence is not always easy.
Sometimes, as in this case, the driver was negligent. However, sometimes a crash investigation and recreation must be done to determine the factors that caused the crash. You may be entitled to money for your doctor’s bills, medications, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Many lawsuits are settled through negotiations and do not end up in court. Sometimes, as in this instance, the court must decide the case.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we have obtained multi-million dollar results after a trucking accident injury or death for over three decades.
Truck accidents can be dangerous and scary. They can also cause severe injuries. Always contact the police to report the accident. The police will investigate the accident and take statements from witnesses. They will also try to determine the cause of the crash. Sometimes a crash investigation and reconstruction are necessary to determine exactly what happened.
Getting the best attorney for your case is vital if the commercial vehicle is an 18-wheeler or if there is an accident with a delivery truck.
Seek medical attention and keep copies of all your medical records and bills. Consult with an attorney before accepting an offer from the insurance company since covering your damages may not be reasonable.
If you were seriously hurt in an 18-wheeler crash, contact a Houston truck accident attorney with over 35 years of experience at Baumgartner Law Firm for a free case consultation today. (281) 587-1111.
Don’t settle for an average truck accident settlement, call Baumgartner Law Firm.
Law360 https://www.law360.com/articles/1066002/fts-international-must-pay-101m-for-texas-truck-accident
Related Resources:
Key Factors in Houston Truck Accident Lawsuits
Negligent Entrustment Claims in Texas
Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers
Since founding the Baumgartner Law Firm in 1985, Greg Baumgartner has established himself as a leading personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, with a focus on representing severely injured accident victims and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one. His commitment to excellence in legal advocacy has earned him recognition from prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers and the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and others. With decades of experience, Greg is consistently peer-reviewed and holds a preeminent rating, reflecting his dedication to achieving justice for his clients.
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