Harris County Fatal Car Crash Settles for Undisclosed Amount

In April 2021, a 69-year-old man was struck by a speeding vehicle driven by a 19-year-old dealership employee in Harris County. The victim sustained multiple injuries and died a year later due to medical conditions complicated by the collision. His family and estate filed a lawsuit against the dealership and the employee, alleging negligence, negligent entrustment, negligent hiring and training, and gross negligence.

During the trial, evidence showed the employee was test-driving a Camaro after a brake service when the collision occurred. Video evidence indicated the employee was traveling at excessive speed. The plaintiff presented testimony that the employee called his supervisor instead of police immediately after the crash, and the supervisor allegedly lied to police and failed to appear for scheduled depositions. The victim's injuries included a broken arm, leg laceration, and a traumatic brain injury. A neurosurgeon testified for the plaintiff regarding the brain injury and the victim's difficult medical course. The defense admitted to the arm and leg injuries but disputed the traumatic brain injury claim, arguing the employee's actions were at most ordinary negligence and that the victim was partially responsible for changing lanes. The defense also sought to limit potential damages.

A 157th District Court jury awarded $15.6 million to the plaintiff, including $5 million in exemplary damages and $3 million for loss of consortium. The jury found the employee 80% responsible for the accident and the victim 20% responsible. Additionally, the jury found the dealership liable for negligent training, negligent supervision, and gross negligence. Following the verdict, the parties reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount.