Harris County Wrongful Death Truck Accident Settles for $851K
A driver was killed when their vehicle collided with the side of a tractor-trailer. The estate claimed the truck driver made an improper left turn, causing the crash. The defense argued the decedent was speeding. The parties reached a settlement.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $851,223
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Wrongful Death
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Auto/Truck Collision
Case Overview
On August 1, 2017, in Harris County, Texas, a 37-year-old female driver was traveling southbound on S. Houston Avenue. At the same time, a defendant truck driver was operating a tractor-trailer northbound on the same road. While attempting a left-hand turn into a private driveway, the defendant driver turned in front of the southbound vehicle. The decedent’s vehicle struck the side of the trailer, resulting in her death. The defendant transportation company owned and operated the tractor-trailer.
The estate of the decedent filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her beneficiaries, including her mother and three children. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant driver’s negligence caused the fatality, citing failure to yield the right-of-way, failure to maintain a proper lookout, making a negligent left turn, and failing to control the vehicle. The plaintiff claimed the transportation company was vicariously liable for its driver's actions.
The defendants denied negligence, asserting that the accident was caused by the decedent’s speeding. They argued that the left turn was safe to initiate, but the decedent approached at a rapid rate of speed and collided with the side of the tractor-trailer.
The parties ultimately reached a settlement in the amount of $851,222.96.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Need better results for your case?
Share your situation and we'll connect you with experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys who have handled cases like this in Harris County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was traveling on Interstate 10 when his pickup truck was struck from behind by another pickup truck. That second pickup truck had been propelled forward after being struck by a tractor-trailer. The driver of the first pickup truck claimed injuries to his back and neck. The case involved multiple defendants and allegations of negligence in vehicle operation and employer liability.
One driver stopped their vehicle on a highway when the other driver struck them from behind at a high speed. The impact caused the driver to hit their head and briefly lose consciousness. The injured driver claimed the accident caused a brain injury, preventing them from completing college studies, and also affected their ability to care for their young son. The other driver admitted to the collision but disputed the extent and cause of the injuries.
One driver rear-ended another vehicle stopped at a red light. The driver who was hit filed a lawsuit seeking damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering. The parties reached a settlement agreement.
One driver was stopped at an intersection preparing to turn left when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The driver claimed neck injuries. The other driver's insurer offered its policy limit. The injured driver sued their own insurer for underinsured motorist benefits, alleging the other driver was negligent. The defense questioned the extent of injuries and suggested they were pre-existing.
One driver was stopped in traffic when their vehicle was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver who was hit claimed serious injuries to their neck and back, including paralysis in one arm, requiring surgery. The other driver argued that a third vehicle caused the accident or that the injured driver's own actions contributed. The jury found the second driver fully at fault.