Texas Commercial Vehicle Negligence Settles for $1 Million
One driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck a stopped school bus. The collision resulted in multiple fatalities and one passenger sustained a traumatic brain injury. The case involved claims of negligence against the employer and other entities.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Settlement
- Amount
- $1,000,000
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Head/Brain Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On January 30, 2014, a van carrying fracking crew members on State Highway 72 in the Eagle Ford Shale collided with a stopped school bus. The van's driver, who was also a crew member, reportedly fell asleep after completing a 24-hour shift. The driver and two other passengers died at the scene. A fourth passenger, a 36-year-old fracking crew member, sustained injuries.
The injured crew member and the estates of the deceased filed a lawsuit alleging negligence and gross negligence against multiple entities, including Compass Well Services LLC, Compass Fracturing Services LLC, and EOG Resources Inc. The plaintiffs contended that EOG Resources Inc. owned the natural gas site where they worked. Prior to trial, claims by the estates of the deceased were resolved, and the case proceeded with only the injured crew member's claims against EOG Resources Inc. The plaintiff claimed traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and pain, asserting an inability to work and seeking substantial damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. A neurology expert for the plaintiff testified that advanced MRI scans objectively showed a mild traumatic brain injury.
EOG Resources Inc. argued the accident occurred off its premises and that it had no control over how the employer directed its employees' travel. The defense's neurology expert opined that the plaintiff was malingering, citing neuropsychological test results. Defense also presented social media evidence suggesting the plaintiff had started a woodworking business after the accident, which involved complex carpentry, indicating no brain damage.
The jury deliberated for two hours after a five-day trial. They found EOG Resources Inc. 30 percent negligent, along with other defendants, and determined that EOG had actual knowledge of a danger but failed to warn the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $8,715,000. However, moments before the verdict was officially read, the plaintiff and EOG Resources Inc. reached a $1 million settlement agreement, concluding the case against EOG.
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