Texas Jury Awards $993,000 in Bus Accident Negligence
A charter bus carrying passengers veered off a highway and struck a barrier before rolling over. The passengers claimed multiple injuries from the crash. The driver was found negligent in operating the vehicle. One passenger sustained a fractured cervical disc requiring surgery and claimed pain, limitations, and emotional distress. The other passenger suffered bruising and lacerations and also claimed emotional distress.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $993,000
- County
- Tarrant County, TX
- Resolved
- 2017
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Arm, Bruise, Fracture
Case Overview
On April 11, 2013, a Cardinal Coach Line Inc. charter bus veered off the George Bush Freeway in Irving, Texas, struck a concrete barrier, and rolled over. The incident resulted in four fatalities and multiple passenger injuries. Two passengers, a husband and wife, subsequently sued the bus driver and company, alleging the driver's negligence and the company's vicarious liability. The accident report indicated the driver failed to stay in his lane; the driver claimed he might have blacked out.
The defense stipulated the driver's negligence before trial. The plaintiff husband claimed a fractured cervical disc requiring two fusion surgeries, reporting residual pain and emotional distress. His treating neurosurgeon supported the injury's causation. The plaintiff wife sustained bruising and lacerations, claiming emotional distress and anxiety, and sought damages including for loss of consortium. The defense argued the husband made a good recovery without permanent residuals, and contended the wife had not sought further medical care or counseling for her claimed anxiety after one month.
After a three-day trial, a jury deliberated for two hours before awarding the plaintiffs a total of $993,000. Damages included compensation for past and future pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of services, loss of consortium, and punitive damages against the driver.
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