$1.2 Million Jury Verdict After 4-Year-Old Killed in Texas Truck Accident
A devastating truck accident on U.S. Highway 77 near Robinson, Texas, claimed the life of four-year-old Tanner and injured his father and younger sister.
Brad W. was driving south in his Ford Explorer with his children when a pickup truck pulling a 40-foot flatbed trailer crossed into his path, forcing him to stop.
Moments later, an 18-wheeler transporting liquefied propane gas struck the rear of Wilson’s SUV, pushing it underneath the flatbed trailer.
Tanner died at the scene despite emergency responders’ efforts to save him. His father suffered shoulder and neck injuries, while his three-year-old sister, Braden, sustained injuries requiring medical attention.
How Joe Stephens Held the Trucking Company Accountable
Joe Stephens represented Brad and his family alongside attorney Bill V. in a wrongful death lawsuit against the drivers and companies involved in the crash.
The lawsuit alleged that the flatbed trailer driver, David, negligently blocked the roadway. It also claimed that Larry, the Bishop Energy truck driver, was speeding, failed to maintain a proper lookout, and did not apply his brakes in time.
Wilson alleged that Sandmann was traveling approximately 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.
The lawsuit also challenged Bishop Energy’s trucking safety practices. Evidence showed that Sandmann’s driving logs exceeded federal hours-of-service limits nine times during the month of the crash, although he was not over the limit at the time of the collision.
The plaintiffs further alleged that Bishop Energy failed to conduct required annual driving record reviews and paid drivers based on a percentage of each load’s revenue, creating incentives to speed or work excessive hours.
Joe Stephens and co-counsel presented evidence concerning driver conduct, company safety practices, and the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Injuries and Damages
The crash caused unimaginable grief for the Wilson family. Tanner’s father witnessed emergency responders attempt to save his son’s life. He also suffered shoulder and neck injuries that required treatment.
Braden received medical care for her injuries and was released the same day.
The family sought compensation for:
- Wrongful death and loss of companionship
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Punitive damages related to the defendants’ alleged misconduct
Case Outcome: $1.2 Million Jury Verdict
A McLennan County jury returned a verdict in favor of the Wilson family. The jury assigned 60% responsibility to Sandmann and Bishop Energy and 40% to Wallace, the flatbed trailer driver.
The reported award totaled $1,207,422, including prejudgment interest, before anticipated reductions to punitive damages under Texas law.
The jury’s findings recognized the family’s losses and the responsibility of the drivers and trucking company involved in the crash.
The Stephens Law Firm’s case results records identify $405,000 as the amount received by the client.
The case demonstrates Joe Stephens’ experience pursuing wrongful death claims involving commercial trucking accidents, driver negligence, and disputed company safety practices.
Contact Texas Truck Accident Lawyer Joe Stephens
Losing a loved one in a truck accident can leave a family facing overwhelming grief and financial uncertainty. Joe Stephens is a double board-certified personal injury attorney with over 40 years of experience helping injured Texans and families pursue compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a commercial truck accident in Houston, Katy, Marshall, or elsewhere in Texas, contact The Stephens Law Firm for a free consultation.
No legal fees unless Joe wins your case. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.