Attorneys: Brennan Clay and Jessica Murray

Case Type: Commercial Rear-End Wreck

Location: Harris County, Texas

Verdict: $296,936.65

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Witherite Law Group is proud to announce a unanimous jury verdict of $296,936.65 secured by Attorneys Brennan Clay and Jessica Murray in a commercial rear-end collision case in Harris County, Texas. The verdict followed a three-day jury trial in Houston.

The jury found both the truck driver and the trucking company responsible for the wreck and returned a verdict in favor of the family. The result exceeded every offer made before trial, reinforcing the importance of pursuing accountability when the defense refuses to do so.

The Wreck

The collision occurred as a father and his 17‑year old son were driving home after a routine stop at a local store. While stopped at a red light, an 18‑wheeler failed to stop and rear‑ended their vehicle.

A police officer positioned behind the truck witnessed the crash firsthand. Although the vehicle showed minimal visible damage, the force of the impact pushed the family’s car several feet into the intersection.

Our client’s wife was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash, but she later experienced the effects of his injuries on their family and their relationship.

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‍Injuries and Impact on the Family

Both the father and son received medical treatment following the crash. Their injuries required ongoing care and resulted in significant medical expenses.

The wife later brought a loss‑of‑consortium claim, explaining how the injuries affected her husband’s health, their household, and their relationship.

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‍The Trial

The case proceeded to trial after extensive pretrial efforts failed to result in a resolution. At mediation, the highest offer was approximately $120,000. A mediator later proposed $350,000, which the family accepted, but the defense rejected.

Just days before trial, the defense offered $20,000, claiming for the first time that insurance coverage might be denied.

At trial, the defense acknowledged that its driver caused the collision but argued that the family’s injuries were minor due to the limited visible damage to the vehicle. The jury heard testimony explaining that vehicle damage alone is not a reliable indicator of injury severity, including testimony from the responding police officer, who had investigated numerous crashes involving similar circumstances.

The jury also heard evidence regarding the trucking company’s safety practices and oversight of its driver.

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The Verdict

After deliberations, the jury returned a unanimous verdict and found:

  • The driver and trucking company were both negligent
  • The trucking company bore the greater share of responsibility
  • The company’s conduct rose to the level of gross negligence

The jury awarded:

  • Full past medical expenses for both the father and son
  • Additional compensation for past physical impairment
  • Compensation to the wife for past loss of consortium
  • $150,000 in exemplary damages

The total verdict was $296,936.65, which is more than three times the highest offer ever made and more than fifteen times the final pre‑trial offer.

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Our Commitment

At Witherite Law Group, we are committed to standing up for our clients, no matter the venue, the time constraints, or the obstacles in the way. This trial is a powerful reflection of our dedication, preparation, and belief in every case we take on.

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