WFAA-TV featured coverage of $44.1 million jury verdict secured by The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson over a deadly 2021 chain-reaction crash. A Dallas County jury returned the verdict against Missouri-based trucking company New Prime Inc. and one of its drivers in connection with the crash that happened during the 133-vehicle pileup on I-35W in Fort Worth. Branson attorneys represented the family of Christopher Ray Vardy, who was killed in the collision. 

The jury awarded $24.1 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages after finding gross negligence. Evidence presented at trial showed the truck was allegedly traveling at an excessive speed for winter weather conditions and that the driver had not received adequate winter driving training. The case stemmed from   

more than 130 crashes that occurred during the catastrophic pileup, which claimed six lives and injured dozens. 

“Trucking companies have the obligation to make sure their big rigs are being operated safely, which means taking extra precautions during extreme weather conditions, given the enormous size and weight of these vehicles,” firm founder Frank L. Branson said in a statement. “The verdict delivers a measure of accountability for the Vardy family following one of North Texas’ deadliest roadway disasters.” 

Read the full article here: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/jury-returns-verdict-against-trucking-company-driver-deadly-2021-ice-storm-pileup/287-16393a8f-9b6e-40a8-8830-8e09a9d45b13