$2.15M Jury Verdict Secured in Brazoria County Pedestrian Wrongful Death Case
What happens when a driver’s reckless actions take the life of someone you love? If you’ve lost a family member in a pedestrian accident, you may be wondering how the legal system can deliver justice.
At The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers, our Texas car accident lawyers have secured real results for grieving families—including a $2,150,000 jury verdict in Brazoria County. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
The Tragedy Behind the Case
The case involved a 17-year-old driver speeding through a neighborhood at 68–70 mph. He struck and killed a mother who was taking her regular evening walk. The tragedy was compounded because her children and grandchildren were outside their home and heard the impact. They were among the first to rush to the scene.
For this family, nothing could undo the loss. But when the jury awarded $2,150,000, including a finding of gross negligence, it showed that accountability and justice are possible even in heartbreaking circumstances.
Proving Negligence in Texas Pedestrian Accidents
Under Texas law, victims (or their families) must prove negligence to recover damages.
This requires showing:
- The driver owed a duty of care.
- The driver breached that duty.
- The breach caused the accident.
- The victims suffered damages as a result.
In this Brazoria County case, accident reconstruction played a critical role. Despite the driver denying he was speeding, evidence from experts showed he was traveling nearly 70 mph. The jury believed the science and held him fully liable.
Gross Negligence and Punitive Damages
Texas law allows for punitive damages when a defendant’s conduct rises to the level of gross negligence. This means the actions showed an extreme disregard for the safety of others.
In our case, the jury not only found the driver 100% at fault, but also grossly negligent. That finding justified awarding damages above and beyond compensation, reinforcing the importance of deterrence in reckless driving cases.
The Power of Accident Reconstruction
The Pearland Police Department’s work was critical. Investigators used aerial drone mapping, nighttime studies, and detailed reconstruction to show exactly how the crash occurred.
This type of evidence can make or break a case. In this trial, the careful reconstruction provided the jury with the proof they needed to reject the driver’s story and award the family $2,150,000.
Damages in Texas Wrongful Death Cases
Wrongful death damages cover both economic losses and the emotional toll on families.
In Texas, survivors may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Mental anguish suffered by surviving family members
- Lost earning capacity of the deceased
- Medical expenses related to the final injury
In Brazoria County, the jury recognized these losses and returned a verdict of $2,150,000. This outcome helped the family achieve justice, even though nothing could replace their loved one.
How Families Can Seek Justice in Texas
Adult children, spouses, and parents of the deceased are generally eligible to bring wrongful death claims in Texas. These lawsuits can provide financial stability and hold negligent parties accountable.
In this case, the woman’s adult children filed suit, ensuring their mother’s story was heard in court. Their courage and strong legal advocacy led to a powerful result.
Why Results Like This Matter
Large verdicts aren’t about money alone—they are about accountability. When a jury in Brazoria County awarded $2,150,000, it sent a message to the community: reckless driving will not be excused.
At The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers, we believe every family deserves this level of advocacy. We fight tirelessly to ensure that victims’ voices are heard, no matter how powerful the opposition.
Contact the Texas Car Accident Lawyers at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
The $2,150,000 verdict in Brazoria County is proof of what determined legal representation can accomplish. If your loved one was taken too soon by a negligent driver, you don’t have to face the legal process alone.
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
