Trucking company, driver liable for fatality in first case to go to trial

A Dallas County jury has returned a $44.1 million verdict against a Missouri-based trucking company and one of its drivers for liability in a fatal accident that occurred on Feb. 11, 2021, during the height of a catastrophic ice storm affecting the entire state.

The crash that killed 49-year-old Boyd resident Christopher Ray Vardy was among the 130 accidents that occurred on the southbound TEXpress section of Interstate 35 that morning in what is believed to be one the largest multi-vehicle pileups in North Texas history.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that trucking operator New Prime Inc.’s driver, Steven Ridder, did not receive adequate winter weather driving training and failed to exercise extreme caution in hazardous weather. The 18-wheeler owned by New Prime and driven by Mr. Ridder rear-ended Mr. Vardy’s vehicle, which was stopped because of other crashes in front of him. Cranes and heavy machinery were required to find and then extricate Mr. Vardy and his truck that were buried amidst crash debris and injured victims. The jury agreed with attorneys representing Mr. Vardy’s family that the big rig was being driven at an excessive speed, given the weather conditions.

“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,” says Frank L. Branson, founder of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson. “The attention paid by this jury to the evidence during trial and deliberations and their resulting verdict gives the Vardy family a measure of comfort and sense of justice in their tragic loss.”

Documents filed in the lawsuit state that first responders reported they had never seen a vehicle damaged as extensively as Mr. Vardy’s. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner confirmed that his injuries were survivable, and he was conscious during a period of pain and suffering following the crash.

The verdict specifies $24.1 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages due to gross negligence. The $20 million in punitive damages were imposed against New Prime for recklessly employing an unfit driver.

The verdict apportioned 75% of the liability on Mr. Ridder, for whom New Prime is responsible.

“This jury took its responsibility seriously and spoke for the community,” said John Burkhead of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson. “This decision should deter companies from putting profits and schedules ahead of human life.”

In addition to Mr. Branson, plaintiffs were represented at trial by John Burkhead, Tim Newsom and Debbie Branson of the Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, and Dallas appellate attorney Jeffrey Levinger.

The case, Tamara Suzanne Vardy, Ed.D., et al. v. New Prime Inc., et al., Cause No. DC-21-09849, was heard in the 44th District Court of Dallas County.

About The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson represents clients in cases involving complex product liability, catastrophic injury, truck accidents, commercial air crashes, electrical and gas explosions, hospital and medical negligence, and truck and auto catastrophic injury and is widely acknowledged as one of the country’s premier trial firms based on its record verdicts and settlements in high-stakes injury cases.

To learn more about the firm, visit http://www.flbranson.com

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“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,” says Frank L. Branson.