A Dallas County jury has awarded $44.1 million to the family of a motorist who was killed in a crash involving the fleet’s truck during an ice storm Feb. 11, 2021.
The wreck occurred during an ice storm that affected the entire state.
“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,” said Frank L. Branson, an attorney representing the victim’s family.
Christopher Ray Vardy, 49, was stopped on I-35 the morning of the ice storm due to a pileup ahead. Evidence shown at trial indicated New Prime Inc. driver Steven Ridder didn’t receive proper winter weather driving training and failed to exercise caution. He was accused of driving too fast for conditions before piling into the stopped vehicles, killing Vardy.
The verdict includes $24.1 million in compensatory damages and another $20 million in punitive damages due to negligence in employing an unfit driver.
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