The family of Toni Combest was awarded $730 million in one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in history. Combest was killed in a car accident involving a 200,000 pound “Super-Load” in 2016. The large load was moving military equipment and was being escorted by front and back pilot escort vehicles.
The 73-year-old woman was traveling to church when she was struck by the equipment on White Oak bridge near Mount Pleasant, Texas. According to the documents displayed in court, the front escort vehicle ran Combest off the road while she was coming around a curve on the bridge. While she was on the bridge, the load carrying the equipment was fully in her lane.
Eventually, the driver was able to move the cab into the other lane, but the 16-foot-wide load struck her car. The load tore off the top of her car completely. The lawsuit stated that the escort and load vehicle exchanged no communication on their CB radios before the accident occurred.
The incident was recorded on the rear escort’s dash camera while the vehicles were traveling from El Paso to Texarkana.
The family of Combest filed a lawsuit for negligence causing wrongful death against the companies of all vehicles involved. Landstar Ranger, the trucking company, for $50 million before the trial began. S&M Pilot employed the rear vehicle, which settled for $1 million prior to the trial as well.
The case of the front escort vehicle was brought to trial and lasted around a week long. The jury then reached the verdict of a $730 million settlement. The money was awarded to her surviving children: Amber Ramsey, Clint Combest, Melanie Combest, and Stacy Stansbury.
What to do when you have been injured in an accident in Texas
Car accidents can lead to injuries, vehicle damage, and even death. It is important to know your rights when you are in an accident. Contact the Accident Injury Legal Center in order to get in contact with an attorney that can help you with your case.
Avoid copious amounts of stress and medical bills by talking with an attorney that can help you.
Call the Accident Injury Legal Center at 1-866-255-4870
Resource
Stern, C. (2021, December 28). Family awarded $730 million in wrongful death of East Texas Woman. Journal. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.news-journal.com/news/local/family-awarded-730-million-in-wrongful-death-of-east-texas-woman/article_ee53682a-4c96-11ec-8e91-3fd96795e83d.html