Mayer attorneys Adam Gallegos and Vanessa Williams secured a favorable defense verdict following a three-day jury trial in Tarrant County, representing a trucking company, its owner, and its driver in a negligence case arising from a right-turn collision.

The incident occurred as the tractor-trailer was completing a right-hand turn, when the plaintiff attempted to pass between the truck and the curb. The plaintiff made contact with the rear portion of the trailer, an important detail that became central to the defense.

The case initially included multiple claims against the defendants, including negligent entrustment, supervision, hiring, training, and gross negligence. Prior to submission to the jury, the court granted directed verdicts on each of those claims, narrowing the case to the sole question of the driver’s alleged negligence.

At trial, Mayer’s strategy centered on presenting a clear, fact-driven reconstruction of the events, grounded in timing, positioning, and physical realities. Through expert accident reconstruction testimony, the defense demonstrated that the plaintiff’s version of events was inconsistent with the mechanics of how the collision could occur. Evidence showed the truck had already substantially progressed through its turn, while the plaintiff moved into a narrowing space alongside the trailer.

This technical analysis provided the jury with a clear framework to evaluate fault and understand how the collision occurred.

After approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury returned a unanimous verdict, assigning 80% responsibility to the plaintiff and 20% to the driver. Because the plaintiff’s responsibility exceeded the legal threshold, the jury did not reach the issue of damages.

The result reflects the work of attorneys Adam and Vanessa, who led the defense with a focused trial strategy, effective use of expert testimony, and a disciplined approach to narrowing the issues presented to the jury.