Result

18-Wheeler Crash | $35 Million Wrongful Death Settlement

Longoria v. Ben E. Keith – Tarrant County

The Story Behind the Case

Our client, a devoted mother and daughter, was stopped with other vehicles on the shoulder of I-35 in Fort Worth, Texas when a Ben E. Keith truck driver crashed into all the vehicles and individuals, killing four people and injuring two others. Evidence discovered during the case revealed that Ben E. Keith had removed all forward- and rear-facing cameras from their vehicles before the crash. We also discovered evidence that the driver, while on a night shift, had stayed up all day beforehand.

Our Role

We stepped in on behalf of the Longoria family, holding Ben E. Keith and its driver accountable for an entirely preventable tragedy.

We focused on:

• Retrieving video of the crash to prove the driver’s fatigue and failure to brake.
• Repeatedly filing motions to compel documents and evidence when the defendants tried to stall.
• Pressuring Ben E. Keith’s defense to confront the fact pattern rather than discount our clients’ recovery because of the conservative venue.

Throughout, our focus was not just on dollars, but was on ensuring this family’s loss was honored and that safety accountability was enforced.

The Result

We obtained a record-breaking $35 million settlement in favor of the family.

This outcome allows the family to have a more secure future and holds one the nation’s largest food and beverage transportation companies responsible for their bad actions.

Why It Matters

This case was about far more than money. It was about a family’s right to answers and accountability after a tragedy that never should have happened.

The 18-wheeler that caused this fatal crash wasn’t just operated carelessly; it reflected a system that prioritized speed and profit over the safety of everyone on the road. By holding Ben E. Keith accountable, we helped expose the dangers of putting deadlines ahead of lives.

The $35 million settlement brought justice and security to a family that lost everything, and it sent a message to one of Texas’s largest companies that safety rules are not optional. Every truck on Texas highways carries a responsibility to stay alert, rested, and trained. When companies ignore that duty, real people pay the price.

For our clients, this result means closure, stability, and dignity. For Texas, it stands as a reminder that no company—no matter how big—is above the law, and that accountability is the only path to lasting change.

Practice Areas

• Truck & 18-Wheeler Accidents
• Wrongful Death / Family Loss
• Corporate Negligence in Transportation

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured or a loved one lost their life in a commercial-vehicle crash, our team is ready to fight for the full measure of justice.

Call 832-583-3471 or reach us here to talk with our team today.