On December 16, 2025, after a two-week trial in Cameron County, Texas, a jury awarded more than $30 million in damages to two injured bus passengers represented by our team at Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys.
The jury’s verdict in the case totaled $38,355,700, a figure that includes awards to three additional co-plaintiffs represented by other counsel.
About the Case
This case arose from a collision between a commercial 18-wheeler and a Greyhound passenger bus. The crash was catastrophic, and the bus driver was killed.
Our clients, a mother and daughter, were passengers on the bus. The mother suffered a severe traumatic brain injury requiring emergency brain surgery, along with serious back injuries that require annual rhizotomy procedures to address nerve-related pain in her neck and back. While she is able to function, she continues to experience memory and concentration issues. Her daughter sustained a broken wrist and a broken nose. Those injuries largely resolved, though she continues to have wrist pain with activity. The daughter’s main damages were for the loss of consortium (care, comfort and companionship of her mother) caused by her mother’s long-term injuries.
Evidence presented at trial showed the 18-wheeler ran a red light. The truck driver was alleged to have been over his hours of service and to have illegally logged out of the electronic logging device (ELD), resulting in an off duty status at the time of the crash. The truck was alleged to have been traveling approximately 75 mph in a 45 mph zone when it entered the intersection.
In addition to claims against the truck driver, the lawsuit also included claims against Valley Transit Corporation, the Greyhound bus operator, alleging the bus driver should have perceived the truck’s approach and not entered the intersection until the danger had passed, and when he decided to proceed forward on the green light controlling his movement, he should have braked to avoid the collision. Valley Transit denied liability and argued, among other defenses, that bus passengers were negligent for not wearing seat belts.
The Jury’s Verdict: Fault and Damages
The jury found both drivers negligent and found no negligence on the part of bus passengers for failing to wear seat belts. The jury apportioned fault 98% to the 18-wheeler driver and 2% to the deceased bus driver.
The jury awarded the following damages:
- $24,100,000 to our client/mother
- $6,500,000 to our client/daughter
- $6,650,000 to a co-plaintiff/mother
- $1,010,000 to a co-plaintiff/daughter
- $95,700 to a co-plaintiff/grandmother
About Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys
Truck accident and catastrophic injury cases demand serious resources, disciplined preparation, and trial readiness, especially when defendants dispute fault, challenge damages, or shift blame to injured victims. Brunkenhoefer, P.C. Injury Attorneys has been fighting for injured people in Corpus Christi and across South Texas since 1992, with 2,500+ cases handled and more than $300 million recovered for clients.
If you have questions about a potential case and how our award-winning team can help, call (361) 310-5299 or contact us online.