A jury in Texas recently delivered a $260 million damages award to the family of a man who died in an 18 wheeler accident.

According to the lawsuit, in February 2016, Riley M. was driving in his Chevy Express Van when a large 18 wheeler, driven by Eric J., pulled out of a private driveway in an attempt to reposition itself. The large semi allegedly blocked four lanes of traffic, two northbound and two southbound, in a maneuver that the family says led to the 18 wheeler accident that claimed Riley’s life.

Riley’s family’s lawyers have said that Eric had been driving his semi for 17 hours at the time of the accident, a time which is far above the maximum driving time allotted to semi truck drivers under federal law.

In addition to holding Eric accountable, the 18 wheeler accident lawsuit focused heavily on proving that Jefferson Trucking was liable for the crash based on negligently hiring Eric to operate the semi truck. The suit also sought to hold Eric’s employer accountable for hiring him even though he was allegedly known to be a negligent driver.

The jury in the lawsuit recently awarded Riley’s family a massive verdict. Riley’s father, Eddie M., was awarded $80 million for past and future loss of companionship and $60 million for past and future mental anguish. Similarly, Riley’s mother, Karen P., was awarded $60 million for past and future loss of companionship and $60 million for past and future mental anguish.

However, according to the family’s lawyer, the massive $260 million verdict will be decreased by five percent to account for Riley’s fault in the 18 wheeler accident.

The jury determined that Eric, the truck driver, was responsible for 65 percent of the crash. Jefferson Trucking, Eric’s trucking company, was determined to be 20 percent responsible for the crash and Timothy J., Eric’s employer, was determined to be 10 percent responsible for the crash.

Riley, whose life was claimed by the 18 wheeler accident, was found to be five percent responsible for the crash.

On average, there are 500,000 18 wheeler accidents reported every year in the United States. Of this number, 5,000 involve a fatality and over 100,000 involve a serious injury. Semi trucks are massive vehicles, so the drivers and passengers typically affected most by these accidents come from the smaller cars involved.

A variety of factors may contribute to an 18 wheeler accident, but common causes include: driver fatigue, lack of training, alcohol or drug use, unsafe equipment, lack of maintenance, load imbalances, high speeds, break problems, cell phone usage, other distracted driving, road conditions and more. In some cases, truck drivers may be found to be in violation of federal trucking regulations.

The aftermath of an 18 wheeler accident can be traumatic and gut wrenching. Lives may be lost, injuries may be sustained, and property damage is extremely likely. However, filing an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit like Riley’s parents may provide a route to recover compensation for victims and their families.

The 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuit is Case No. 16-00247 in the District Court of Upshur County, Texas, 115th Judicial District.