A truck accident lawsuit has been settled for $5 million, resolving claims that a drunk driver in a large truck killed a woman.

The settlement is funded by BSR Ventures, Advanced Heating and Cooling, and Larry Halbert, the man who allegedly killed plaintiff Cheryl M. while driving drunk in a company truck.

The truck accident lawsuit claimed that Halbert was driving for Advanced Heating and Cooling in a company truck on Dec. 13, 2017. At this time, Halbert was allegedly drunk driving on the highway. While driving, Halbert allegedly crossed the highway’s centerline and collided head-on with Cheryl’s 2014 Nissan Maxima.

Cheryl reportedly died at the scene of the crash. Her family filed their lawsuit in April 2018.

According to prosecutors, Halbert had been drinking at a bar earlier in the evening. Cheryl’s family later alleged in their complaint that his blood alcohol content was over three times the legal limit.

In addition to holding Halbert accountable, the family aimed to hold BSR Ventures – which operates under the name Advanced Heating and Cooling – accountable for Cheryl’s death as well. Cheryl’s family argued that Halbert’s employer “was aware of defendant Halbert’s drinking and driving and reckless conduct, and negligently and recklessly entrusted him with a company vehicle, knowing that the public would be endangered by his drinking and driving habits.” He allegedly had a history of DUIs.

In December, Halbert was sentenced to 15 years and had his license suspended for life after pleading guilty to felony vehicular manslaughter and felony driving under the influence. The settlement was agreed upon on Dec. 30, 2019.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Highway Loss Data Institute in 2018, a total of 4,136 people reportedly died as a result of large truck accidents. Sixteen percent of these deaths affected truck occupants, 15 percent affected bystanders, while the remaining majority affected passenger vehicle occupants.

Truck accidents can be frightening and extremely dangerous. Recently, in the last days of 2019, the internet was flooded with shocking footage of one such trucking accident. In the video, a semi-truck spins out of control and rolls onto its side, right into Texas emergency personnel who were investigating another crash.

The video highlights the size and force associated with a semi-truck collision. In this incident, a state trooper was hit, and a driver was trapped in a pickup truck after the semi fell onto it.

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit

After a car accident, insurance from one or both of the drivers can help cover some of the costs. However, in situations involving severe damage or fatalities, pursuing a truck accident lawsuit can help car crash victims recover costs such as funeral costs, high medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

Individuals who have been involved in a truck accident may want to speak with a qualified attorney to determine their eligibility for a lawsuit. Legal professionals may be able to help these people recover the compensation owed to them due to the negligence of other drivers.