Family receives $730 Million in Wrongful Death Suit

In 2016, Toni Combest, then 73-years-old, was killed in a car crash with a truck hauling a propeller for a U.S. Navy submarine. The jury awarded her family $480 million and ruled another $250 million in punitive damages.

Ms. Combest was driving from one church service to another when she came upon the approximately 200,000 pounds “super-load,” which was being escorted front and back by pilot escort vehicles. Per court documents, the lead pilot escort vehicle ran Ms. Combest off the road just as she was rounding a curve onto a bridge. On the bridge, Ms. Combest was left facing the tractor and its load that was completely within her lane. The driver swerved, but he was not able to remove the 16-foot-wide load from her path, which struck her vehicle. It ripped off the top portion of her car. The family originally had claims against Landstar Ranger, Inc., S&M Pilot Service, and 2A Pilot Cars. Both S&M Pilot Service and Landstar Ranger, Inc. settled their claims prior to trial for $1 million and $50 million, respectively.

When someone is injured or dies as a result of an accident, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life-changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-396-3964 or toll-free at 1-800-594-4884. Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.