Today in the 240th District Court in Fort Bend County, a driver who was under the influence when he caused a wreck and then fled the scene, was hit himself — with a Judgment of $275,084.26. In June of 2008 a drunk hit our client as she was stopped at a stop sign and then fled the scene. The DPS later arrested him for DUI and fleeing the scene of a wreck. Despite numerous letters and offers to resolve the matter, the Defendant refused to cooperate and the Court entered a default judgment as to liability and then after all the evidence was presented awarded our clients their damages. The judgment included $250,000.00 for punitive damages due to the intoxicated assault and malice in the Defendants actions.
281-565-5900
Congratulations! Hope this is not an award that is dischargeable. I would be curious to know if the Defendant had insurance, or, if he even had his driving privileges at the time of the accident. I am a bit surprised at the default as to liability but let’s face it, if someone is going to drink, drive, cause an accident in which someone is injured, and then flee the scene, I certainly am not shocked they did not cooperate with the process afterwards.
Much bigger fish than the subrogated car crashes I used to do.