Tractor-Trailer Accident/ Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settles for $16 Million

A $16 million settlement has been reached in a Texas wrongful death lawsuit involving a tractor-trailer accident.

The lawsuit was filed by the family of Rhonda Henson, who was killed in the truck accident when oil field equipment fell off of Daniel Armstrong's tractor-trailer.  Armstrong was not legally qualified to operate the truck when the accident took place.

The lawsuit was filed against Armstrong, Pioneer Drilling Co., PDC MGMT Co., and Pioneer Drilling Services.

According to police reports, Armstrong failed to control his speed, and the truck's load was secured improperly, which allowed for a spreader bar to fall off of the truck and crush Henson's vehicle.

When Armstrong took the stand, he began to give conflicting testimony, admitting that he and Pioneer had backdated and falsified documents in his employee file after the crash took place to make it appear like he was qualified to drive the truck.

Judge Bill Bosworth then stopped Armstrong during his testimony before he could incriminate himself any further.  Shortly after, Pioneer decided to settle the lawsuit for $16 million before the trial ended.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations prohibit anyone from holding a commercial driver's license who has a DUI on their record.  Armstrong admitted to numerous driving violations, including license suspension and at least one DUI.

No criminal charges have been filed against Armstrong at this time.

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