$338K Awarded to Pedestrian Hit by Drunk Driver in Texas
Table of Contents
Case Background
On May 6, 2022, Bryan Williams was walking southbound on University Drive near Bledsoe Street in Fort Worth, Texas. As he crossed the road, a vehicle driven by Ethan Howard struck him. The force of the collision threw Williams onto a nearby grass field. At the time, Ethan Howard was driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities arrested him at the scene and later secured a conviction for driving while intoxicated. The vehicle he drove belonged to Varon Howard.
Cause
Ethan Howard operated a vehicle while intoxicated in a public area. He failed to maintain a safe speed and did not apply his brakes in time. He ignored Texas transportation laws and drove recklessly, endangering pedestrians. According to the complaint, his actions showed disregard for public safety. The lawsuit also claimed that Varon Howard, the vehicle’s owner, entrusted the car to Ethan despite knowing he was unfit to drive. The collision and resulting injuries prompted Bryan Williams to file suit against both men.
Injury
Williams sustained serious injuries from the collision. He reported physical pain and impairment that continued long after the incident. The injuries affected his ability to work and perform daily activities. The experience also caused mental anguish. The complaint emphasized that the harm was both immediate and long-lasting. Williams continues to deal with the consequences of the crash.
Damages
Williams claimed multiple forms of damages. He sought compensation for past and future medical expenses. He also requested damages for lost wages and reduced earning capacity. The suit included claims for physical pain, disfigurement, mental anguish, and physical impairment. Williams further asked for exemplary damages, citing Ethan Howard’s willful disregard for safety. He argued that Howard’s intoxicated driving posed a severe risk of death or serious injury.
Key Arguments and Proceedings
Legal Representation
Plaintiff(s): Bryan Williams
Counsel for Plaintiff: Jibraeel Zaidi | Caitlyn E. Hubbard
Defendant(s): Ethan Howard | Varon Howard (Dismissed or Non-Suited)
Counsel for Defendants: E. Marie Jamison (Lead) | Staci Glenn | Malcolm G. Renwick
Claims Against the Defendants
The petition listed several causes of action:
Negligence – Ethan Howard:
Williams claimed that Howard acted negligently by driving under the influence and failing to follow traffic laws.
Gross Negligence – Ethan Howard:
The complaint argued that Howard’s actions showed conscious indifference to others’ safety.
Negligence Per Se – Ethan Howard:
The suit invoked Texas Penal Code §49.04, stating that Howard’s drunk driving violated criminal law designed to protect public safety.
Negligent Entrustment – Varon Howard:
Williams alleged that Varon Howard entrusted his vehicle to someone known to be reckless or unfit to drive, thereby contributing to the incident.
Defense
In response to Bryan Williams’ claims, Defendants Ethan Howard and Varon Howard filed a general denial, disputing all allegations. They asserted that Williams failed to exercise the level of care expected of a person under similar circumstances, and that his own negligence was a direct or contributing cause of the incident and resulting injuries. This defense seeks to shift or share liability based on comparative fault.
Additionally, the defendants invoked Section 41.0105 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code to limit any recovery for medical expenses to amounts actually paid or incurred, not just billed. They also reserved the right to use all documents produced during discovery under Rule 193.7 and formally requested initial disclosures under Rule 194.2. Ultimately, they asked the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s claims and award them costs.
Jury Verdict
On 3 April 2025, the court awarded a judgment of $338,713.22 in favor of Plaintiff Bryan Williams against Defendant Ethan Howard. The court found in favor of the plaintiff after considering the evidence and applicable law.
Court Documents
Court documents are available for purchase upon request at Jurimatic@exlitem.com