DALLAS, Texas — A Dallas County jury has awarded $44.1 million to the family of Christopher Ray Vardy, 49, who was killed in the catastrophic 133-vehicle pileup on I-35W in Fort Worth during a 2021 ice storm, according to attorney Frank L. Branson.

The verdict — delivered on December 12, 2025 — holds Missouri-based trucking company New Prime Inc. and its driver Steven Ridder liable for Vardy’s death. The award includes $24.1 million in compensatory damages and $20 million in punitive damages for what the jury deemed gross negligence.

The February 11, 2021 pileup — one of the worst in Texas history — occurred on an elevated stretch of the southbound TEXpress lanes amid freezing rain and black ice. Six people died and at least 36 were hospitalized.

Jury finds driver lacked winter-weather training

Evidence presented at trial showed that Ridder, operating a New Prime 18-wheeler, did not receive proper winter driving instruction and was traveling at an unsafe speed for the icy conditions. His truck rear-ended Vardy’s stopped vehicle, which was already halted due to crashes ahead.

Cranes and heavy machinery were required to locate and extract Vardy’s truck, which was buried under wreckage. According to court filings, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner determined Vardy’s injuries were initially survivable, and that he experienced pain and consciousness before succumbing.

“The jury agreed that this big rig was being driven far too fast for the conditions,” Branson said. “Trucking companies have the obligation to ensure their vehicles are operated safely — especially in extreme weather.”

Punitive damages for “recklessly employing an unfit driver”

The jury assigned 75% of the fault to Ridder, for whom New Prime is legally responsible. The $20 million punitive award was imposed specifically against New Prime for recklessly employing an unfit driver, according to the verdict.

Attorney John Burkhead said: “This decision should deter companies from putting profits and schedules ahead of human life.”

Pileup tied to road treatment failures

A 2023 NTSB report found that the company responsible for de-icing I-35W failed to properly treat the roadway during 36 hours of sub-freezing temperatures, contributing to the disaster. The report also faulted multiple drivers for traveling too fast for conditions.

The verdict marks the first major civil decision stemming from the historic 2021 crash, according to The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson.

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