The family of a 24-year-old who lost his life in an accident on a Texas Interstate has been granted nearly $4 million in compensation. The accident occurred due to a truck driver breaking down in the middle of the road.
In September 2021, an accident occurred, but it wasn’t until July 2024 that the court proceedings were finalized.
Robert Buntyn, who was only 24 years old, tragically passed away in a car accident on Interstate 635 near State Highway 121. He was driving home from work at his family’s mortuary business when he hit an object in the road and collided with the back of a commercial vehicle that was stopped. The impact of the crash proved fatal for Buntyn, and he lost his life as a result.
According to the Buntyn family attorneys, 23-year-old Desiree Boyd, who was employed by Newkirk Logistics as a truck driver, did not take necessary safety measures, such as using hazard lights, flares, or triangles, or pulling off to the side of the road, to alert other drivers that she was stopped.
In the aftermath of the accident, the jury attributed 10% of the blame to Buntyn, while holding Newkirk Logistics and Boyd accountable for the majority of the incident, amounting to 90% of the responsibility. The Boys family received a compensation of $3.6 million as a result of the verdict. Boyd and Newkirk’s legal representatives have expressed their intention to challenge the ruling in court.
According to the Buntyn family, they were compelled to go to trial by the attorneys representing Newkirk Logistics and Boyd.
Bryan Buntyn revealed to WFAA that they had given the opposition multiple opportunities to settle for their insurance policy which amounted to a staggering $1 million. They had hoped to avoid putting everyone through a trial, but unfortunately, the opposition declined the offer. It was astounding that despite having access to the same evidence presented in court, the insurance company and their lawyers still chose to reject the settlement. Currently, they are appealing the case.
According to Buntyn, it seemed like a challenge for these companies, as if they didn’t care about going to trial. He strongly believes that families shouldn’t have to endure a lengthy legal process to seek justice and accountability. For him, it was never about the financial compensation, but rather about holding someone responsible for their actions towards his loved one.
