HOUSTON — A tractor trailer driver alleges defective brakes on the trailer caused a tire to catch fire, explode and resulted in his severe burns.
William Graeme Ford filed a complaint April 18 in Harris County District Court against Journey Services LLC alleging negligence.
Ford, according to his suit, was driving on Highway 288 in Brazoria County on Oct.25, 2021. He claims he had picked up the trailer from Journey Services and was transporting the trailer to a field location. Ford alleges while driving the trailer, a passing motorist informed him one of the trailer's tires were on fire which caused him to pull off the highway.
He further alleges he attempted to put out the fire and that once the fire was extinguished, the tire suddenly exploded without warning. Ford claims he was thrown to the ground covered with molten rubber.
He alleges the defendants assured him the trailer was in good working order and that the trailer's brakes had just been repaired. Ford claims the defendant's negligence for failing to properly repair the trailer's brakes, for failing to warn of the hazard and for providing him with a trailer that had defective brakes.
He also claims he suffered severe burns to his arm, hand, face and other parts of his body which has caused disfigurement, impairment and disability.
Ford seeks monetary relief between $250,000 and $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Clayton Rawlings and Keith Hampton of Hampton & Rawlings in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-23274