Houston Appeals $13 Million Judgment in Deadly Police Crash Case

The City of Houston has moved to appeal a $13 million civil judgment stemming from a fatal police-involved crash that occurred more than a decade ago. The appeal, filed this week, seeks to overturn or modify the ruling that awarded damages to the family of a man struck and killed by a Houston Police Department officer.

The case centers on a 2011 collision in which an HPD officer, reportedly responding to a call, crashed into the victim’s vehicle. Attorneys for the family argued that the officer was driving at excessive speed without proper emergency signals activated. Earlier this year, a jury sided with the family, concluding the City bore liability and assigning a significant financial award.

City attorneys now contend that legal errors occurred during the trial and that the judgment should be re-evaluated. The appeal automatically pauses enforcement of the payout until the appellate process is complete, a review that could take months.

Why the Appeal Matters

This case is one of the most closely watched civil actions involving HPD in recent years. The outcome could influence how the City handles future emergency-response policies and litigation tied to police driving standards. It also raises broader questions about municipal liability and training protocols for officers operating vehicles during high-pressure situations.

For residents, the case is a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny facing law enforcement practices. The financial implications are also significant, as multimillion-dollar judgments can affect municipal budgets and insurance coverage.

What’s Next

The appellate court will review the trial record, legal arguments, and procedural issues raised by the City. If the ruling is upheld, Houston may be required to pay the full judgment unless a settlement is reached. If reversed, the case could return to the trial court for additional proceedings.

This article is a summary of reporting by ABC13 Houston. Read the full story here.