On a Saturday afternoon in August 2021, a Houston mother was driving eastbound on Bissonnet Street with four of her children in the car. It was a normal day — until another driver, traveling westbound, attempted to make a left turn directly into their path.
The other driver never had the right of way. He cut across oncoming traffic and slammed into the family’s vehicle. To make matters worse, he didn’t even have a valid driver’s license. He was cited at the scene by the Houston Police Department for failure to yield the right of way while turning left — and for driving without a license.
In an instant, this family’s life changed. A mother and her kids — ranging from a toddler to teenagers — were left dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a violent collision they did nothing to cause.
Standing Up for the Entire Family
When the family came to The Law Offices of Colby Lewis, we knew this case required more than just filing a claim. It required a commitment to protecting every member of this family, especially the children.
Under Texas law, settling claims involving minors isn’t as simple as reaching an agreement with an insurance company. The court has to get involved. A Guardian Ad Litem — an independent attorney appointed by the court — must review the settlement terms and confirm they’re in the best interest of each child. A judge then holds a formal hearing to approve the resolution.
That process exists for a good reason: to make sure no child’s rights are overlooked or undervalued.
What We Achieved
We resolved this case through a court-approved settlement in the 129th Judicial District Court of Harris County. The Court held a formal minor settlement hearing, where the Guardian Ad Litem confirmed that the terms were fair and in the best interest of the children. The judge agreed and approved the settlement in its entirety.
As part of the resolution, the funds allocated to the minor children were ordered to be placed into interest-bearing accounts with the Harris County District Clerk, where they will be held safely until each child reaches the age of 18. This is a protective measure that ensures the money is there for them when they need it most — not spent before they’re old enough to benefit from it.
The at-fault driver and his insurer were held accountable, and this family can now move forward knowing the legal system worked to protect them.
Why Cases Like This Matter
Too many people are injured by drivers who have no business being behind the wheel. Driving without a license isn’t just a technical violation — it often means the driver hasn’t demonstrated the basic competency required to operate a vehicle safely. When that recklessness causes a collision, families pay the price.
Cases involving children carry an added layer of responsibility. Kids can’t advocate for themselves in the legal system. That’s why our firm takes the process of protecting minors’ claims so seriously. Every step — from investigation to negotiation to the courtroom hearing — is handled with their future in mind.
If Your Family Has Been Hurt in a Car Accident
At the Law Offices of Colby Lewis, we fight for families across Houston and throughout Texas. If you or your loved ones have been injured by a negligent or unlicensed driver, we’re here to help. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we recover for you.
Call us today at (832) 821-5298 or visit us at 815 Walker Street, Suite 452, Houston, Texas 77002 to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us at [email protected].
The Law Offices of Colby Lewis has recovered over $200 million for injured Texans. We handle personal injury, premises liability, construction litigation, and commercial litigation cases throughout the state.
