American Insurance Companies v. Reed

McCLOUD, Chief Justice.

This is an appeal of a jury award of $665,814.26 resulting from an insurer’s denial of liability on a vandalized truck. Plaintiff contends that his recovery is proper based upon the Deceptive Trade Practices— Consumer Protection Act, Articles 21.21 and 21.21-2 of the Texas Insurance Code, common law negligence, and the contractual provisions of the policy.

Plaintiff, Joe Reed, d/b/a Big Bend Cactus Company, leased his 1972 Ford truck to B. F. Walker, Inc., a trucking company which leased trucks from various owners who either operated the trucks or furnished drivers to…