A vehicle hydroplaned and flipped into a flooded drainage ditch in Sherman, Texas on December 24, 2024. Will and Clara Robinson, two of the vehicle’s six passengers, passed away. Now, Kristen Robinson has filed a negligence lawsuit against two Durant businesses.
The civil lawsuit is seeking more than $75,000 in damages. The amount for punitive damages, interests, costs, and attorney fees is more than $75,000, but not explicitly disclosed. A court date has not yet been set.
No amount of money justifies life-changing injuries or losing a loved one. But, if you are hurt in a car accident due to negligence, our personal injury lawyers can help you find the path to justice.
What Happened in Sherman, Texas
The Robinsons’ white Chevrolet Traverse hydroplaned off US-75 on Christmas Eve morning in 2024.
Four of the six passengers were rescued. A husband and father, Will Robinson passed away from injuries; he was found just before 5 p.m. that Tuesday. Crews searched for his daughter, 8-year-old Clara Robinson, to no avail. She is lost and presumed deceased.
Now, in March 2026, wife and mother, Kristen Robinson, is taking legal action against two Durant, Oklahoma businesses. The lawsuit alleges that Stuteville Chevrolet of Durant and Brakes Plus were negligent in their work on the Traverse’s tires.
According to a KXII news article by morning anchor and reporter Olivia Thompson, this is not the first fatal crash off U.S. 75 in Sherman during a flash flood.
“An Anna woman died in 2020 and a newlywed Arkansas couple were killed in 2021,” writes Thompson.
Understanding the Elements of Negligence
In the legal world, negligence is not just a mistake.
It’s a failure to meet a professional or legal obligation to keep others safe. To win a negligence lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove that a business or individual failed to act with a certain level of care. In layman’s terms, a reasonable person should have made the same decision in the same situation.
The plaintiff argues the fatal car accident in Sherman, TX, and its negligence lawsuit, as the following scenario.
Duty of Care
In this case, the plaintiff alleges that the two automobile businesses had a duty of care when performing tire maintenance.
Breach of Duty
Then, the prosecution needs to prove that both businesses breached their duty of care.
Causation
The plaintiff alleges that negligence caused the Robinsons’ Traverse to hydroplane.
Damages to Survivors
The Robinson family lost Will Robinson and 8-year-old Clara Robinson.
Unfortunately, negligence is everywhere, including the automobile industry and medical field. If you believe that you’ve suffered negligence, you should hire a personal injury attorney. That will be the most important step you take.
What Investigators Examine to Determine Negligence
An initial accident report is just the beginning. The Robinsons’ legal team must have a strong case to win a major settlement. Multiple types of evidence could prove negligence, including the following:
- Medical Records
- Electronic Data
- Surveillance Footage
- Witness Statements
- Accident Reconstruction
Your Legal Rights in a Negligence Lawsuit
Negligence can be difficult to prove, especially when taking on established businesses. But you do not have to fight this battle alone. You need a law firm invested in your recovery to advocate for you and your loved ones.
Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys has an office in Dallas, TX and more than 20 other states. With a nationwide presence, our law firm has the skills and resources to fight for you, especially in negligence lawsuits. Book a free case review online or by calling (800) 229-7989.
