$49M Nuclear Verdict Against Texas Trucking Firm Raises Collectibility Concerns

A Texas jury has issued a $49 million verdict against OPG Logistics stemming from a fatal January 2025 crash in Ector County that killed 29-year-old Steffan Mick. 5 million in punitive damages—represents a significant nuclear verdict in trucking litigation, though its enforceability remains highly uncertain. The jury assigned 65% liability to the carrier and 35% to driver Biorkys Sanchez Fernandez, who made an unsafe left turn causing the collision. The verdict's collectibility is complicated by the defendant's murky operational status.

OPG Logistics does not appear in FMCSA's SAFER WEB database, and the company's own defense counsel admitted during trial that the carrier was no longer in business—even while mounting a liability defense. Investigators for the plaintiff discovered evidence of another trucking company operating from the same address, though corporate relationships remain unclear. This creates a precarious situation for the Mick family and their legal representatives seeking to recover damages. The case underscores a persistent challenge in trucking litigation: converting legal victories into actual compensation.

While publicly traded carriers like QXO offer better collectibility prospects, small or defunct operators often leave judgments uncollectable. Insurance coverage will be critical; industry analysis suggests carriers with limited asset bases typically carry liability policies that cap recoveries far below verdict amounts. For fleet operators and insurance carriers, this case reinforces the ongoing pressure from nuclear verdicts and the importance of robust safety protocols and adequate coverage.