Steven Walters v. Allways Auto Group, Ltd. D/B/A Atascosa Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

ACCEPTED
13-15-00329-CV
THIRTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
9/7/2015 4:58:15 PM
Dorian E. Ramirez
CLERK
13-15-00329-CV
RECEIVED IN
13th COURT OF APPEALS
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS
CORPUS CHRISTI/EDINBURG, TEXAS
FOR THE THIRTEENTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS
9/8/2015 8:00:00 AM
DORIAN E. RAMIREZ
Clerk
STEVEN WALTERS
V.
ALLWAYS AUTO GROUP, LTD.
D/B/A ATASCOSA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM
BRIEF OF APPELLANT STEVEN WALTERS
September 7, 2015
THE LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS J. HENRY
521 Starr St.
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Telephone: (361) 985-0600
Facsimile: (361) 985-0601
Thomas J. Henry
State Bar No. 09484210
Russell W. Endsley
State Bar No. 24026825
Matthew S. Hull
State Bar No. 24055702
Service Email: rendsley-svc@thomasjhenrylaw.com
ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL
Appellant: Counsel for Appellant:
Steven Walters THE LAW OFFICES OF
THOMAS J. HENRY
Thomas J. Henry
State Bar No. 09484210
Russell W. Endsley
State Bar No. 24026825
521 Starr St.
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Telephone: (361) 985-0600
Facsimile: (361) 985-0601
Appellee: Counsel for Appellee:
Allways Auto Group, Ltd. DAVIS, CEDILLO, &
d/b/a Atascosa Chrysler MENDOZA, INC.
Dodge Jeep Ram Ronald E. Mendoza
State Bar No.: 13937700
755 E. Mulberry Ave., Suite 500
San Antonio, Texas 78212
Telephone: (210) 822-6666
Telecopier: (210) 822-1151
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL ......................................................... ii
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES. .................................................................................. v
STATEMENT OF THE CASE. ............................................................................ vii
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT. ....................................... viii
ISSUES PRESENTED. ........................................................................................... ix
I. Did the trial court err in granting Appellee’s Traditional Motion for
Summary Judgment? ..................................................................................... ix
II. Is there a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Appellee is liable
for Mr. Walters’ injuries as a matter of law as a result of entrusting a
motor vehicle to an unlicensed individual which Appellee knew or
should have known to be unlicensed? .......................................................... ix
III. Is there a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Appellee entrusted
its vehicle to an incompetent driver that Appellee knew or should have
known to be incompetent? ............................................................................ ix
IV. Is there a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Appellee entrusted
its vehicle to reckless driver that Appellee knew or should have known
to be reckless? ............................................................................................... ix
V. Was Heyden’s negligence a proximate cause of the collision and Mr.
Walters’ resulting injuries?........................................................................... ix
VI. Has Appellant brought forth facts and evidence in support of all
elements of his causes of action against Appellee, thereby precluding
summary judgment? ..................................................................................... ix
STATEMENT OF FACTS ...................................................................................... 1
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT ............................................................................... 3
ARGUMENT ............................................................................................................ 5
iii
I. DE NOVO REVIEW IS THE PROPER STANDARD FOR THIS HONORABLE
COURT OF APPEALS. ...................................................................................... 5
A. The Court of Appeals may exercise its own judgment and re-
determine each issue of fact and law ...................................................... 5
B. The Court of Appeals may consider the facts and evidence without any
deference to the trial court ...................................................................... 5
II. THE PROPER SCOPE OF REVIEW IS ALL SUMMARY JUDGMENT EVIDENCE,
TAKEN AS TRUE IN FAVOR OF APPELLANT, WITH EVERY REASONABLE
INFERENCE INDULGED AND ALL DOUBTS RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF
APPELLANT. ................................................................................................... 6
III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN
FAVOR OF APPELLEE. ................................................................................. 7
A. Appellee is liable to Appellant as a matter of law by entrusting its
vehicle to an unlicensed individual ........................................................ 7
B. Heyden’s negligent operation of the vehicle entrusted by Appellee
was the foreseeable, direct cause of Appellant’s injuries.................... 11
C. The causation standard long established by the Supreme Court of
Texas and found in the Texas Pattern Jury Charge in negligent
entrustment cases forecloses Appellee’s causation arguments .......... 14
D. Appellant has brought forth ample facts and evidence in support
of Appellant’s claims............................................................................. 18
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER ........................................................................... 19
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ............................................................................ 21
APPENDIX ............................................................................................................. 22
iv
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES
Cases
Arias v. Aguilar
515 S.W.2d 313 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1974, no writ)...................... 7, 8, 15
Castillo v. Mizpah Residential Care
2014 WL 2159255 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi May 22, 2014, no pet. h.) ......... 5
Dallas Cnty. Mental Health & Mental Retardation v. Bossley
968 S.W.2d 339 (Tex. 1998) ............................................................................... 16
Green v. Texas Electrical Wholesalers, Inc.
651 S.W.2d 4 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st] 1982, writ dism’d) ............................ 15
Gulbenkian v. Penn
151 Tex. 412, 252 S.W.2d 929 (Tex. 1952) ......................................................... 6
Hennessy v. Estate of Perez
725 S.W.2d 507 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1987, no writ) ........................ 6
IHC Cedars Treatment Centers of DeSoto, Texas, Inc. v. Mason
143 S.W.2d 794 (Tex. 2004) ............................................................................... 17
In re Labatt Food Service, L.P.
279 S.W.3d 640 (Tex. 2009) ................................................................................. 5
McGraw Materials, Ltd. v. County of Jasper, Texas
2014 WL 2163264 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi May 7, 2015, no pet. h.) ........... 5
Mundy v. Pirie-Slaughter Motor Co.
206 S.W.2d 587 (Tex. 1947)....................................................................... 7, 8, 15
Neely v. Wilson
418 S.W.3d 52 (Tex. 2013) ................................................................................... 6
Pena v. Bellows
1998 WL 35277432 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi Dec. 30, 1988 no pet. h.) . 15-16
v
Phan Son Van v. Pena
990 S.W.2d 751 (Tex. 1999) ............................................................................... 17
Provident Life & Acc. Ins. Co. v. Knott
128 S.W.3d 211 (Tex. 2003) ................................................................................. 5
Quick v. City of Austin
7 S.W.3d 109 (Tex. 1999) ..................................................................................... 5
Revisore v. West
450 S.W.2d 361 (Tex.Civ.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1970, no writ) .............. 11
Roskey v. Texas Health Facilities Comm’n
639 S.W.2d 302 (Tex. 1982) ................................................................................. 6
Snellenberger v. Rodriguez
760 S.W.2d 237 (Tex. 1988) ................................................................................. 6
State Farm Fire & Cas. Co. v. S.S.
858 S.W.2d 374 (Tex. 1993) ............................................................................... 18
Union Pump Co. v. Allbritton
898 S.W.2d 773 (Tex. 1995) ............................................................................... 17
Other
Texas Pattern Jury Charges, PJC 10.12 ..................................................................... 8
vi
STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Appellant Steven Walters (herein “Mr. Walters” or “Appellant”) brought
suit in the 36th Judicial District Court, Live Oak County, Texas against William
John Heyden (“Heyden”) and Allways Auto Group, Ltd. (“Appellee”) as a result of
injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision. (CR 14). The vehicle driven by Mr.
Walters was struck by a Dodge Ram 1500 operated by Heyden on September 10,
2012 in Three Rivers, Live Oak County, Texas. (CR 161, 162). Appellant alleged
negligent entrustment and gross negligence against Appellee. (CR 19-20).
Appellee filed its Traditional Motion for Summary Judgment on January 26,
2015. (CR 59). Summary judgment was granted in favor of Appellee, and an
order severing Mr. Walters’ causes of action against Appellee was signed on
August 5, 2015. Mr. Walters filed his Notice of Appeal on July 15, 2015.
vii
STATEMENT REGARDING ORAL ARGUMENT
At issue in this case is whether genuine issues of material fact exist to
preclude the granting of summary judgment in favor of Appellee. Oral argument
will be helpful to the Court so that it may question counsel and allow counsel to
emphasize and clarify the issues. Appellant Steven Walters therefore requests oral
argument.
viii
ISSUES PRESENTED
I. Did the trial court err in granting Appellee’s Traditional Motion for
Summary Judgment?
II. Is there a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Appellee is
liable for Mr. Walters’ injuries as a matter of law, as a result of entrusting its motor
vehicle to an unlicensed individual which Appellee knew or should have known to
be unlicensed?
III. Is there a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Appellee
entrusted its vehicle to an incompetent driver that Appellee knew or should have
known to be incompetent?
IV. Is there a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Appellee
entrusted its vehicle to reckless driver that Appellee knew or should have known to
be reckless?
V. Was Heyden’s negligence a proximate cause of the collision and
Appellant’s resulting injuries?
VI. Has Appellant brought forth facts and evidence in support of all
elements of his causes of action against Appellee, thereby precluding summary
judgment?
ix
STATEMENT OF FACTS
On September 10, 2012, Appellant Steven Walters lawfully operated his
vehicle while traveling westbound on SH 72 in Three Rivers, Live Oak County,
Texas and was struck by the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 operated by Heyden, when
Heyden, traveling eastbound, crossed into Mr. Walters’ lane. (CR 161, 162). The
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 was owned by Appellee (Atascosa Dodge Dealership).
(CR 161, 162). Heyden was arrested and charged with Intoxication Assault and
DWI (3rd). (CR 161, 162).
On August 21, 2012, Heyden purchased a 2008 Dodge Caliber as a result of
his Ford Taurus being declared a total loss after Heyden had a collision while
driving under the influence of alcohol. (CR 143). At the time Heyden purchased
the 2008 Dodge Caliber from Appellee, Heyden furnished a photocopy of his old
Illinois driver’s license. (CR 143). Heyden testified that Appellee made a
photocopy of the photocopy Heyden presented. (CR 150). Heyden also testified
that he told the individual at Appellee’s dealership that he surrendered his Illinois
driver’s license and did not have a valid Texas driver’s license. (CR 156).
The vehicle Heyden purchased from Appellee developed mechanical
problems, and Appellee furnished use of its 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 to Heyden.
(CR 143). Heyden signed a loaner vehicle agreement with Appellee on August 23,
2012. (CR 152). Heyden testified that he never was required by Appellee to show
1
an actual, physical driver’s license and was furnished the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500
while he was unlicensed. (CR 144). Heyden further testified that he consumed six
beers while waiting for Appellee’s tow truck to bring him to Appellee’s dealership
to pick up the 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 loaner vehicle and testified that he was
heavily impaired at the time he was given the keys, believed he was legally
intoxicated, and confirmed he would have failed a breathalyzer. (CR 154, 158). In
addition, Heyden confirmed every day he drove Appellee’s vehicle he did so while
intoxicated. (CR 154).
2
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT
The summary judgment granted by the trial court should be reversed,
because the evidence and testimony brought forth by Appellant Mr. Walters
created genuine issues of material fact, and Appellee cannot establish it was
entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law. Mr. Walters brought forth ample
facts and evidence to establish all elements of his causes of action against
Appellee, and thus the trial court erred in granting Appellee’s motion for summary
judgment as to any of Mr. Walters’ claims.
This Honorable Court of Appeals may review de novo the facts and evidence
before the trial court and make a ruling without any deference to the trial court’s
findings. The proper scope of review is all summary judgment evidence, taken as
true in favor of Mr. Walters, with every reasonable inference indulged and all
doubts resolved in favor of Mr. Walters.
Under the theory of negligent entrustment, Appellee was negligent per se in
entrusting its motor vehicle to an unlicensed driver, and the facts and evidence
support a finding of same, or at very least create a genuine issue of material fact to
preclude summary judgment. The facts and evidence further show that, at the time
of entrustment, Heyden was an unlicensed, incompetent, and reckless driver, which
Appellee knew or should have known was unlicensed, incompetent, and reckless.
3
The causation standard set forth by the Supreme Court of Texas in negligent
entrustment cases, found in the Texas Pattern Jury Charges, forecloses Appellee’s
causation arguments.
4
ARGUMENT
I. DE NOVO REVIEW IS THE PROPER STANDARD FOR THIS HONORABLE COURT
OF APPEALS.
Summary judgment review is de novo. See Provident Life & Acc. Ins. Co. v.
Knott, 128 S.W.3d 211, 215 (Tex. 2003). Appellant respectfully requests this
Honorable Court of Appeals to review the facts, evidence, and law, reverse the trial
court’s granting of Appellee’s Traditional Motion for Summary Judgment, and
remand this case for a new trial.
A. The Court of Appeals may exercise its own judgment and re-
determine each issue of fact and law.
This Honorable Court may exercise its own judgment and re-determine each
issue of fact and law. See Quick v. City of Austin, 7 S.W.3d 109, 116 (Tex. 1999);
see also McGraw Materials, Ltd. v. County of Jasper, Texas, 2014 WL 2163264 at
*3 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi May 7, 2015, no pet. h.)(mem. op., not designated
for publication).
B. The Court of Appeals may consider the facts and evidence without
any deference to the trial court.
This Honorable Court may consider the facts and evidence without giving
any deference to the trial court. See Quick at 116; see also In re Labatt Food
Service, L.P., 279 S.W.3d 640, 643 (Tex. 2009); Castillo v. Mizpah Residential
Care, 2014 WL 2159255 at *6 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi May 22, 2014, no pet.
h.)(mem. op., not designated for publication).
5
II. THE PROPER SCOPE OF REVIEW IS ALL SUMMARY JUDGMENT EVIDENCE,
TAKEN AS TRUE IN FAVOR OF APPELLANT, WITH EVERY REASONABLE
INFERENCE INDULGED AND ALL DOUBTS RESOLVED IN FAVOR OF
APPELLANT.
The proper scope of review is all summary judgment evidence, taken as true
in favor of Appellant, with every reasonable inference indulged and all doubts
resolved in favor of Appellant. Summary judgment is not intended to deprive
litigants of their right to a full hearing on the merits of any real issue of fact. See
Gulbenkian v. Penn, 151 Tex. 412, 416, 252 S.W.2d 929, 931 (Tex. 1952). In the
context of cases in which a determination of negligence is required to reach a
decision, disposition by summary judgment is the exception and not the rule.
Snellenberger v. Rodriguez, 760 S.W.2d 237, 239 (Tex. 1988)(quoting Hennessy v.
Estate of Perez, 725 S.W.2d 507, 509 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1987, no
writ).
The burden of proof is on the movant and all doubts as to the existence of
genuine issues of material facts must be resolved against the movant and evidence
viewed in the light most favorable to the person opposing summary judgment.
Snellenberger at 239; see also Roskey v. Texas Health Facilities Comm’n, 639
S.W.2d 302, 302 (Tex. 1982). The nonmovant is to be given the benefit of every
reasonable inference which properly can be drawn in favor of his position. See
Neely v. Wilson, 418 S.W.3d 52, 76 (Tex. 2013).
6
Appellant respectfully asks this Honorable Court of Appeals to review all
facts and summary judgment evidence in his favor and reverse the trial court’s
granting of summary judgment in favor of Appellee.
III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN GRANTING SUMMARY JUDGMENT IN FAVOR
OF APPELLEE.
The trial court erred in granting Appellee’s Traditional Motion for Summary
Judgment, because Appellant, Mr. Walters, brought forth ample facts and evidence
to establish all elements of his causes of action, and Appellee cannot establish it
was entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law. The evidence and testimony
brought forth by Mr. Walters at very least created genuine issues of material fact to
preclude summary judgment.
A. Appellee is liable to Appellant as a matter of law by entrusting its
vehicle to an unlicensed individual.
Under the theory of negligent entrustment, because Appellee entrusted its
vehicle to an unlicensed driver whose negligence caused Mr. Walters’ damages,
Appellee is liable to Mr. Walters as a matter of law. The entrustment of a motor
vehicle to a person who does not have a valid driver’s license is negligence per se.
See Arias v. Aguilar, 515 S.W.2d 313, 316 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1974, no
writ); see also Mundy v. Pirie-Slaughter Motor Co., 206 S.W.2d 587, 590 (Tex.
1947).
7
Mr. Walters brought forth facts and evidence establishing all elements of
negligent entrustment: (1) entrustment of a vehicle by the owner (2) to an
unlicensed, incompetent, or reckless driver (3) that the owner knew or should have
known to be unlicensed, incompetent, or reckless, and (4) the driver’s negligence
on the occasion in question (5) proximately caused the accident. See id.; see also
STATE BAR OF TEX., TEXAS PATTERN JURY CHARGES, PJC 10.12.
There is no question that the facts and evidence establish the first element of
negligent entrustment, and Appellee does not deny it entrusted its vehicle to
Heyden. (CR 48, 152). Mr. Walters brought forth facts and evidence confirming
the second and third elements of negligent entrustment, the fact that Heyden was
an unlicensed driver and the fact Appellee knew he was unlicensed, attaching
Heyden’s deposition testimony confirming same:
Q: Okay. Now when you went to buy the Dodge Caliber from my
client, Atascosa Dodge, the license – photocopy of the license
presented was – was not a valid license, correct?
A: Correct.
***
Q: You were an unlicensed driver when Atascosa Dodge
provided you the loaner vehicle, correct?
You can answer, sir.
A: Correct.
***
8
Q: And then when you bought the car, they asked you for a
driver’s license, correct, and you showed them a photocopy?
A: Correct.
Q: And you gave them a photocopy or they photocopied the
photocopy?
A: They photocopied the photocopy.
***
Q: He knew – I say he, I mean the Atascosa Dodge employee,
knew that when you provided a Xerox copy of Illinois
License [sic] that you had already surrendered that to the
Texas Department of Public Safety, correct?
A: Correct.
Q: He knew this license was surrendered and invalid when you
provided to him [sic] at the dealership, correct?
A: Correct.
Q: All right. And they still gave you a car?
A: Yes.
Q: And they still gave you a loaner vehicle, despite knowing
that you provided an invalid, surrendered driver’s license –
A: Yes.
***
Q: And they knew that when they gave you the loaner vehicle,
that the Illinois license on file was invalid and surrendered,
correct?
A: Yes.
9
Q: All right. So Atascosa Dodge provided a loaner vehicle to a
drunk and unlicensed driver; true?
A: True.1
(CR 144, 150, 153, 156, 158).
Although to maintain his negligent entrustment claim, Mr. Walters’ showing
that Heyden was an unlicensed driver was sufficient, Mr. Walters also brought
forth evidence that Heyden was an incompetent and reckless driver through
Heyden’s testimony:
Q: Okay. And can you and I both agree that at the time Atascosa
Dodge provided you the loaner vehicle, you were also a
reckless driver?
A: Yes.
Q: Can you and I both agree that because of your addiction at that
time, that you were also an incompetent driver at the time you
received the loaner vehicle?
A: I was an irresponsible driver, yes.
(CR at 144).
B. Heyden’s negligent operation of the vehicle entrusted by Appellee
was the foreseeable, direct cause of Appellant’s injuries.
Furthermore, Heyden’s negligent operation of the vehicle entrusted by
Appellee was the foreseeable, direct cause of Appellant’s injuries. Heyden was an
1
William John Heyden’s deposition transcript in its entirety is part of the Court Record.
However, for the convenience of this Honorable Court of Appeals, Appellant attaches as
Appendix B excerpts from the deposition transcript of William John Heyden’s
aforementioned testimony; see transcript at 33:19-23, 59:15-21, 69:16-20, 83:15-84:6,
and 91:22-92:4.
10
unlicensed driver at the time of entrustment, because his driver’s license was taken
away from him for failure to submit to a breathalyzer test when he was arrested for
DWI. (CR 147). Appellee could have discovered the reason for Heyden’s being
unlicensed but instead chose to ignore the fact Heyden only had a paper photocopy
of an out-of-state driver’s license. Irrespective of Heyden being unlicensed, the
facts and evidence establish Appellee ignored Heyden’s intoxication at the time
Appellee entrusted Heyden with its vehicle.
Mr. Walters brought forth as further evidence the affidavit of Carmen
Daecher, a fleet safety expert who confirmed that Appellee had duty and obligation
to ensure it did not allow dangerous and reckless drivers to operate vehicles which
it owned. (CR 132).
An entrustment may be deemed negligent where an entrustee is physically or
mentally incapacitated, intoxicated or for any reason lacking in judgment or
perception; in such instances knowledge of the entrustor of the incompetency or
recklessness of the driver is apparent. See Revisore v. West, 450 S.W.2d 361, 364
(Tex.Civ.App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 1970, no writ). In this case, although
Appellee argues it did not know of Heyden’s condition at the time of entrustment,
the facts, evidence, and common sense at very least create a genuine issue of
material fact as to Appellee’s knowledge:
Q: So actually when you were driving the Caliber and it broke
down, you were already intoxicated, right?
11
A: No. When it was – when I pulled into the gas station, as I was
waiting for the wrecker, I think I got a – yeah, I got six-pack
of alcohol – beer.
Q: Okay.
A: And I was drinking in the parking lot.
Q: And did you finish that off before you go back to the
dealership?
A: Yes.
Q: All right. So you actually go to the dealership and they
handed you the keys to that truck, you had already drank
six beers; is that fair?
A: Yeah.
Q: All right.
A: I forgot all about that. Yes.
Q: And you were legally intoxicated at the time of that loaner
put in your possession; true?
A: I – yeah. I believe I was.
***
Q: I’m sorry to do this again, just real quick. I just want to make
sure I’m clear on two things: A, you were drunk when
Atascosa Dodge gave you the loaner vehicle, correct?
A: I don’t know if I – I – I was heavily impaired.
Q: You were heavily impaired and you would’ve failed – you
would’ve failed a breathalyzer, correct?
12
A: I would’ve failed a breathalyzer, yes.
Q: You were legally drunk at the time that Atascosa Dodge
provided you a loaner vehicle; true?
A: Legally drunk, yes.
Q: There’s no doubt in your mind, right?
A: No doubt in my mind.
Q: You were impaired?
A: That I was – I was impaired.
Q: You should not have been driving then, correct?
A: Shouldn’t have been driving.
Q: You were a danger on the roadway at the time that they
gave the truck, correct?
A: Yes.
Q: And that was clear at the time that the keys were given to
you, correct?
A: Correct.
(CR 154, 158).
Despite Appellee’s contention that it did not know or could not have known
of Heyden’s condition at the time of entrustment, such a contention cannot be
credibly maintained given Heyden’s testimony that he was heavily impaired and
had already had six beers when Appellee’s tow truck brought him to the
dealership.
13
Heyden’s heavy impairment from intoxication at the time of entrustment
made the risk that Heyden would harm someone as a result of driving while
intoxicated unquestionably foreseeable – stated a different way, the risk that
caused the entrustment to be negligent caused the collision at issue. At very least,
Heyden’s testimony brought forth by Appellant establishes a genuine material fact
regarding Appellee’s knowledge at the time of entrustment, thus precluding
summary judgment.
C. The causation standard long established by the Supreme Court of
Texas and found in the Texas Pattern Jury Charge in negligent
entrustment cases forecloses Appellee’s causation arguments.
The causation standard long established by the Supreme Court of Texas and
found in the Texas Pattern Jury Charge in negligent entrustment cases forecloses
the entirety of Appellee’s causation arguments. The Texas Supreme Court
established the causation standard in negligent entrustment cases as follows:
If, after the automobile is knowingly entrusted to an incompetent,
reckless, or unlicensed driver, and such driver’s negligence
proximately causes damages to a third person, the causal connection is
shown between the negligence of the owner in entrusting the
automobile to him and the damage to the third person.
See Arias v. Aguilar, 515 S.W.2d 313, 316 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1974, no
writ); see also Mundy v. Pirie-Slaughter Motor Co., 206 S.W.2d 587, 590 (Tex.
1947). The causal connection between the negligence of Appellee in entrusting its
14
vehicle to Heyden and the damages to Mr. Walters is established by the facts and
evidence in this case.
It is beyond any credible dispute that Heyden’s negligence in operating a
motor vehicle was the sole proximate cause of the collision that resulted in Mr.
Walters’ injuries; Mr. Walters brought forth this evidence, established by Heyden’s
testimony:
Q: That’s fine. Do you agree that my client did absolutely
nothing wrong to cause this wreck?
A: He didn’t deserve any of this, no.
Q: Do you agree that if you had not been provided a loaner
vehicle by Atascosa Dodge, that this wreck never would
have happened?
A: I totally agree.
(CR 145).
The controlling event is the time of the entrustment, not the time of the
accident. See Green v. Texas Electrical Wholesalers, Inc., 651 S.W.2d 4, 7
(Tex.App.—Houston [1st] 1982, writ dism’d)(finding that trial court incorrectly
submitted controlling time as time of accident, when controlling event was the
entrustment of the vehicle to the driver the day before the accident); see also Pena
v. Bellows, 1998 WL 35277432 at *5 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi Dec. 30, 1988 no
pet. h.)(mem. op., not designated for publication). Appellee’s reliance on what it
contends is a temporal gap between Mr. Walters’ injuries and Heyden’s negligence
15
is meritless in light of the causation standard long established by the Supreme
Court of Texas and runs contrary to the evidence – Heyden was intoxicated and
heavily impaired at the time of entrustment, and remained intoxicated up until the
time of the collision made the basis of Mr. Walters’ lawsuit:
Q: Got you. How many times did you drive that Atascosa
Dodge truck drunk during the time period that you had the
vehicle?
A: Many times.
Q: Every day?
A: On – almost every day, if not every day.
(CR 154).
With regard to causation, the cases discussed by Appellee are not negligent
entrustment cases like this case and are vastly distinguishable in that none involve
the direct connection and foreseeability of result involved in this case. For
example, Appellee discusses a case in which a mentally ill patient escaped through
unlocked doors of a hospital and committed suicide; see Dallas Cnty. Mental
Health & Mental Retardation v. Bossley, 968 S.W.2d 339, 340 (Tex. 1998)(escape
through unlocked doors was part of a sequence of events that ended in mentally ill
patient’s suicide). Appellee also discusses a case involving a person who slipped
on fire retardant foam used to extinguish a fire caused by a faulty pump two hours
prior. See Union Pump Co. v. Allbritton, 898 S.W.2d 773, 776 (Tex.
16
1995)(circumstances surrounding employee’s injuries were too remotely connected
with defendant’s pump). Another case discusses a claim that the plaintiff’s injuries
were caused a driver released too early from a mental institution; see IHC Cedars
Treatment Centers of DeSoto, Texas, Inc. v. Mason, 143 S.W.2d 794, 799 (Tex.
2004) (no evidence the mental state of the driver caused the plaintiff’s injury).
Yet another case discussed by Appellee involves a shop owner who sold
alcohol to minors before the minors committed murder; see Phan Son Van v. Pena,
990 S.W.2d 751, 755 (Tex. 1999)(criminal conduct and harm inflicted were
extraordinary in nature and not of the type of generally contemplated by the duty
not to furnish alcoholic beverages to minors). Thus, none of the aforementioned
cases Appellee relies upon are availing.
Furthermore, Appellee’s attempt to use Heyden’s testimony regarding
suicide to transform Heyden’ negligence into an intentional act, to create a new,
independent, and/or superseding cause, fails in light the evidence in the Court
Record:
Q: You did not intend to hit my client’s vehicle, correct?
A: Absolutely not.
Q: You did not intend to harm my client, correct?
A: Correct.
Q: This accident was not intentional, correct?
17
A: No. It was not intentional.
(CR 155).
In addition, Appellee’s attempt to transform Heyden’s negligence into a
intentional act fails under Texas law. “An insured intends to injure or harm
another if he intends the consequences of his act or reasonably believes they are
substantially certain to follow.” State Farm Fire & Cas. Co. v. S.S., 858 S.W.2d
374, 378 (Tex. 1993). The evidence is clear that Mr. Heyden did not intend the
consequences of his act or believed harm to another was substantially certain to
follow. (CR 155). At very least, Heyden’s testimony creates a genuine issue of
material fact to preclude summary judgment.
D. Appellant has brought forth ample facts and evidence to establish all
elements of Appellant’s claims.
Appellant, Mr. Walters, has brought forth ample facts and evidence to
establish all elements of his negligent entrustment and gross negligence claims. In
support of his negligent entrustment and gross negligence claims, Mr. Walters
incorporates by reference the preceding paragraphs and all aforementioned facts
and evidence as though fully set forth herein.
The facts and evidence establish Appellee’s entrustment to Heyden, an
unlicensed, incompetent, and reckless driver was negligent as well as grossly
negligent. The facts and evidence further establish Appellee’s knowledge of the
substantial risk of harm to others and nevertheless proceeding with conscious
18
indifference to the safety and welfare of other motorists, like Mr. Walters,
considering the probability and magnitude of the harm. Fleet safety expert Carmen
Daecher sums up the reasons summary judgment should have been denied:
Atascosa should have known that lending vehicles to persons is
entirely different than selling vehicles to persons. They had an
obligation to ensure that they did not allow dangerous and reckless
drivers to operate vehicles which they owned. They failed to take
even the most reasonable precaution in ensuring that Mr. Heyden had
a physical license. They also showed ignorance in not asking why he
did not have a Texas license given the length of time he lived in
Texas. If they would have taken minimally reasonable precautions,
they would not have allowed Mr. Heyden to drive one of their
vehicles.
The facts of the accident report support that William Heyden acted
recklessly in operating the Dodge Ram 1500 which resulted in the
accident which injured Mr. Walters. But Atascosa could have
prevented this accident from occurring if they were not callously
indifferent to the safety of the general public and did not act recklessly
in providing Mr. Heyden with one of their vehicles to operate freely.
If they would have taken reasonably minimum precautions, it would
have been obvious and evident that Mr. Heyden was not fit to drive.
They provided an instrument of danger to Mr. Heyden by allowing
him to drive one of their vehicles.
(CR 184,185).
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
Mr. Walters brought forth ample facts and evidence to establish all elements
of his causes of action against Appellee, and thus the trial court erred in granting
Appellee’s motion for summary judgment as to any of Mr. Walters’ claims. The
summary judgment granted by the trial court should be reversed, because the
19
evidence and testimony brought forth by Appellant Mr. Walters at very least
created genuine issues of material fact, precluding summary judgment, and
Appellee cannot establish it was entitled to summary judgment as a matter of law.
Accordingly, Mr. Walters prays that the judgment of the trial court be reversed and
that this Court of Appeals remand this case for a new trial.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
THE LAW OFFICES OF THOMAS J. HENRY
521 STARR STREET
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78401
361/ 985-0600 – PHONE
361/ 985-0601 – FACSIMILE
BY: /s/Russell W. Endsley
THOMAS J. HENRY
STATE BAR NO. 09484210
RUSSELL W. ENDSLEY
STATE BAR NO. 24026824
MATTHEW S. HULL
STATE BAR NO. 24055702
20
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
This will certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was duly
served in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure on this the 7th day
of September, 2015.
VIA E-SERVICE and/or FACSIMILE
Ronald E. Mendoza
DAVIS, CEDILLO, & MENDOZA, INC.
McCombs Plaza, Suite 500
755 E. Mulberry Ave.
San Antonio, Texas 78212
(210) 822-6666
(210) 822-1151 (Fax) /s/Russell W. Endsley
Russell W. Endsley
21
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
Excerpts from the deposition transcript of William John Heyden ........................... A
A
1
CAUSE NO. L-13-0087-CV-A
STEVEN WALTERS ) ( IN THE DISTRICT COURT
PLAINTIFF ) (
) (
vs. ) ( 36TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
) (
WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN, ) (
AND ALLWAYS AUTO GROUP, ) (
LTD. ) (
D/B/A ATASCOSA DODGE ) (
DEALERSHIP D/B/A ALLWAYS ) (
ATASCOSA CHRYSLER DODGE ) (
JEEP YAMAHA, ) (
DEFENDANTS ) ( LIVE OAK COUNTY, TEXAS
ORAL AND VIDEOTAPED DEPOSITION OF
WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN
OCTOBER 9, 2014
ORAL AND VIDEOTAPED DEPOSITION OF WILLIAM JOHN
HEYDEN, produced as a witness at the instance of the
PLAINTIFF, and duly sworn, was taken in the
above-styled and numbered cause on the 9th of October,
2014, from 12:55 P.M. to 2:32 P.M., before JOHN W.
FELLOWS, CSR in and for the State of Texas, reported
by machine shorthand, at the DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL
JUSTICE, Lopez Facility, 1203 El Cibolo Road,
Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas
Rules of Civil Procedure and the provisions stated on
the record or attached hereto.
ORIGINAL
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harl in gen ( 95 6) 4 2 8-07 55 McAllen ( 95 6) 618-2 366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
33
01:24 1 off -- they went by the document that they already
01:24 2 had.
01:24 3 Q. Right. But they never actually, physically
01:24 4 saw a driver's license that you provided them,
01:24 5 correct?
01:24 6 A. Correct.
01:24 7 Q. All right. And when they actually provided
01:25 8 a loaner vehicle, they never asked you to provide them
01:25 9 an actual, physical driver's license, correct?
01:25 10 A. Correct. As a matter of fact, I -- I
01:25 11 believe on the phone, they said that they will have a
01:25 12 loaner truck ready and available for me right when I
01:25 13 get there.
01:25 14 Q. Okay. And so is it fair to tell this jury
01:25 15 that Atascosa Dodge provided you a loaner vehicle, an
01:25 16 unlicensed driver?
01:25 17 MR. MENDOZA: Objection, form.
01:25 18 A. Yes.
01:25 19 Q. You were an unlicensed driver when Atascosa
01:25 20 Dodge provided you the loaner vehicle, correct?
01:25 21 MR. MENDOZA: Objection, form.
01:25 22 Q. You can answer, sir.
01:25 23 A. Yes.
01:25 24 Q. Okay. And can you and I both agree that at
01:25 25 the time that Atascosa Dodge provided you the loaner
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
59
01:50 1 Texas license at that time, although your card had
01:51 2 been taken from you?
01:51 3 A. Correct.
01:51 4 Q. Okay. So since you didn't have your Texas
01:51 5 driver's license card, you had made photocopies of
01:51 6 Illinois license, you presented that to Allways Dodge
01:51 7 to show them you had a valid driver's license,
01:51 8 correct?
01:51 9 A. It's not why I had a photocopy. I just had
01:51 10 a photocopy just because I wanted some kind of
01:51 11 identification on me.
01:51 12 Q. Okay. So you made a photocopy of the
01:51 13 Illinois driver's license for identification purposes?
01:51 14 A. Right.
01:51 15 Q. And then when you bought the car, they asked
01:51 16 you for a driver's license, correct, and you showed
01:51 17 them a photocopy?
01:51 18 A. Correct.
01:51 19 Q. And you gave them a photocopy or they
01:51 20 photocopied the photocopy?
01:51 21 A. They photocopied the photocopy.
01:51 22 Q. Okay. And you told them it was a good
01:51 23 license, correct?
01:51 24 A. Correct.
01:51 25 Q. All right. And you told them you had
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1bb5dce146
69
02:08 1 A. Yes.
02:08 2 Q. And what did they tell you?
02:08 3 A. I don't remember what they told me, but it
02:08 4 wasn't ready yet.
02:08 5 Q. Okay. Did they tell you that there was a
02:08 6 part that was needed to repair your Dodge Caliber and
02:08 7 it was on back order?
02:08 8 A. That sounds really familiar, yes.
02:08 9 Q. Okay. And it needed to get that part to
02:08 10 repair your Dodge Caliber?
02:08 11 A. Yes.
02:08 12 Q. Okay. And that in the meantime, you could
02:08 13 stay with the loaner truck?
02:08 14 A. Yes. That sounds -- that sounds very
02:08 15 accurate.
02:08 16 Q. Okay. Now, when you went to buy the
02:08 17 Dodge Caliber from my client, Atascosa Dodge, the
02:09 18 license -- photocopy of the license presented
02:09 19 was was not a valid license, correct?
02:09 20 A. Correct.
02:09 21 Q. The insurance was valid, correct?
02:09 22 A. Correct.
02:09 23 Q. And you did sign a loaner agreement, which
02:09 24 was part of what they wanted you to do when you got
02:09 25 the loaner truck?
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
83
02:24 1 Q. Sure. I understand. You were not truthful
02:24 2 to them?
02:24 3 A. The truth was, that my license got -- the
02:24 4 Texas license gotten taken away from me because of a
02:24 5 DWI.
02:24 6 Q. I want to make sure I'm clear. You actually
02:24 7 told the individual at Atascosa Dodge who sold you the
02:24 8 car, that you surrendered your Illinois license to the
02:24 9 Texas Department of Public Safety, correct?
02:24 10 A. Correct.
02:24 11 Q. You told him that, right?
02:24 12 A. Correct. Yes.
02:24 13 Q. You did not lie about that fact, correct?
02:24 14 A. I did not lie about that fact.
02:24 15 Q. He knew -- I say he, I mean the Atascosa
02:25 16 Dodge employee, knew that when you provided a Xerox
02:25 17 copy of Illinois license, that you had already
02:25 18 surrendered that to the Texas Department of Public
02:25 19 Safety, correct?
02:25 20 A. Correct.
02:25 21 Q. He knew this license was surrendered and
02:25 22 invalid when you provided to him at the dealership,
02:25 23 correct?
02:25 24 A. Correct.
02:25 25 Q. All right. And they still gave you a car?
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
84
02:25 1 A. Yes.
02:25 2 MR. MENDOZA: Objection, form.
02:25 3 Q. And they still gave you a loaner vehicle
02:25 4 despite knowing that you provided an invalid,
02:25 5 surrendered driver's license --
02:25 6 A. Yes.
02:25 7 Q. -- that was not effective at the time,
02:25 8 correct?
02:25 9 A. Correct.
02:25 10 Q. All right. Now -- thank you, sir. That's
02:25 11 all I have.
02:25 12 FURTHER EXAMINATION
02:25 13 BY MR. MENDOZA:
02:25 14 Q. I have a few questions for you, Mr. Heyden,
02:25 15 okay, in the same area that Mr. -- Mr. Endsley was
02:25 16 asking you about. You had to plead and beg Atascosa
02:25 17 Dodge to sell you that car after you told them that
02:25 18 your Illinois license had been surrendered, correct?
02:26 19 A. Yes.
02:26 20 Q. Right?
02:26 21 A. Yes.
02:26 22 Q. You told me, and you told all of us here
02:26 23 today, you told the jury, that you were lying quite a
02:26 24 bit back during this time period; is that right?
02:26 25 A. Yes.
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1bb5dce146
91
02:30 1 A. Shouldn't have been driving.
02:31 2 Q. You were a danger on the roadway at the time
02:31 3 that they gave the truck, correct?
02:31 4 A. Yes.
02:31 5 Q. And that was clear at the time that the keys
02:31 6 were given to you, correct?
02:31 7 A. Correct.
02:31 8 Q. All right. The next thing I want to make
02:31 9 sure we're crystal clear on, you told Atascosa Dodge
02:31 10 that this license, Exhibit No. 3, was invalid and
02:31 11 surrendered to State of Texas when you bought that
02:31 12 2008 Caliber, correct?
02:31 13 MR. MENDOZA: Objection, form.
02:31 14 A. Correct.
02:31 15 MR. ENDSLEY: What's your objection?
02:31 16 MR. MENDOZA: Asked and answered two or
02:31 17 three times.
02:31 18 MR. ENDSLEY: Okay. I'm not worried
02:31 19 about that objection.
02:31 20 Q. Now
02:31 21 MR. MENDOZA: Objection, side bar.
02:31 22 Q. And they knew that when they gave you the
02:31 23 loaner vehicle, that the Illinois license on file was
02:31 24 invalid and surrendered, correct?
02:31 25 A. Yes.
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1bb5dce146
92
02:31 1 Q. All right. So Atascosa Dodge provided a
02:31 2 loaner vehicle to a drunk and unlicensed driver; true?
02:31 3 MR. MENDOZA: Objection, form.
02:31 4 A. True.
02:31 5 Q. Thank you, sir. That's all I have.
02:31 6 MR. MENDOZA: I have no questions.
02:31 7 MR. ENDSLEY: You done?
02:31 8 MR. HANNA: I'm done.
02:32 9 THE VIDEOGRAPHER: Off the record.
10 (Deposition concluded).
11
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BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1bb5dce146
95
CAUSE NO. L-13-0087-CV-A
STEVEN WALTERS ) ( IN THE DISTRICT COURT
PLAINTIFF ) (
) (
VS. ) ( 36TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
) (
WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN, ) (
AND ALLWAYS AUTO GROUP, ) (
LTD. ) (
D/B/A ATASCOSA DODGE ) (
DEALERSHIP D/B/A ALLWAYS ) (
ATASCOSA CHRYSLER DODGE ) (
JEEP YAMAHA, ) (
DEFENDANTS ) ( LIVE OAK COUNTY, TEXAS
REPORTER'S CERTIFICATION
VIDEOTAPED DEPOSITION OF WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN
OCTOBER 9, 2014
I, JOHN W. FELLOWS, Certified Shorthand Reporter
in and for the State of Texas, hereby certify to the
following:
That the witness, WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN, was duly
sworn by the officer and that the transcript of the
oral deposition is a true record of the testimony
given by the witness;
fhat the deposition transcript was submitted on
Or:Aokl-tr .;L-3 , 2014 to MR. KEVIN P. HANNA,
attorney for WILLIAM JOHN HEYD`` for examination,
signature and return to me by /\)QVfM..b-.fL= /d.f lOllf
That the amount of time used by each party at
the deposition is as follows:
Mr. Russell Endsley - 0 Hours: 51 Minutes
Mr. Kevin P. Hanna - 0 Hours: 00 Minutes
Mr. Ronald E. Mendoza - 0 Hours: 37 Minutes
That pursuant to information given to the
deposition officer at the time said testimony was
taken, the following includes counsel for all parties
of record:
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
96
COUNSEL FOR THE PLAINTIFFS:
MR. RUSSELL ENDSLEY
MR. MATTHEW HULL
Law Offices of Thomas J. Henry
521 Starr Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
COUNSEL FOR THE DEFENDANT WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN:
MR. KEVIN P. HANNA
Upton, Mickits & Heymann, L.L.P.
Frost Bank Plaza
802 N. Carancahua, Suite 450
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
COUNSEL FOR THE DEFENDANTS ALLWAYS AUTO GROUP, LTD.,
D/B/A/ ATASCOSA DODGE DEALERSHIP D/B/A ALLWAYS
ATASCOSA CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP YAMAHA:
MR. RONALD E. MENDOZA
Law Offices of Davis, Cedillo & Mendoza Incorporated
Mccombs Plaza, Suite 500
755 E. Mulberry Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78212
I further certify that I am neither counsel for,
related to, nor employed by any of the parties or
attorneys in the action in which this proceeding was
taken, and further that I am not financially or
otherwise interested in the outcome of the action.
Further certification requirements pursuant to
Rule 203 of TRCP will be certified to after they have
occurred.
{\-rl
I Certified to by me this a~ day
f) (o
C,,"t D .e,y , 2 0 14 .
JOHN . FELLOWS, Texas CSR #3335
Expiration Date: 12/31/14
Bryant & Stingley, Inc., CRN No.: 512
1305 East Nolana, Suite D
McAllen, Texas 78504
(956) 618-2366
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen ( 95 6) 4 2 8-07 55 McAllen ( 95 6) 618-23 66
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
97
CAUSE NO. L-13-0087-CV-A
STEVEN WALTERS ) ( IN THE DISTRICT COURT
PLAINTIFF ) (
) (
vs. ) ( 36TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
) (
WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN, ) (
AND ALLWAYS AUTO GROUP, ) (
LTD. ) (
D/B/A ATASCOSA DODGE ) (
DEALERSHIP D/B/A ALLWAYS ) (
ATASCOSA CHRYSLER DODGE ) (
JEEP YAMAHA, ) (
DEFENDANTS ) ( LIVE OAK COUNTY, TEXAS
FURTHER CERTIFICATION UNDER RULE 203 TRCP
TO THE ORAL AND VIDEOTAPED DEPOSITION OF
WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN
TAKEN OCTOBER 9, 2014
I, JOHN W. FELLOWS, certify that the original
Changes and Signature Page of WILLIAM JOHN HEYDEN:
was received by the Deposition Officer on
was not received by the Deposition Officer;
That, if returned, the attached Changes and
Signature Page contains any changes and the reasons
therefor;
If returned, the original Changes and Signature
Page was delivered to MR. RUSSELL ENDSLEY, Custodial
Attorney;
That $ is the deposition officer's
charges to the PLAINTIFF for preparing the original
deposition transcript and any copies of exhibits;
That the deposition was delivered in accordance
with Rule 203.3, and that a copy of this certificate
was served to all parties shown herein on
and filed with the Clerk.
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146
98
Certified to by me this day of
````````~-
' 2014.
JOHN W. FELLOWS, Texas CSR #3335
Expiration Date: 12/31/14
Bryant & Stingley, Inc., CRN No.: 512
1305 East Nolana, Suite D
McAllen, Texas 78504
(956) 618-2366
BRYANT & STINGLEY, INC.
Harlingen (956) 428-0755 McAllen (956) 618-2366
Electronically signed by John Fellows (301-250-933-7791) 44cc31 aa-eb79-4ff1-816b-ea1 bb5dce146