Court Opinion

ID: 9676966
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 05:39:38.584929+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:16:52.647168
License: Public Domain

BILL VANCE, Justice,
dissenting.
I agree with the Corpus Christi Court of Appeals: “The historical trend in default judgment cases is toward the liberal granting of new trials.” Norton v. Martinez, 935 S.W.2d 898, 901 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 1996, no pet.) (citing Miller v. Miller, 903 S.W.2d 45, 47 (Tex.App.-Tyler 1995, no writ)). When the elements of the Crad-dock test are satisfied, it is an abuse of discretion for the trial court to deny the defendant a new trial. Director, State Employees Workers’ Comp. Div. v. Evans, 889 S.W.2d 266, 268 (Tex.1994).
Based on Strackbein v. Prewitt, my view is that no reasonable interpretation of the evidence supports a finding that Allstate’s failure to answer the citation was the result of an intentional act or conscious indifference. Strackbein v. Prewitt, 671 S.W.2d 37, 39 (Tex.1984). Citing Strack-bein, the Supreme Court has consistently reversed denials of new trials under similar circumstances. See Evans, 889 S.W.2d at 271; Old Republic Ins. Co. v. Scott, 873 S.W.2d 381, 382 (Tex.1994); Bank One, Texas, N.A. v. Moody, 830 S.W.2d 81, 85 (Tex.1992).
I would reverse the decision to deny the motion for a new trial and remand the cause with instructions that a new trial be granted.