A Texas court of appeals recently approved of a jury verdict dismissing the plaintiffs' claims in a car accident case that suddenly turned into a wrongful death action after the lead plaintiff committed suicide.

The case, captioned Huffines v. Buxton, stemmed from a 2011 accident at a Houston intersection that occurred when Barbara Buxton drove her car through a divided thoroughfare and was broadsided by David Huffines. No air bags deployed in the wreck and neither required immediate medical attention.

Huffines began to experience pain and discomfort shortly after the accident and felt pain in his neck, back and groin — all locations where he had pre-existing conditions. He underwent several medical procedures to alleviate the pain. But the pain intensified and Huffines told friends and family he was contemplating suicide. During the pendency of his car wreck case, Huffines took his own life.