Arlington, Texas Jury Awards $10,140.91 in Vehicle Collision

On February 24, 2015, a vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Fielder Street and Randol Mill Road in Arlington, Texas. The plaintiff, driving a Ford Explorer, alleged that the defendant driver made an unsafe right turn on red from Randol Mill Road, entering the plaintiff's lane and leading to a collision between the vehicles' front quarter-panels. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit claiming the defendant driver was negligent in failing to maintain a proper lookout, yield the right of way, and execute safe turns and lane changes. A claim against the vehicle owner for negligent entrustment was later nonsuited.

The plaintiff's counsel argued the defendant driver failed to yield and made a wide turn into the left lane, then negligently steered back into the plaintiff's path. The defendant driver testified that he looked left before turning and saw no vehicles, later initiating a lane change to access a gas station when the collision occurred. Defense counsel contended that the plaintiff took faulty evasive action by attempting to pass on the right.

The plaintiff claimed a herniated disc at C5-6, cervical muscle spasms, and various sprains, undergoing approximately three months of physical therapy. Medical expenses totaled $10,140.91, which the plaintiff sought along with past and future pain and suffering damages. The defense argued that the medical bills, including for an MRI and chiropractic care, were excessive, noting the plaintiff's trial testimony that he was "doing fine." Plaintiff's counsel countered that the plaintiff had no control over billing rates and was responsible for payment.

After a two-day trial, a six-member jury deliberated for 30 minutes. The jury found the defendant driver negligent and awarded the plaintiff $10,140.91 for damages.