Cypress Jury Awards $52,177.65 in Red-Light Collision

On July 15, 2014, in Cypress, a plaintiff's vehicle was struck by a defendant's vehicle at the intersection of Cypress Station Drive and West Farm to Market Road 1960. The plaintiff was proceeding through a green arrow to turn left when the defendant, driving eastbound, ran a red light and collided with the plaintiff's front left quarter panel. A police report listed the defendant's disregard of the traffic light as the sole contributing factor.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant's negligence in running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and failing to brake or turn to avoid the collision. The plaintiff claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries, including disc herniations at C4-5 and C5-6, neck and back pain, and radicular pain in the left shoulder, for which they sought emergency room care, chiropractic treatment, MRIs, and an epidural steroid injection. Damages sought included $27,177.65 for past medical bills, along with past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

The defendant did not strongly dispute liability for the collision. However, the defense presented a neurologist who testified that the plaintiff sustained a cervical strain and that cervical MRI findings indicated only minimal discogenic changes. The expert also opined that chiropractic treatment beyond nine visits was excessive, citing occupational disability guidelines, and disputed the appropriateness of the epidural injection, stating the cervical MRI showed no nerve root impingement.

Following a two-day trial, a jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $52,177.65 in damages. During deliberations, the jury inquired about how medical providers would be paid if the awarded amount for medical bills was less than the total expenses, suggesting a consideration of specific medical costs in their final award.