Dallas Judge Awards $42,986 in Intersection Collision

In January 2014, a two-vehicle collision occurred at an uncontrolled intersection on Gulden Lane and Pueblo Street in Dallas. The plaintiff, driving a 2012 Honda Accord, was traveling south while the defendant, operating a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt sedan, was heading north. As both drivers approached the intersection, the defendant attempted a left turn onto Pueblo Street, and the plaintiff attempted a right turn, resulting in a collision between the front corners of their vehicles. A police report indicated the defendant's failure to yield the right of way as a contributing factor.

The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligence for failing to yield while turning left. The plaintiff claimed neck, back, and left shoulder sprains and strains, including a disc protrusion at C3-4, incurring over $20,000 in medical bills and $572 in lost wages. The defendant denied negligence, asserting that southbound traffic had stopped to allow her turn, and the plaintiff "suddenly came around" the stopped vehicles to cause the impact.

The case proceeded to a bench trial. The judge found both drivers negligent in the incident, assigning 75 percent of the comparative responsibility to the defendant and 25 percent to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was awarded $57,315.17 in damages. After the 25 percent reduction for comparative negligence, the plaintiff's net recovery amounted to $42,986.38.