Dallas Jury Awards $18,000 in Motor Vehicle Negligence

A vehicle collision occurred on Midway Road in Dallas on July 12, 2014. A plaintiff driver and plaintiff passenger were traveling in a 1997 Ford Mustang when their vehicle collided with a 2009 Toyota Camry operated by the defendant. The defendant was attempting a left turn out of an apartment complex, and the front corners of both vehicles made contact. An investigating officer noted the defendant's failure to yield the right of way as a contributing factor. The plaintiff driver and plaintiff passenger each filed separate negligence lawsuits against the defendant.

The cases were later consolidated, and the plaintiff driver settled with the defendant for an undisclosed amount during mediation. The plaintiff passenger's claims proceeded to trial, seeking damages for various injuries including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar strains, a left wrist sprain, left knee pain, and aggravated pre-existing hypertension. The defendant denied negligence, asserting belief that there was sufficient time to turn based on the plaintiff vehicle's perceived distance and lane. The defense also questioned the police report's accuracy and argued that the plaintiff passenger's medical treatment was excessive and unrelated to the accident, citing pre-existing conditions and medication non-compliance.

After a one-day trial, the jury found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff passenger $18,000, including damages for past and future medical costs, past physical impairment, and past physical pain and suffering. With prejudgment interest and taxable costs, the final judgment totaled $19,714.