Dallas Jury Awards $24,742 in Negligent Left Turn Collision

In July 2012, a mass-transit supervisor was driving south on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas when his vehicle collided with an SUV driven by the defendant, who was attempting a left turn at the Houston Street intersection. Both drivers entered the intersection on a green light. The plaintiff's front-left bumper and quarter panel struck the defendant's right-front bumper. The plaintiff later sued the defendant, alleging negligent failure to yield the right of way, maintain a proper lookout, and turn left safely. The defendant stipulated to liability for the collision.

The plaintiff claimed neck and lower back sprains and strains, with pain radiating into his legs. He sought emergency room treatment the day after the accident, followed by chiropractic care for several months. After a gap, he received pain management treatment, including two lumbar epidural steroid injections. The plaintiff, his brother, and a friend testified about ongoing pain and limitations impacting his social life and home care. The plaintiff's pain management doctor testified that the treatments were necessary and accident-related, and the plaintiff sought approximately $20,000 in past medical bills (excluding chiropractic bills that were disallowed), $1,037.20 in past lost wages, future medical costs, and damages for pain and suffering, seeking a total of $375,000.

The defense emphasized a significant gap in the plaintiff's treatment and the lack of treatment since September 2013. Defense arguments also highlighted the plaintiff's prior lumbar complaints and years as a bus driver, suggesting pre-existing conditions. The defense's orthopedic expert opined that the injections were unrelated to the accident and overpriced, while their chiropractic expert stated that only a few chiropractic visits were needed and questioned the original chiropractor's fees.

After a three-day trial, a Dallas jury deliberated for three hours and returned an 11-1 verdict, awarding the plaintiff $24,742.73. The award included $9,059 for past medical costs, $1,037 for past lost earnings, $2,646 for property damage, $4,000 for past physical pain and suffering, and $8,000 for past mental anguish. The jury's award was significantly lower than the amount sought, reflecting, in part, the defense's arguments regarding treatment gaps and the extent of accident-related injuries.