Dallas Jury Awards $379,138 in Motor Vehicle Negligence

In Dallas, Texas, a passenger filed a negligence lawsuit after sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle collision. The incident involved a vehicle driven by a host driver, which was proceeding in the right lane, and an 18-wheel tractor-trailer making a right turn from the middle lane.

The plaintiff alleged soft tissue sprains and strains, and a knee tear that required arthroscopic surgery, claiming permanent pain and limitations despite the procedure. The tractor-trailer driver and two independent witnesses testified that the host driver attempted to pass the tractor-trailer on the right as it executed a wide turn. The host driver disputed this account, asserting that the tractor-trailer driver abruptly turned right from the middle lane. Regarding the injuries, the host driver challenged the plaintiff's claims of permanency, noting the plaintiff's ability to resume activities such as dancing and hiking. The plaintiff argued that her continued activities demonstrated a refusal to let the injuries severely impact her life.

Prior to the jury reaching a verdict, the case against the tractor-trailer driver settled for $35,000. After trial, a jury found the host driver 100% negligent for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $379,138, which included $25,138 for past medical bills, $250,000 for future medical bills, $5,000 for past physical impairment, $44,000 for future physical impairment, $5,000 for past physical pain, and $50,000 for future physical pain.