Dallas Jury Awards $49,075 in Motor Vehicle Negligence

In a motor vehicle negligence case heard in Dallas, Texas, a plaintiff driver and a plaintiff passenger sought damages after their vehicle was struck by a defendant driver on February 26, 2016. The plaintiffs asserted that the defendant driver attempted an illegal U-turn on Valleyview Lane and failed to yield, colliding with the right rear side of their westbound vehicle. Both plaintiffs were transported to a hospital with immediate bodily injuries. The plaintiff driver reported neck and lower back injuries, leading to diagnoses including radiculopathy and sprains, and claimed six months of lost wages. The plaintiff passenger sustained injuries to a leg and shoulder.

The plaintiffs filed suit, alleging the defendant's negligence caused their permanent injuries, lost wages, and property damage. While the defendant stipulated liability for the collision itself, the defendant contested the nature, causation, and extent of the claimed damages. The defense argued that the plaintiffs' injuries were not substantial, treatment was excessive, and the plaintiff driver's medical expenses and lost wages were attributable to pre-existing conditions unrelated to the accident.

After mediation failed, the case proceeded to trial. On March 25, 2019, the jury found that the defendant's actions caused the plaintiffs' damages. The jury awarded the plaintiff driver $32,191 for past medical expenses and the plaintiff passenger $9,315 for past medical expenses. However, the jury did not award either plaintiff damages for future medical expenses, past or future physical impairment, or past or future physical pain and mental anguish. The total award to the plaintiffs, including pre-judgment interest and court costs, was $49,075.