Dallas Jury Finds Driver Negligent in Red-Light Crash, Awards $40,000

On April 26, 2016, a collision occurred on a freeway access road in Dallas when a sedan driven by a plaintiff struck a vehicle operated by a counter-plaintiff at an intersection controlled by a stoplight. A plaintiff passenger was also in the sedan. All parties reported various injuries; the plaintiff driver and passenger claimed neck and back injuries, while the counter-plaintiff claimed a hip fracture, as well as neck, shoulder, and ankle injuries.

The plaintiff driver and passenger filed a lawsuit against the counter-plaintiff, alleging negligence in the operation of his vehicle. They claimed he was distracted by his GPS. The counter-plaintiff then countersued the plaintiff driver, alleging she negligently ran a red light. He testified that he was using his GPS by listening to vocal prompts rather than looking at the device.

At trial, the plaintiff driver and passenger detailed their medical treatments, which included chiropractic care, MRIs, and X-rays for various neck and back issues. The counter-plaintiff also sought chiropractic care and pain medication for his injuries, though he did not pursue treatment for his hip fracture after an initial hospital stay. Defense counsel for the plaintiff driver and passenger argued that any disc problems were degenerative and noted inconsistencies in the plaintiff driver's reports of prior back pain. The defense also highlighted the plaintiff passenger's deposition testimony, where she stated she had fully recovered by the time of trial.

After two days of trial, a Dallas jury deliberated for two hours and found only the plaintiff driver negligent. The jury awarded the counter-plaintiff $40,000 for past medical costs, pain, and mental anguish. The jury did not reach a decision on damages for the plaintiff driver and passenger.