Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $379,138
A passenger was injured when the host driver collided with a tractor-trailer making a right turn. The host driver denied fault, claiming the tractor-trailer turned suddenly. The passenger claimed a knee tear requiring surgery, leading to permanent pain and limitations. The jury found the host driver 100% negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $379,138
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Knee Injury
- Accident Type
- Truck/Commercial
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Truck/Auto Collision
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $379,138 is above the median of $37,329 for knee injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $7,500 to $82,795, based on 16 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In Dallas, Texas, a passenger filed a negligence action after sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle collision. The incident occurred when the host vehicle, operating in the right lane, collided with an 18-wheel tractor-trailer that was making a right turn from the middle lane. The plaintiff, a passenger in the host vehicle, claimed soft tissue sprains and strains, which largely resolved, and a knee tear requiring arthroscopic surgery, asserting permanent pain and limitations despite the procedure.
The tractor-trailer driver and two witnesses from across the roadway testified that the host driver attempted to pass the tractor-trailer on the right as the larger vehicle was executing a wide right turn. The host driver denied this account, contending that the tractor-trailer driver unexpectedly turned right from the middle lane. Before the trial concluded, the case against the tractor-trailer driver settled for $35,000.
During the trial against the host driver, the plaintiff emphasized her refusal to let her injuries significantly impact her life. The host driver challenged the permanency of the plaintiff's knee injury, noting the plaintiff had resumed activities like dancing and hiking. The jury ultimately found the host driver 100% negligent and awarded the plaintiff $379,138. The award 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.
Understanding This Case
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Dallas County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2019, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Curious about your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in Dallas County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
One driver stopped in traffic due to construction. The other driver rear-ended the stopped vehicle. The injured driver claimed ankle and back injuries. The defense argued the accident was unavoidable or that the driver acted as an ordinary and prudent driver. The jury found the second driver liable but awarded no damages.
One driver sued another for failing to maintain a safe distance and avoid a collision. The defendant claimed the plaintiff was also at fault. The incident occurred when the defendant's vehicle struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind. The minor passenger complained of neck, mid-back, and rib pain, diagnosed as muscle sprain and cervicalgia. Further treatment included visits for headaches and pain in the neck and upper back.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.