Dallas Jury Finds Negligence in Left-Turn Crash, Awards $11,109

On September 18, 2013, a collision occurred on Winslow Avenue in Dallas, Texas. A northbound driver, operating a Lincoln sedan, made a left turn in front of a southbound Dodge SUV driven by the plaintiff. The plaintiff's vehicle struck the front driver's side wheel well of the defendant's car. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained back injuries, including disc bulges and protrusions, and subsequently underwent 44 chiropractic treatments over three months. The plaintiff sought $17,617 in past medical costs and $600 in lost wages.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant was negligent and failed to yield the right of way. A police report indicated the defendant failed to yield while turning left. The plaintiff testified that both parties had a green light, but the defendant should have waited for the intersection to clear before turning. The defense contended the plaintiff was contributorily negligent, failing to maintain a proper lookout. A chiropractic expert for the defense testified that the plaintiff's course of treatment was excessive, stating that the injuries typically resolve after fewer treatments and that some care was unnecessary.

After a one-day trial and one hour of deliberation, a jury found the plaintiff 25% negligent and the defendant 75% negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $14,812.75 for past medical costs, past physical impairment, past lost earnings capability, and past pain and suffering. After the comparative negligence reduction, the plaintiff recovered $11,109.56. The court subsequently entered a judgment ordering the defense to remit payment of the verdict, prejudgment interest, and court costs.