Decatur, Texas Jury Awards $683,179.22 in Head-on Collision

On July 15, 2015, a head-on collision occurred on Old Decatur Road, a rural two-lane road north of Decatur, Texas. A pickup truck driven by the plaintiff, a rancher, collided with a southbound pickup operated by the defendant, who was driving as North Texas Extinguisher Service. The plaintiff sustained multiple injuries in the mid-afternoon incident.

The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant negligently failed to keep a proper lookout, drove while distracted, and crossed the center line into the oncoming lane. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was looking at notes while driving and testified to veering onto the shoulder to avoid the collision. The defendant denied these allegations, contending the plaintiff had crossed into the southbound lane, asserting the impact occurred there. The defense noted a gouge found in the pavement of the southbound lane, though the investigating officer testified the gouge was not present at the scene and its orientation did not indicate it was made in the accident.

The plaintiff sustained a transverse fracture at T8, herniated discs at L4-5 and L5-S1, a pubic symphysis fracture, and a left sacroiliac joint fracture. The injuries necessitated a month-long hospitalization for multiple surgeries, followed by inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient physical therapy, with ongoing pain management. The plaintiff sought compensation for over $500,000 in past medical bills, and $250,000 each for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment, including costs for a recommended future lumbar fusion. The defense suggested an award of approximately $3,500 for past medical bills, covering the plaintiff's out-of-pocket expenses.

After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for three hours and found the defendant negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $683,179.22 in damages.