Denton Jury Finds Split Negligence, Awards $8,100 in Collision

On June 1, 2017, a collision occurred in Denton, Texas, involving a sport utility vehicle driven by the plaintiff and a compact car operated by the defendant. The plaintiff was traveling southbound on Preston Road when the defendant, attempting a left turn from a parking lot onto northbound Preston, collided with her vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation caused her to suffer neck, back, and facial injuries.

The plaintiff testified she did not see the defendant's vehicle until just before impact and had no time to react. She claimed injuries including a C5-6 intervertebral disc protrusion, lumbar sprains, strains, and muscle spasms, and sought specific damages for past medical expenses, pain, and impairment. The defense contended that southbound traffic had stopped and drivers had waved the defendant across. The defendant testified he inched into the lane, saw the plaintiff, and attempted to back away but was unable. Defense counsel argued the defendant acted reasonably and highlighted conflicting testimony from the plaintiff regarding when she first saw the vehicle, noting she had also apologized after the accident. The defense also disputed the causation and necessity of the plaintiff's claimed injuries, citing a delay between the accident and initial treatment, minimal vehicle damage (estimated at $1,400 for the plaintiff's vehicle and $2,900 for the defendant's), and the plaintiff's subsequent involvement in another accident.

Following a trial, a jury found both parties negligent. The defendant was assigned 67 percent of the responsibility, and the plaintiff 33 percent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $12,500 for damages. After the reduction for comparative negligence, the plaintiff received a net award of $8,100.