Duncanville Jury Awards $41,601 in Unsafe Lane Change Crash

A two-vehicle collision occurred on May 4, 2015, in Duncanville, Texas, during rush hour. A sedan, traveling west on Beltline Road, was struck by a sport utility vehicle attempting to merge into the sedan's lane near a construction zone. Police were not dispatched to the scene as both vehicles were drivable and no immediate injuries were reported. The sedan driver, an accountant, later claimed multiple injuries and filed a lawsuit against the SUV driver, alleging negligence for failing to maintain a proper lookout and for an unsafe lane change. The SUV owner, the defendant's husband, was initially a party but was nonsuited before trial.

The plaintiff contended that her vehicle was stopped in traffic when the defendant merged and sideswiped it. She claimed headaches, neck and back sprains, radiating pain, a cervical intervertebral disc herniation, and anxiety about driving. The plaintiff presented medical records from chiropractic treatment, medication, and MRIs, and testified about ongoing pain and limitations impacting her daily life and work. A representative of the chiropractic clinic opined on the necessity and relation of the treatments. The defendant argued that the merge was safe and that the plaintiff abruptly pulled ahead to prevent the merge. The defense disputed causation, characterizing the event as a low-speed impact. Defense counsel also noted the plaintiff's pre-existing multiple sclerosis, low pain ratings in medical records, absence of missed work, and infrequent recent treatment. The plaintiff sought $43,101 in damages for past and future medical expenses, pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for 30 minutes. The jury found the defendant liable for the collision and awarded the plaintiff $41,601 in damages. The award covered past medical costs, past and future physical impairment, past and future physical pain, and past and future mental anguish.