Fort Worth Jury Finds Split Liability in Car Crash, Awards $3,340

On February 16, 2016, a collision occurred on East Belknap Street in Fort Worth, Texas, near its intersection with State Highway 377. The plaintiff, a commercial real estate agent, was making a left turn on a green arrow light. Simultaneously, the defendant was making a right turn from the opposite direction. Road construction may have affected the presence of a yield sign typically at that turn. The left side of the defendant's pickup truck struck the right side of the plaintiff's car, which the plaintiff claimed spun 180 degrees and broke the rear axle.

The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence in the operation of his vehicle. The plaintiff testified that she turned into the left lane when the defendant entered her path. She claimed injuries to her back and neck, including a minor disc bulge and lumbar sprains and strains, which led to extensive chiropractic and physical therapy for several months. The plaintiff sought damages for past medical expenses, lost earnings, and physical pain and impairment.

The defendant testified that he stopped at the yield sign, looked, and saw no one before entering the right lane, claiming the plaintiff appeared suddenly and was turning too fast. During cross-examination, the defendant admitted fault and negligence, but later stated he did not understand the term "negligence." Defense counsel argued that the plaintiff was driving too fast and made too wide a turn, questioning the severity of her injuries, noting no injury report at the scene, normal emergency room findings, an unfulfilled pain medication prescription, and no follow-up with a primary care doctor. The defense also contested the extent of vehicle damage, stating the plaintiff drove her car to a parking lot after the collision.

The jury found both the plaintiff and the defendant equally liable for the accident. The jury determined the plaintiff's total damages amounted to $6,680. Due to the finding of comparative negligence, the plaintiff's net recovery was reduced to $3,340.