Galveston County Jury Awards $656,192 in Motorcycle Accident

In April 2020, an accident occurred in Galveston County when a 27-year-old motorcyclist collided with a compact car driven by a 15-year-old minor. The minor, who was unlicensed, was making a right turn on red when the motorcyclist struck the front left quarter panel of the vehicle. The motorcyclist, identified as the plaintiff, sustained severe leg and wrist fractures, a torn knee ligament, and extensive road rash, requiring multiple surgeries and prolonged rehabilitation. The car the minor drove was from his father’s used-car lot.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the minor and his father, alleging the minor was negligent in operating the vehicle. The plaintiff also claimed the father was vicariously liable, asserting the minor was on an errand for his benefit and under his control, and that the father negligently entrusted the vehicle to an unlicensed driver. The defendants denied the allegations, contending the minor took the vehicle without permission. They further argued the plaintiff was operating the motorcycle at high speed and in a reckless manner.

A jury in Galveston County heard evidence over four days. The plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, and property damage. After five hours of deliberation, the jury found the minor 70 percent negligent, the father 20 percent negligent, and the plaintiff 10 percent negligent.

The jury awarded the plaintiff a total of $729,102.62 in damages. Due to the comparative negligence finding, the net award to the plaintiff was reduced to $656,192.36. The defendants were uninsured.