Harris County Jury Awards $23,996 in Motor Vehicle Collision

In Harris County, Texas, two plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against a defendant following a motor vehicle collision on August 30, 2021. The plaintiffs were traveling southbound in Houston when the defendant, who was traveling northbound, attempted a left turn and collided with their vehicle. The plaintiffs alleged the defendant was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, yield the right of way, and timely apply brakes. Alternatively, they claimed the defendant negligently entrusted the vehicle to an unlicensed, reckless, and incompetent driver.

The plaintiffs sought damages for injuries sustained in the incident. The defendant filed a general denial, asserting that the plaintiffs' own actions or those of third parties caused their damages. The defendant also claimed comparative fault, entitlement to credit for payments, and raised affirmative defenses including accord and satisfaction, release, and failure to mitigate damages. They further argued that the plaintiffs' injuries were caused by prior or subsequent medical issues.

The case proceeded to trial, and on May 22, 2024, a jury rendered a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs. The jury awarded one plaintiff $9,510.38 and the other plaintiff $7,095.03 in general damages. Subsequently, on July 15, 2024, the court entered judgment on the merits, awarding one plaintiff $3,299.48 and $1,492.92 in general damages, and the second plaintiff $1,798.37 in general damages. The case concluded as a plaintiff win with a total award of $23,996.