Harris County Jury Awards $46,943 in Red-Light Crash

On February 11, 2017, a collision occurred at the intersection of Sam Houston Parkway Service Road and Red Bluff Road in Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff was traveling southbound when the defendant, operating a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, ran a red light while traveling eastbound and struck the plaintiff's 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. On December 12, 2018, the plaintiff filed a complaint, alleging the defendant breached a duty of care by running a red traffic light, entering the intersection unsafely, failing to keep a proper lookout, and failing to maintain control of the vehicle. The lawsuit sought recovery of actual damages, court costs, and pre- and post-judgment interest.

The defendant filed a general denial on May 30, 2018, asserting that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent and that the accident was unavoidable or resulted from a sudden emergency. The defendant also argued for a limitation of recovery to amounts actually paid or incurred and claimed the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages. The case experienced several scheduling changes, with trial dates reset multiple times from September 2019 to June 2021. A court order for mediation was issued in August 2020 but was vacated shortly thereafter following a joint objection from the parties.

The case ultimately proceeded to trial, resulting in a jury verdict in favor of the plaintiff on June 1, 2022. The jury awarded the plaintiff $35,855.20 in general damages. On June 16, 2022, the court additionally awarded the plaintiff $2,655.00 for attorneys' fees and costs, along with an extra $8,432.93 in general damages. The total judgment against the defendant amounted to $46,943.13.