Hidalgo County Jury Awards $536,007 in Car Crash

On January 13, 2017, a collision occurred in Hidalgo County, Texas, when a driver pulled out of a driveway attempting a left turn onto North 10th Street. The driver's vehicle collided with an SUV traveling northbound in the inside lane, operated by the plaintiff. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant's negligent operation of the vehicle caused the accident.

The plaintiff testified that the defendant maneuvered through a gap in traffic on the outside lane before crossing into his lane. He claimed to have braked and steered right but was unable to avoid impact, stating the rear half of the defendant's vehicle was in his lane at the time of the collision. The plaintiff sought damages for neck, back, and left ring finger injuries, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar sprains, disc protrusions, and nerve impingement, requiring physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. A treating pain management doctor testified that the plaintiff's lumbar injury was permanent and likely to worsen, estimating significant future medical costs.

The defendant claimed that a driver in the outside lane waved her across and that the inside lane appeared clear. She stated she did not see the plaintiff until just before impact, estimating that 80 to 85 percent of her vehicle was in the center turn lane at the time of the collision. Defense counsel argued the incident was an unavoidable accident, that the defendant acted reasonably, and that the plaintiff failed to keep a proper lookout and was driving too fast. The defense also contested causation, noting minor vehicle damage and gaps in the plaintiff's medical treatment.

After a two-day trial and 2.5 hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The plaintiff was awarded $536,007.