Houston Jury Awards $147,708 in Failure to Yield Crash

A motor vehicle collision occurred on July 25, 2020, at approximately 12:25 p.m. in Houston, Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff was traveling southbound on Ella Boulevard when the defendant, traveling northbound, failed to yield the right-of-way while making a left turn onto Thornton Road, colliding with the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant violated multiple provisions of the Texas Transportation Code, including sections related to failure to yield while turning left, failure to yield at an intersection, and reckless driving. The plaintiff sought actual damages, along with prejudgment and post-judgment interest and court costs.

The defendant filed a general denial, arguing that any recovery for medical expenses should be limited by state law. The defendant also asserted that the plaintiff was not entitled to recover for pre-existing or subsequent conditions unrelated to the collision. Additionally, the defendant raised constitutional objections to punitive damages and noted state law limitations requiring clear and convincing evidence of malice for such awards.

On October 2, 2024, a jury returned a 10-2 verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded $53,000 for past medical care expenses and $5,000 for future medical care. Additional awards included $10,000 each for past and future physical pain and suffering, $10,000 each for past and future mental anguish, and $11,000 for past physical impairment along with $8,000 for future physical impairment. The court entered a final judgment on October 4, 2024, totaling $117,000 in damages, $4,378.79 in court costs, and $26,329.97 in prejudgment interest, for a total award of $147,708.