Houston Jury Awards $81K in Red-Light Collision

On September 12, 2019, two plaintiffs sustained serious personal injuries when their vehicle was struck by a 2009 Ford F250 operated by a City of Houston employee. The collision occurred at the intersection of Jensen Drive and Lyons Avenue in Houston, Texas. The defendant driver ran a red light, violating the plaintiffs' right-of-way. The plaintiffs received hospital treatment for back, head, and neck injuries.

A lawsuit was filed on July 16, 2021, against the driver and the City of Houston. The plaintiffs alleged the driver was negligent in operating her vehicle by failing to yield, being inattentive, and failing to control her speed. They also claimed the City was vicariously liable under respondeat superior and negligent in its hiring, training, and supervision of the driver. The City of Houston denied liability, asserting governmental immunity, exemptions under the Texas Tort Claims Act, and statutory liability limits. The City also argued the plaintiffs' own negligence contributed to their injuries and raised other defenses, including sudden emergency and failure to mitigate damages.

On March 10, 2023, the plaintiffs filed a non-suit against the defendant driver, dismissing her from the case without prejudice. The remaining claims proceeded to a jury trial. On June 30, 2023, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs. One plaintiff was awarded $77,536.16 in general damages, and the other received $3,345.33 in general damages.