Houston Jury Finds Comparative Fault, Awards $18,103 in Stop Sign Crash

In March 2014, a collision occurred in Houston, Texas, involving two drivers at the intersection of Sherman Street and Adams Street, where both streets had stop signs. A sedan, driven by the plaintiff, collided with an SUV, driven by the defendant. The plaintiff, a warehouse worker, sustained neck and back injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant. The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent for running a stop sign, failing to yield the right of way, failing to maintain a proper lookout, and failing to brake or turn to avoid the collision.

The plaintiff claimed the defendant did not stop at the stop sign, citing the force of the impact and the defendant's reported inability to recall if she stopped, as noted in the police report. The plaintiff sought compensation for herniated discs at L4-5 and C5-6, supported by MRI results and treatment by an orthopedic surgeon. Damages sought included over $18,000 for past medical bills, approximately $2,300 for past lost wages, and additional amounts for past and future physical pain and mental anguish, totaling over $45,000. The defendant testified she did stop at the stop sign and did not see the plaintiff until impact. The defense argued the plaintiff also failed to keep a proper lookout and shared responsibility for the accident, suggesting an award covering only the initial emergency clinic bill of approximately $2,600.

After a one-day trial, a jury found both parties negligent. The jury attributed 90 percent of the fault to the defendant and 10 percent to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was awarded approximately $20,115, which included amounts for past medical costs and past physical pain and mental anguish. Following a reduction for comparative fault, the final judgment against the defendant totaled approximately $18,103.