Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $65,985 in Vehicle Crash

On January 26, 2019, a motor vehicle collision occurred on Interstate 45 southbound in Houston, Harris County, Texas. The plaintiff alleged that the defendant, operating a vehicle while in the course and scope of employment for an employer, pulled from a parked position on the southbound shoulder directly into the plaintiff's path. The plaintiff claimed the defendant was negligent, alleging failures to maintain a proper lookout, turn to avoid the collision, maintain proper distance, signal when starting from a parked position, and display hazard warning lamps, among other violations of the Texas Transportation Code.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of earnings, disfigurement, mental anguish, and exemplary damages. The complaint invoked the doctrine of Respondeat Superior against the defendant's employer. In response, the defendants denied all allegations and asserted affirmative defenses, including contributory negligence, proportionate responsibility, and comparative fault on the part of the plaintiff.

The case proceeded to a jury trial. On August 26, 2025, the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury found the defendant negligent and determined that he was acting within the course and scope of his employment at the time of the incident. The jury awarded the plaintiff $43,054.48 in damages for past medical care, physical pain and mental anguish, and physical impairment. A final judgment, entered on August 28, 2025, included these damages along with pre-judgment interest, post-judgment interest at 7.50% per annum, and court costs, resulting in a total award of $65,985.