Houston Red-Light Collision Settles for $26,646.56

In June 2010, a 60-year-old plaintiff was driving a pickup truck eastbound on West Tidwell Road in Houston when a city bus, owned and operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Metro), made a right turn from northbound Yale Street onto West Tidwell Road and collided with the pickup's passenger side. Metro police investigated the incident and reportedly faulted the bus driver for causing the accident. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit against Metro, alleging its driver ran a red light at the intersection.

The plaintiff claimed the collision caused herniated discs in her neck and lower back, as well as a left shoulder injury. She underwent physical therapy and epidural steroid injections, and her medical records indicated she was a candidate for a lumbar laminectomy. She asserted that the injuries impaired her ability to perform daily activities. The plaintiff sought $27,905 in past medical expenses, $87,500 for future medical costs, and additional unspecified damages for past and future pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

The defense contended that its bus driver had a green light at the time of the collision and that the plaintiff's light was red. Furthermore, the defense argued that the plaintiff did not require surgery and was unlikely to undergo such a procedure given the time elapsed since the recommendation. The defense also noted the plaintiff's pre-existing medical conditions, including arthritis, seizures, and a prior skull fracture sustained two decades earlier.

After a two-day trial, the jury found both drivers negligent, assigning 70 percent of the comparative responsibility to the Metro bus driver and 30 percent to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $39,903.44. The court later entered a judgment of $30,591.12, which accounted for comparative responsibility, prejudgment interest, and taxable costs. The parties subsequently reached a settlement for $26,646.56.