Hurst, Texas Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $30,494 in Left-Turn Crash

On July 15, 2018, a sedan driven by the plaintiff, a 37-year-old housekeeper, collided with a compact sports car on Pipeline Road in Hurst, Texas. The plaintiff’s 6-year-old son was a passenger in her vehicle. The incident occurred when the defendant, driving the sports car, made a left turn at a traffic signal. An investigating officer faulted the defendant for disregarding the signal.

The plaintiff and her son subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence in the operation of her vehicle. The adult plaintiff claimed injuries to her neck and left arm, including intervertebral disc protrusions and muscle spasms, which she stated impacted her ability to work and perform household duties. The minor plaintiff claimed a head contusion. The adult plaintiff sought damages for past and future medical expenses, past loss of earning capacity, and physical pain and impairment.

At trial, the adult plaintiff testified she had a green light, while the defendant contended she had a protected green arrow. A police report, which included the contributing factor against the defendant, and photographs of the damaged vehicles were admitted as evidence. The defense argued the plaintiff’s medical charges were excessive, noting a four-year gap in treatment by the time of trial, and disputed the credibility of her pain claims. Regarding the minor, the defense referenced a police report notation that he was not wearing a seatbelt and questioned his seating position.

Following a one-day trial and 2.5 hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded the adult plaintiff a total of $30,494, which included past medical costs, future medical costs, and past loss of earning capacity. No damages were awarded for the minor plaintiff’s claims.