Katy Jury Awards $1.07M in Red-Light Collision

On August 16, 2012, a motor vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Fry Road and Morton Road in Katy, Texas. The plaintiff, a 48-year-old male, was driving northbound on Fry Road when the defendant, traveling eastbound on Morton Road, reportedly disregarded a red light and struck the plaintiff's vehicle on the passenger side. The plaintiff alleged the defendant's negligence included failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to stop for the red light.

The plaintiff claimed the accident resulted in severe and permanent injuries to his lumbar spine and hips, causing pain, stiffness, and alleged disability from work. He reported undergoing steroid injections without significant relief and anticipated requiring future surgery. His vehicle was declared a total loss.

While the defendant stipulated liability for causing the collision, the defendant disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff's injuries, arguing they were degenerative and unrelated to the incident. The defendant also denied that the plaintiff was no longer employable due to the claimed injuries. Following a trial, a jury awarded the plaintiff $545,000 for past damages and $525,000 for future damages.