Longview, Texas Jury Awards $11,987.58 in Red-Light Collision

On September 8, 2016, a collision occurred in Longview, Texas, when the plaintiff, driving a sport utility vehicle, entered the intersection of Avenue B and Marshall Avenue after a red light turned green. The defendant, also driving an SUV, broadsided the plaintiff while traveling west on Marshall Avenue. The plaintiff sustained neck, left shoulder, and left elbow pain, and was transported to Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center. X-rays were negative for fractures, and the plaintiff later received chiropractic care for a cervical spine strain.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligent operation and claiming the defendant ran a red light. At trial, the defendant testified that she was responsible for the collision. An investigating police officer also testified that the defendant stated immediately after the crash that she could not see due to a sun visor and knew the light was red. The plaintiff's treating chiropractor testified that the injuries were causally related to the crash, while the defense contended the plaintiff was not injured or was feigning injuries.

A jury found the defendant negligent and her negligence a proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries, awarding $15,000 in damages. Following the verdict, defense counsel filed a motion to reduce the award. The judge issued a remittitur, reducing the award for past medical costs to $6,987.58, which was the amount the plaintiff claimed for treatment. The plaintiff's final recovery totaled $11,987.58.