Mesquite Jury Awards $13,656 After Red-Light Crash

On April 12, 2018, a collision occurred at a signal-controlled intersection on Beltline Road in Mesquite, Texas. The plaintiff, a behavioral therapist, was driving a sedan and passed under Highway 80 when a vehicle operated by the defendant, approaching from the plaintiff’s right, collided with his car. The plaintiff subsequently alleged he suffered neck and back injuries, including herniated intervertebral discs.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the defendant, claiming she was negligent in the operation of her vehicle. The plaintiff testified his traffic light was green. Plaintiff’s counsel argued the defendant ran a red light and was distracted by her cell phone’s GPS. The defendant testified she did not know the color of her light and could not see it until entering the intersection because she was behind a tractor-trailer. She denied being distracted, stating her phone was in a cup holder. Defense counsel argued the plaintiff was speeding and could have avoided the accident, suggesting the jury assign 50 percent responsibility to each driver. Evidence presented included photographs of the vehicle damage, which showed at least moderate impact. The plaintiff sought $23,546 for past medical expenses, $156 for past lost wages, and damages for past pain, suffering, and physical impairment.

After a two-day trial and two hours of deliberation, the jury found the defendant liable for the accident, concluding her negligence, and not the plaintiff's, proximately caused the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $13,656 in total damages. This included $156 for past lost earnings, $6,750 for past physical impairment, and $6,750 for past physical pain and suffering and mental anguish. Jurors awarded zero for past medical expenses, reportedly indicating they believed health or auto insurance should cover these bills, despite insurance not being mentioned during the trial.