Mesquite, Texas Jury Awards $18,561 in Red-Light Crash

On February 21, 2015, a passenger sustained injuries in a two-vehicle collision at an intersection in Mesquite, Texas. The incident occurred when the driver of a 2013 Kia Optima attempted a left turn and collided with a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling in the opposite direction on Towne Crossing Boulevard. The passenger of the Kia filed a lawsuit against the driver of the Tahoe, alleging negligence for running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, and failing to maintain a proper lookout. The defendant driver, in turn, filed a third-party claim against the Kia's driver for contribution and indemnity.

During trial, the plaintiff and the Kia's driver, along with eyewitnesses, asserted that the Kia had a protected green arrow for the turn. The investigating officer testified, stating his opinion that the Kia's driver was at fault, though his report did not assign contributing factors to either driver. The defense argued that the Tahoe's driver had a green light and that the Kia made an unsafe, unprotected left turn. The Tahoe driver's wife, a passenger in his vehicle, corroborated this. Evidence was presented regarding the Tahoe driver's history of vision problems and his subsequent development of dementia, although his wife testified the dementia developed after the accident and that his vision issues were corrected before the collision.

The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries, including headaches, a chest contusion, neck and back strains, and bruising to the right buttock, hip, and leg, requiring emergency room and chiropractic treatment. X-rays showed no fractures, and MRIs showed no significant changes from prior scans. The plaintiff sought $17,204 for past medical expenses, $6,900 for past lost earning capacity, and unspecified damages for pain and suffering. The defense questioned the causation of some injuries, noting the police report only mentioned chest and leg pain, and disputed the cost of certain medical charges.

A jury found only the Tahoe driver negligent and awarded the plaintiff $18,561.34 in damages. The award included $14,861 for past medical costs, $2,500 for past physical pain and suffering, and $1,200 for past lost earning capacity.