Mesquite, Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Left-Turn Collision, Awards $22,210

On October 18, 2015, in Mesquite, Texas, a collision occurred when the defendant, driving a Chevrolet Avalanche, attempted a left turn onto an Interstate 635 feeder road from Towne Centre Drive and struck the plaintiff's Chevrolet Malibu. The plaintiff sustained head, back, and arm injuries. She subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligent lookout, failure to yield the right of way, and making an unsafe left turn.

At trial, the plaintiff testified that her traffic light was green and that the defendant was making an unprotected left turn. The defendant testified that he was in a left turn lane with a green arrow, stopped when he saw the plaintiff approaching, and that the plaintiff struck his vehicle. The plaintiff's counsel introduced the defendant's recorded statement, given shortly after the incident, in which he stated he was in the middle lane, not the left turn lane, and that he was in motion at the time of impact. The defense argued that the plaintiff's injuries were minimal and that her medical treatment was excessive.

The jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $22,210.25. This amount included $17,210.25 for past medical expenses and $5,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish.