Richardson, Texas Jury Awards $26,903 in Left Turn Collision

On November 13, 2014, a motor vehicle collision occurred on Spring Valley Road in Richardson, Texas, near the Coit Road intersection. The plaintiff, a 50-year-old collection agent driving a 2006 Chevrolet Aveo, was proceeding westbound when the defendant, driving a 2003 Lexus ES 300, attempted an eastbound left turn onto Coit Road. The vehicles collided in the signal-controlled intersection. The plaintiff claimed neck and back injuries from the incident.

The plaintiff subsequently sued the defendant, alleging negligence for failing to keep a proper lookout, failing to yield the right of way, and making an unsafe left turn. The plaintiff contended he was proceeding through the intersection on a yellow light, while the defendant made an unprotected left turn. The defendant denied negligence, asserting he waited for a green arrow before turning. Police responded to the scene but did not file a report, noting minor damage and no reported injuries in their call log. The plaintiff sought $24,203.47 for past medical bills and an additional $12,000 for past physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, and physical impairment.

Evidence presented included the plaintiff's emergency room visit the day after the collision for headaches, neck, and back strains, though CT scans were negative for brain or disc injury. He received chiropractic care for several months and consulted an orthopedic surgeon, recovering by March 2015. The defense argued that any injuries were minor, and their chiropractic expert testified that much of the plaintiff's medical care was not reasonable or medically necessary.

After a two-day trial and three hours of deliberation, a jury found the defendant solely negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $26,903.47 in damages.