Tarrant County Jury Awards $1,000 in Red-Light Collision

On December 12, 2013, an accident occurred in Tarrant County, Texas, when a defendant driving a vehicle ran a red light and struck the plaintiff's 1994 Ford Mustang GT. The collision caused moderate damage to the plaintiff's car, which the defendant's insurance carrier subsequently declared a total loss. The carrier initially offered the plaintiff either $559.71 to keep the vehicle or $1,294.94 if the carrier retained it.

The plaintiff, a body shop owner, filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence for running the red light and failing to yield the right of way. The defendant stipulated to negligence, having admitted to the investigating officer that she ran the light, a fact corroborated by two eyewitnesses. The plaintiff, representing himself at trial, contended that the insurance carrier's valuation of his vehicle was too low. He sought $4,252 for the actual cash value of the Mustang, presenting NADAguides, Kelley Blue Book printouts, and Craigslist postings to support his valuation, which he argued was conservative given a recently installed new engine. The plaintiff also sought additional damages including property taxes, vehicle registration, towing, storage fees, rental car fees, and administrative and court costs, totaling $7,555.25.

The defense countered that the plaintiff provided no documentation for a new engine and argued that the engine, if new and undamaged, could be removed and sold for $2,750, with the remaining vehicle sold for scrap at $1,000. The defense suggested that if the jury accepted the plaintiff's $4,252 valuation, they should subtract these amounts, resulting in an award of approximately $500. The defense further argued that the plaintiff did not incur actual storage fees, as the car was stored at his own body shop, and did not incur rental fees, as he was able to drive the car from the scene. The defense characterized the Mustang as a "hobby car" rather than primary transportation and argued that rental reimbursement was not appropriate for a vehicle declared a total loss. Defense counsel requested the jury award only $375 for towing.

Following a one-day trial, the jury deliberated and returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, awarding $1,000.