Tarrant County Jury Awards $7,875 in Left Turn Collision

In Tarrant County, Texas, a collision occurred between a 2003 Toyota Camry and a 2003 Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The plaintiff, driving the Camry, alleged he was in the right lane when the defendant, driving the Tundra, made a left turn into a fast-food restaurant from an oncoming lane, causing the collision. The plaintiff claimed the defendant failed to keep a proper lookout, made an unsafe left turn, and failed to yield the right of way.

The plaintiff stated he swerved onto the shoulder to avoid the collision but still impacted the defendant's vehicle, hitting his head on the steering wheel despite airbag deployment. He sought medical attention for neck, back, chest, head, and knee pain, including treatment from a chiropractor and pain management specialist, and claimed inability to work for several weeks. The plaintiff sought approximately $19,489 for past medical expenses and $4,000 for lost wages, along with future damages.

The defendant contended that traffic in both lanes had stopped to allow his turn and believed the plaintiff was driving on the shoulder to bypass stopped vehicles. The defense questioned the plaintiff's credibility, noting the accident occurred during rush hour near a freeway when the plaintiff claimed there was no traffic. The defense also disputed the extent of the plaintiff's injuries, pointing to initial hospital records showing limited complaints and no acute distress, the seven-day delay before seeking chiropractic care, and a year-long gap in treatment.

A jury found both drivers negligent and equally responsible, assigning 50 percent fault to each. The jury awarded the plaintiff $15,750, including $15,000 for past medical costs and $750 for past lost earnings. After reduction for comparative fault, the plaintiff's final award totaled $7,875. During deliberations, the jury inquired about the medical bill amount without the chiropractic clinic's expenses.