Tarrant County Jury Finds Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $5,325.38

On December 13, 2015, a collision occurred on Highway 183 in Tarrant County, Texas. The defendant, driving a 2015 Toyota Tacoma, entered the highway from an on-ramp designated as an exit-only lane. The defendant then changed lanes, striking the right side of the plaintiff's 2013 Honda CR-Z. After pulling onto the shoulder, the defendant left the scene. The plaintiff, who reported neck and back injuries, subsequently sued, alleging the defendant's negligence included an unsafe lane change, failure to yield, and leaving the accident scene.

The plaintiff maintained his vehicle was in the right lane, while the defendant claimed the plaintiff merged into his lane, a position partially contradicted by the defendant's own testimony. The defendant also could not provide a compelling reason for leaving the scene. The plaintiff sought damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment, and a car rental. The defense challenged the general damages, citing the plaintiff's inconsistent statements about pain onset and initial injury denial. A Tarrant County jury found the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $5,325.38, which covered past medical expenses and the car rental cost.