Texas Jury Awards $21,842 in T-Bone Collision

On January 26, 2018, a collision occurred on Jones Road when a vehicle driven by the defendant failed to yield the right of way, T-boning the plaintiff's vehicle. The plaintiff sustained personal injuries and subsequently filed a lawsuit. The plaintiff alleged the defendant was negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, safe speed, and timely apply brakes. The plaintiff also brought claims against his underinsured motorist (UIM) insurer, alleging his medical expenses and damages exceeded the defendant's policy limits and that the insurer refused to honor its contractual obligations.

The defendant denied all allegations and argued that the plaintiff's injuries were attributable to pre-existing conditions and a degenerative knee injury, and that the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages. The defendant also sought to determine the percentage of liability and to limit recovery to reasonable and necessary medical expenses under Texas law. During the proceedings, the court granted an unopposed motion to sever and abate the related claims against the plaintiff's insurer.

On September 20, 2023, the jury found the defendant negligent and determined that this negligence proximately caused the collision. The jury found the plaintiff not negligent. The jury awarded the plaintiff $12,900 for past physical pain but awarded no damages for future physical pain or past and future physical impairment. On March 2, 2024, the court rendered a final judgment for the plaintiff against the defendant, totaling $21,842. This amount included the jury award, prejudgment interest, and taxable court expenses, plus post-judgment interest.