Texas Jury Awards $8,817.55 for Negligence in Car Crash

On February 17, 2015, a collision occurred on Highway 154 near Carlton, Texas. The plaintiff, a hospital clerk driving a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, was traveling east on Highway 154, which had a stop sign. The defendant driver, operating a 2005 Chrysler 300, was traveling south on Farm to Market Road 2208, which did not have a stop sign. The defendant driver stopped in the middle of the intersection behind a tractor-trailer, and the plaintiff's vehicle then struck the defendant driver's right side. The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries, including neck and back sprains, and left shoulder, chest, and right knee pain.

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant driver negligently failed to yield the right of way. An investigating officer opined that the defendant driver caused the accident. The defendant driver denied negligence, arguing that a vehicle ahead stopped unexpectedly in the intersection, forcing her to stop. The defense also contended that the plaintiff had recovered from her injuries, was able to engage in physical activity, and that her last treatment was more than two years before trial. The plaintiff sought over $70,000 in damages for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and anguish, and impairment. The defense suggested lower damage amounts if liability was found.

After a two-day trial, the jury found the defendant driver negligent. The jury deliberated for 40 minutes and awarded the plaintiff $8,817.55. The award was significantly less than the plaintiff had sought.