Texas Jury Finds Negligence in Car Crash, Awards $12,480

On September 2, 2015, a vehicle operated by the plaintiff collided with a vehicle operated by the defendant at the intersection of FM 316 and Road 2504 in Texas. The incident occurred as the defendant was making a left turn. The plaintiff was transported to a medical facility in Gun Barrel City, Texas, for neck and shoulder pain, and was discharged. Three months later, the plaintiff began physical therapy for diagnosed strains, sprains, and muscle spasms, claiming these injuries affected their ability to work.

The plaintiff sued the defendant, alleging negligent operation of a motor vehicle and failure to yield the right of way. A police report had listed the defendant at fault, and she was charged with failure to yield. The plaintiff's counsel contended the defendant had a duty to yield to oncoming traffic. The defense argued the plaintiff swerved into the defendant's lane and that a gap in treatment indicated the injuries were unrelated to the collision.

After a one-day trial and 1.5 hours of deliberation, a jury returned a 6-0 verdict in favor of the plaintiff. The jury awarded $12,480 in damages, finding the defendant liable for the collision.