Waco Jury Awards $35,000 After Left Turn Cyclist Collision
A cyclist was test-riding bicycles when a car attempted a left turn and struck him. The cyclist claimed the car driver failed to yield the right of way. The car driver argued the cyclist was at fault. The cyclist sustained abrasions and a sprained ankle, and claimed ongoing shoulder pain. The defense expert suggested the shoulder injury was pre-existing.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $35,000
- County
- McLennan County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Shoulder Injury
- Accident Type
- Bicycle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $35,000 is near the median of $39,790 for shoulder injury cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $11,471 to $130,842, based on 23 cases in our database.
Case Overview
In August 2015, a cyclist suffered injuries in a collision with a vehicle in Waco, leading to a negligence lawsuit. The incident occurred on University Parks Drive when the plaintiff, a 31-year-old locksmith test-riding bicycles, was struck by an oncoming 2007 Mercury Milan. The defendant, operating the Milan, attempted an unprotected left turn onto Mary Avenue, colliding with the cyclist. A police report indicated the defendant failed to yield the right of way. The plaintiff claimed multiple injuries and sued the defendant, alleging negligent lookout, failure to yield, and making an unsafe left turn.
The plaintiff claimed significant abrasions, a sprained right ankle, and a grade-2 separated left acromioclavicular joint, reporting ongoing left shoulder weakness and limited mobility. The defendant denied negligence, testifying that she stopped and looked but did not see oncoming traffic, attributing visibility issues to the sun and the plaintiff's position in the shade. The defense argued the plaintiff was at least 51 percent responsible for the accident. A defense orthopedic surgeon opined the plaintiff's shoulder injury was pre-existing, noting a lack of swelling in initial X-rays and a history of prior shoulder pain.
After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for 45 minutes. The jury found the defendant solely negligent and awarded the plaintiff $35,000 in damages. The award matched the specific amounts the plaintiff sought for past physical impairment, past physical pain and mental anguish, and future physical pain and mental anguish.
Understanding This Case
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in McLennan County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2018, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome is within expected ranges
This score is calculated by analyzing injury type, accident details, geographic location, temporal trends, and comparing against 2,000+ similar cases in our database.
Curious about your case value?
Get a free case evaluation to understand what your motor vehicle accident case might be worth based on cases like this in McLennan County.
Similar cases you may find useful
Handpicked by matching injury type, accident details, and outcome to this case.
One driver was traveling on a tollway when their vehicle ran out of gas and became disabled. The other driver, who was following behind, struck the disabled vehicle. The first driver claimed injuries to their neck and back. The jury found the second driver 80% liable and the first driver 20% liable.
One driver was stopped on a road when their car was struck from behind by another car. This initial impact propelled the stopped car into a third vehicle. The driver of the first car claimed injuries to their back and neck, seeking damages for medical expenses and pain.
One driver was traveling south when their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle. The occupants of the first vehicle claimed injuries to their back and neck. The driver of the first vehicle alleged the other driver was speeding and inattentive, while the second driver claimed the first vehicle stopped suddenly. The first driver sought damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
One driver was stopped to make a left turn when their pickup truck was hit from behind by another vehicle. The driver of the pickup truck claimed injuries to their back and neck. The lawsuit alleged the other driver was negligent. The trial focused on damages.
A driver alleged that a tractor-trailer driver was negligent in causing a rear-end collision. The plaintiff suffered neck and spinal injuries requiring surgery. The defendants disputed causation and the extent of the injuries. The plaintiff claimed the truck driver was under the influence of drugs. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff.
Explore More Cases Like This
Browse similar cases by injury type and location to get a better understanding of case values in your area.