Waco Jury Awards $35,000 in Left Turn Bicycle Crash
A cyclist was test-riding bicycles when a driver attempted a left turn and struck him. The cyclist claimed the driver failed to yield the right of way. The driver argued the cyclist was at fault and that the sun was in her eyes. 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
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $35,000
- County
- McLennan County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $35,000 is above the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
On August 3, 2015, a cyclist sustained injuries in Waco when a vehicle made an unprotected left turn. The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on University Parks Drive when the defendant, driving a 2007 Mercury Milan, attempted to turn onto Mary Avenue and struck the plaintiff, who was test-riding a bicycle. A police report indicated the defendant failed to yield. The plaintiff sued the defendant for negligent lookout, failure to yield, and an unsafe left turn, claiming abrasions, a sprained ankle, and a grade-2 separated left acromioclavicular joint.
The defendant denied negligence, testifying that sun glare, shade, and the bicycle's small size prevented her from seeing the plaintiff after stopping and looking for traffic. The defense argued the plaintiff was at least 51 percent responsible. The plaintiff claimed ongoing shoulder weakness and pain, impacting biking and leading to marital separation. A defense orthopedic surgeon countered that the shoulder injury was pre-existing, citing no initial X-ray swelling and prior complaints. The defense also disputed the marital impact and questioned the plaintiff's claimed limitations given continued 100-mile bike rides.
After a two-day trial, a jury deliberated for 45 minutes. The jury found only the defendant negligent and awarded the plaintiff $35,000 for past physical impairment, and past and future physical pain and mental anguish.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- 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 differs from typical similar cases
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