Plano Jury Finds Negligence in Emergency Vehicle Collision, Awards $733,500

On June 23, 2015, a 52-year-old police officer employed by Collin County was responding to an emergency in Plano, Texas. The officer's vehicle, operating with lights and siren activated, collided with another vehicle driven by the defendant at the intersection of West Park Boulevard and Custer Road. The defendant had a green light when the collision occurred.

The plaintiff officer sustained injuries to the right hand, arm, and elbow, including ulnar nerve entrapment, which later required surgery. The injuries significantly impaired the plaintiff's ability to perform police duties, leading to job loss. The plaintiff filed a negligence lawsuit against the defendant, alleging failure to yield to an emergency vehicle. Collin County initially joined the suit but later settled out.

The plaintiff argued that the defendant failed to recognize the emergency vehicle and grant the right of way. Expert testimony supported the claim that the injuries were directly caused by the accident and resulted in long-term disability and significant lost earning capacity. The defense countered that the plaintiff was not responding to an emergency, did not have lights and sirens activated, and was at fault for entering the intersection. The defense also disputed the causation of the injuries, citing a delay in documented right-side pain complaints and a prior right wrist surgery as potential alternative causes. The defense also suggested the plaintiff was disinclined to return to work.

After a four-day trial, the jury found the defendant 100 percent at fault for the collision. The jury awarded the plaintiff $733,500 in damages.