Dallas Jury Awards $13,431 in Negligent Red-Light Crash
One driver was traveling west on a road when another driver traveling south on an interstate collided with the passenger side of the first driver's vehicle. The first driver sued the second driver for negligence, alleging the second driver ran a red light. The second driver admitted to running the red light but claimed brake failure. The case proceeded to determine injuries and damages.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $13,431
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2018
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Cervical Disc Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On May 17, 2015, a collision occurred in Dallas, Texas, when the defendant, driving south on Interstate 35, struck the passenger side of the plaintiff's pickup truck, which was traveling west on Crosby Road. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant negligently ran a red light, causing the crash and resulting in multiple injuries.
The defendant acknowledged running the red light but claimed brake malfunction prevented a stop. Prior to trial, the defendant conceded negligence, and the case proceeded on the issues of the plaintiff's injuries and damages. The plaintiff claimed cervical and lumbar disc bulges, tinnitus, and an umbilical hernia, seeking $15,531 for past medical expenses, $11,000 for lost earnings, and compensation for past and future pain, suffering, and physical impairment.
The defense did not dispute the plaintiff's neck and back injuries, suggesting an award for chiropractic care totaling $7,295. However, the defense disputed that the umbilical hernia and tinnitus were caused by the accident. A defense medical expert testified that umbilical hernias are congenital, not trauma-induced, and that tinnitus typically results from lifelong noise exposure rather than a single motor vehicle collision. The defense also argued that any lost earnings related to hernia surgery recovery should be excluded from damages.
After a four-day trial and three hours of deliberation, a jury found that the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The jury awarded the plaintiff a total of $13,431. This award included $7,281 for past medical costs, $2,000 for past physical impairment, $3,150 for past lost earnings capability, and $1,000 for past pain and suffering.
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