Dallas Jury Finds No Negligence, Awards $0 in Red-Light Crash
One driver was traveling eastbound and attempted to turn left. The other driver was traveling westbound and struck the turning vehicle. The turning driver claimed the other driver ran a red light, while the other driver contended the turning driver made an unsafe left turn. The investigating officer could not determine fault. The jury found no negligence by either party.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Defense
- Amount
- Undisclosed
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
A collision occurred in Dallas, Texas, on May 4, 2011, at the intersection of Mockingbird Lane and a highway service road. The plaintiff was attempting a left turn when struck by a westbound vehicle operated by the defendant. The impact caused the plaintiff's vehicle to roll onto its left side. The plaintiff later sued for negligence, alleging the defendant ran a red light.
The plaintiff testified she had a green arrow and that oncoming traffic was stopped. She acknowledged not seeing the defendant before impact. The defendant denied negligence, asserting his light was green and that the plaintiff made an unsafe left turn. The defendant acknowledged not claiming a green light until trial and not seeing the plaintiff before impact. An investigating officer testified causation could not be determined, stating each account was equally likely. Defense counsel argued the officer was unbiased and that the plaintiff's testimony was inconsistent and vague.
The plaintiff claimed left arm, ankle, wrist, shoulder, and back pain, seeking over $12,000 in medical expenses, future medical costs, pain, impairment, and $7,500 for vehicle damage. The defense challenged these claims, presenting evidence of prior injuries and pre-existing conditions. The defense also cited the plaintiff's post-accident activity on a church trip as inconsistent with her injury claims. The court did not submit a question on loss of use damages.
After a three-day trial, the jury deliberated for 1.25 hours. The jury returned a verdict finding no negligence by either party involved in the collision. The plaintiff received a $0 award.
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