Dallas Jury Finds Split Liability in Collision, Awards $6,477
One driver was entering a highway ramp when they collided with another vehicle. The first driver claimed a knee injury. The second driver denied fault, stating the first driver entered their lane. The jury found both drivers partially at fault.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $7,500
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Knee Injury
- Accident Type
- Sideswipe
- Case Type
- Medial Meniscus, Tear
Case Overview
In April 2013, a collision occurred on an entrance ramp from Interstate 67 to westbound Interstate 20 in Dallas, Texas. The plaintiff, a 59-year-old aerospace engineer, was driving a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta when it collided with a pickup truck driven by the defendant. The plaintiff subsequently filed a lawsuit, alleging the defendant negligently attempted to enter his lane from the left without maintaining a proper lookout. The plaintiff claimed to have sustained a medial meniscus tear in his right knee, underwent physical therapy, and sought over $10,000 in medical expenses, along with damages for pain, suffering, and physical impairment.
The defendant denied negligence, contending that the plaintiff had entered the defendant's lane, sideswiping his vehicle. Defense counsel argued that the damage location on both vehicles supported this version of events, further asserting that the defendant's travel destination provided no reason to enter the plaintiff's lane. Regarding damages, the defense disputed the nature of the plaintiff's knee injury, arguing it was pre-existing. A defense orthopedics expert testified that the injury was a radial tear, more commonly associated with repetitive stress than a traumatic incident.
Following a one-day trial and three hours of jury deliberation, the jury found both parties liable for the collision. The defendant was determined to be 70 percent at fault, and the plaintiff 30 percent at fault. The jury awarded the plaintiff $7,500. After adjusting for comparative liability, along with court costs and prejudgment interest, the final award totaled $6,477.24.
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