Dallas Jury Issues Defense Verdict in Intersection Negligence Trial
One driver was stopped at a red light when the car behind them pulled forward to let an ambulance pass. The driver with the green light then struck the stopped vehicle. The passenger in the stopped vehicle claimed injuries to their back, neck, and shoulder.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Defense
- Amount
- Undisclosed
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2016
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Multi-vehicle
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On August 16, 2011, an accident occurred at an intersection in Dallas. The plaintiff, a passenger, was in a vehicle stopped at a red light. As an ambulance approached, the driver of the plaintiff's vehicle pulled into the intersection and was struck by the defendant's truck, which had a green light. The plaintiff claimed neck, back, and shoulder injuries, incurring over $25,000 in medical bills. No medical bills or records were admitted, and no doctor testified. The plaintiff sued the defendant for negligence, having settled with the driver of her vehicle before trial.
The plaintiff's counsel argued the defendant was negligent for speeding and failing to yield to the ambulance. The defendant's counsel contended the plaintiff's driver was solely negligent, citing the police report and the defendant's green light. The defense emphasized the defendant's 30-year clean commercial driving record for credibility.
After a two-day trial, the jury found only the driver of the plaintiff's vehicle negligent, awarding zero damages. Jurors later indicated the defendant's driving history provided significant credibility. They also believed the plaintiff's driver had entered the intersection to "beat the ambulance."
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