Harris County Jury Finds Split Liability in Motorcycle Crash, Awards $364,296
A motorcyclist was riding on a highway feeder road when a sport utility vehicle exited the freeway and turned in front of him. The motorcyclist struck the side of the SUV. The motorcyclist sustained a hand fracture. The lawsuit alleged the SUV driver was negligent in operating her vehicle and potentially using her cellphone while driving. The defense argued the motorcyclist was passing unsafely.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $560,456
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2021
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Wrist / Hand Injury
- Accident Type
- Motorcycle
- Case Type
- eye, hand/finger, fracture
Case Overview
On March 3, 2018, a commercial offshore diver was riding a sport motorcycle on the feeder road of State Highway 249 in Harris County. Approaching an intersection, the defendant, driving a sport utility vehicle, exited the freeway, crossed multiple lanes, and entered the far right turn lane. The plaintiff's motorcycle then struck the right side of the defendant's vehicle. The plaintiff sustained a hand fracture and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligent operation of her vehicle. An initial claim against the vehicle owner was dismissed before trial.
The plaintiff testified that the defendant changed lanes without signaling, forcing him into the far right lane before she also entered it and began a right turn. The plaintiff claimed he braked but could not avoid the collision. Plaintiff's counsel presented the defendant's cell phone records and eyewitness testimony, arguing the defendant was using her phone while driving and changed lanes unsafely. The defendant denied using her phone, stating she changed lanes carefully and braked normally. Defense counsel also argued the plaintiff attempted an unsafe pass on the right. The plaintiff sustained a fracture to his left hand, requiring surgery. He claimed the injury prevented him from continuing his career as a commercial offshore diver, leading to significant income loss.
After a three-day trial and four hours of deliberation, the jury in Harris County found both parties negligent. The jury attributed 65 percent of the responsibility to the defendant and 35 percent to the plaintiff. The jury awarded the plaintiff $560,456 in damages, including future medical costs, past and future loss of earnings, past and future physical impairment, and past and future physical pain and mental anguish. Due to the finding of comparative negligence, the net award to the plaintiff was reduced to $364,296.40.
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