Houston Judge Finds Negligence in Red-Light Crash, Awards $13,547
Two drivers were involved in a car accident in Houston, Texas. One driver failed to yield at a red light and collided with another vehicle, which then struck the plaintiffs' vehicle. The plaintiffs sought damages for injuries to their necks, backs, legs, and wrists, as well as property damage and medical expenses. The court found in favor of the plaintiffs after the defendants failed to appear at trial.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $13,547
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Accident
Case Overview
On August 25, 2018, a multi-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Wheatley and W. Tidwell in Houston, Texas. The defendants, traveling eastbound, reportedly failed to yield at a red light and struck a vehicle driven by a third party, which then collided with a vehicle operated by the plaintiff driver, carrying a plaintiff passenger. The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit on November 5, 2018, alleging the defendants were negligent by failing to maintain a proper lookout, running a red light, failing to yield, and operating a vehicle while allegedly intoxicated.
The plaintiffs sought damages for their injuries, with the driver reporting neck and back issues along with approximately $2,000 in property damage. The passenger claimed injuries to her left leg, wrists, abdomen, left shoulder, and neck, accompanied by headaches. Both requested compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and physical impairment. The case was referred to mandatory mediation before a scheduled trial date.
On May 15, 2019, the court found in favor of the plaintiffs after the defendants failed to appear for trial. A final judgment was entered two days later, awarding the plaintiff driver $4,821 for medical expenses, $1,987.80 for property damage, $200 for loss of earning capacity, and $325.09 for pain and suffering. The plaintiff passenger received $4,741 for medical expenses, $750 for loss of earning capacity, and $325.41 for pain and suffering. The total judgment, including prejudgment interest and court costs, amounted to $13,547.33 plus ongoing interest. Post-judgment, the plaintiffs initiated collection efforts through a writ of execution.
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