Houston Jury Awards $19,941.42 in Red-Light Collision
A driver was going through an intersection in Houston when another driver ran a red light and hit his car. The driver sued the city for the officer's actions. The city admitted fault. The injured driver claimed neck, back, and shoulder sprains and strains. He received medical treatment and sought compensation for his injuries and pain.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $19,941
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On December 30, 2012, a sedan driver was traveling northbound on Crestmont Street in Houston when a Houston police patrol car broadsided the driver's side of the vehicle at the intersection with the eastbound feeder road of the 610 Loop. The plaintiff had entered the intersection on a green light, while the police officer, who was not responding to an emergency or using emergency equipment, ran a red light. The driver subsequently sued the City of Houston for negligence, and the city stipulated to liability.
The plaintiff claimed neck, back, and left shoulder sprains and strains, undergoing chiropractic care and orthopedic evaluations, which included an anti-inflammatory shoulder injection. Medical bills totaled $9,941.42, and the plaintiff sought damages for past and future physical pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment, asserting continued pain and limited shoulder movement. The defense noted a four-day delay in initial treatment, a cessation of treatment after May 2014, and the plaintiff's continuous employment, arguing the injuries were self-limiting soft-tissue issues.
After a one-day trial, a jury deliberated for 40 minutes. The jury awarded the plaintiff $19,941.42, covering past medical costs, past physical pain and mental anguish, and future physical pain and mental anguish. The award did not include damages for physical impairment.
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