Houston Jury Finds Negligence, Awards $19,941 in Red-Light Collision
One driver was injured when their vehicle was struck by a car that ran a red light. The driver who ran the red light was employed by the defendant city. The defense argued that a third party caused a sudden emergency. The jury found the defendant negligent.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $19,941
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Neck Injury (Whiplash)
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Case Overview
In Houston, on December 30, 2012, a motorist was injured when their vehicle, proceeding through a green light at the intersection of Crestmont and South Loop, was broadsided by a vehicle owned by the City of Houston. The city's driver, operating in the course of employment, reportedly ran a red light. The plaintiff sustained injuries including cervical radiculitis, thoracic sprain, left shoulder sprain, and insomnia.
The plaintiff filed a negligence action, alleging the city's driver failed to maintain a proper lookout, exercise reasonable care, and apply brakes to avoid the collision. The plaintiff contended the City of Houston was vicariously liable for its employee's actions. The defendant denied negligence, asserting its driver faced a sudden emergency created by a third party, which made the collision unavoidable.
After a trial, a jury found the defendant negligent. The plaintiff was awarded $5,000 for past pain and suffering, $5,000 for future pain and suffering, and $9,941 for past medical expenses.
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