Houston Jury Finds Negligence in Fatal Crash, Awards $640,000
One driver allegedly ran a red light and hit the vehicle carrying a passenger. The passenger died from their injuries. The jury found the driver who ran the red light 80% at fault for the crash.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $640,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2015
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Wrongful Death
- Accident Type
- T-bone
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence, Intersection Collision
Case Overview
On July 7, 2010, a 66-year-old female passenger sustained fatal injuries when the vehicle she was riding in was struck at the intersection of Wilcrest Drive and Apple Tree Road in Houston, Texas. The plaintiff's vehicle was reportedly proceeding through the intersection on a green light when it was hit by a vehicle driven by the defendant, who allegedly entered the intersection against a red light. The passenger died the following day.
The decedent's two adult sons filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the defendant, alleging negligence. The plaintiffs claimed the defendant driver failed to obey a red light, did not apply brakes in a timely manner, failed to control the vehicle's speed, and did not keep a proper lookout or make maneuvers to avoid a collision. The defendant denied all allegations of negligence, arguing that the host driver of the decedent's vehicle was responsible for causing the accident.
A jury in Houston, Texas, heard the case. Following deliberations, the jury determined the defendant was 80% liable for causing the accident and the host driver was 20% negligent. The jury awarded each son $300,000 in compensatory damages. Additionally, the jury awarded the decedent's estate $5,000 for funeral expenses and $35,000 for the decedent's pain and suffering.
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