Mesquite Jury Awards $39,790 in Red-Light Collision
One driver was making a left turn when the other driver ran a red light and hit her vehicle. The injured driver claimed a shoulder injury. The case proceeded to trial on damages after liability was admitted.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $39,790
- County
- Dallas County, TX
- Resolved
- 2019
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Shoulder Injury
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- Motor Vehicle Negligence
Case Overview
On July 22, 2013, a driver sustained injuries when her vehicle was struck by a pickup truck in Mesquite, Texas. The plaintiff, an office administrator, was making a protected left turn when the defendant driver, operating a pickup truck, ran a red light and collided with her vehicle. Both vehicles were totaled.
The plaintiff filed a lawsuit alleging the defendant driver was negligently operating his vehicle. She also initially sued the defendant's employer and the truck's owner, claiming vicarious liability. Before trial, the plaintiff nonsuited the truck owner and settled with the employer. The court later granted the plaintiff a directed verdict on liability based on admissions by the defendant driver, and the case proceeded to a trial on damages.
The plaintiff reported a left shoulder injury that led to physical therapy. Years later, an orthopedic surgeon diagnosed a fraying supraspinatus tendon and recommended arthroscopic surgery, estimating future medical costs. The plaintiff sought approximately $17,000 for past medical expenses and $70,500 for future medical expenses, along with damages for past and future pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and future disfigurement. The defense's orthopedic expert opined the shoulder condition was degenerative. Defense counsel suggested an award covering only the initial chiropractic bills and limited past non-economic damages, with no future damages.
After a four-day trial and two hours of deliberation, a jury awarded the plaintiff $39,790. This included $9,790 for past medical costs, $10,000 for past physical impairment, and $20,000 for past physical pain and mental anguish.
VerdictlyTM Score
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