Jury Awards Over $1.3 Million in Car Accident Case Involving Unprotected Left Turn
On January 12, 2022, our client’s life was forever changed after a violent car collision caused by a driver attempting an unprotected left turn at a rural Texas intersection. After a hard-fought trial, the jury awarded our client and his wife $1,335,896.12 in total damages, including nearly $590,000 in non-economic damages.
The Collision: An Unprotected Left Turn at Dusk
The crash occurred on a country highway where the intersection was controlled by a blinking yellow light. The defendant attempted to make a left turn across oncoming traffic. At that moment, our client was traveling straight through the intersection at about 55 mph.
The defendant later claimed that she stopped at the intersection, allowed a few vehicles to pass, and only proceeded when she thought the way was clear. Her defense centered on the argument that she never saw our client because, according to her, his headlights were off.
Our client, however, testified that his vehicle’s lights were always set to automatic and he had no reason to believe they were not functioning properly.
The Key Evidence: Black Box Data
What made the difference in this case was not simply testimony, but technology. Modern vehicles are equipped with electronic data recorders, often referred to as “black boxes.” These devices capture critical information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and driver inputs leading up to a crash.
The black box from the defendant’s vehicle told a different story than her testimony. While she claimed to have stopped at the intersection, the data showed otherwise. It revealed that she slowed to about 20 mph as she approached, began her left turn without ever coming to a complete stop, and struck our client at 12 mph.
This objective evidence was crucial. Without it, the jury might have accepted her version of events over our client’s. The black box proved that she failed to stop, failed to yield, and failed to exercise reasonable care when making a dangerous left turn at dusk.
The Consequences: Severe and Lasting Injuries
The impact of the collision was catastrophic. The force of the crash flipped our client’s car off the roadway and into a nearby field. He suffered severe injuries, primarily to his hips, legs, ankles, and feet.
Emergency responders airlifted him to a nearby hospital, where he remained for 26 days, undergoing multiple surgeries to repair the extensive damage. Despite these efforts, his recovery has been far from complete. He has never been able to return to work, and he continues to walk with a limp, facing permanent physical limitations.
The toll has not been limited to his physical health. The injuries have affected nearly every aspect of his life, including his ability to earn a living, enjoy daily activities, and share in the experiences he once had with his wife and family.
The Verdict: Justice for Our Client and His Family
After hearing all of the evidence, the jury returned a verdict awarding our client and his wife $1,335,896.12.
This included:
- $590,000 in non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other economic damages.
This verdict reflects the jury’s recognition of the defendant’s negligence and the life-changing consequences for our client and his family.
Why This Case Matters
This case underscores several important points about personal injury litigation:
- Technology can be critical – Black box data provided objective evidence that contradicted the defendant’s story.
- Accountability matters – Careless driving decisions, such as failing to stop at an intersection, can devastate lives.
- Juries understand the human cost – Compensation is not just about medical bills—it’s about recognizing the long-term suffering and challenges that injury victims face.
Our firm fights to uncover the truth and present the strongest possible case to ensure our clients receive justice.
Contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car wreck caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve a team that will fight tirelessly on your behalf. Our attorneys have the experience, resources, and courtroom skills needed to hold negligent drivers accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
